Multi‑Factor Authentication Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) authenticator?
No. The recommended Microsoft Authenticator mobile app is free and available through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
How often will the MFA system prompt me to authenticate?
Authentication requests happen approximately every 30 days, but you may be prompted earlier than that under the following situations:
- You log out of your Dalhousie account
- You attempt to access your Dalhousie account on a different or new device
- You travel and access your Dalhousie account in a different location (city, province, country, etc.)
- You have set your browser to clear cookies/sessions when you close your browser
Why am I sometimes required to authenticate more frequently than every 30 days?
MFA may make you authenticate more frequently than every 30 days if you log in from a different device, browser, location, or on another network. If you are prompted to authenticate more frequently, but do not change devices, browsers, locations, or networks, contact us for support.
I am not receiving the approval prompt on the authenticator app on my phone when I try to sign in. What should I do?
If you do not change devices, browsers, locations, or networks, you will only be promoted to authenticate every 30 days. If it has been longer than 30 days since you were last asked to authenticate, or you have changed devices, browsers, locations, or networks and were not required to authenticate, contact us to confirm that your MFA is properly enabled.
I do not have my phone, and I am being asked to authenticate. What do I do?
You can contact us to request a temporary MFA and access your account. You will be required to prove your identity using your Dal card or a government-issued photo identification to do so. This process can be completed virtually and will remove the MFA requirement from your account for the day.
I am getting an MFA approval prompt – but I am not logging into anything!
Do not approve anything unless you are actively trying to log into a resource. And if this occurs, please let the Help Desk know as it may be that someone is trying to access your account.
Can I use the same MFA app I have already been using for my other online accounts?
In many cases, the answer is yes. Members of Dalhousie have utilized Google Authenticator, Authy, Bitwarden, and many others and are all functional. If you run into issues with your specific app setting them up, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Can I use my MFA device on multiple computers/phones/tablets?
Yes, one MFA configuration will work for all of your connected devices. There is no need to setup one for each device.
Does the Microsoft Authenticator require internet or data usage?
It does only for the setup of the application, and for the push notifications. You can always use the codes generated by the app in order to authenticate, as those are stored on the device and will not use any network connectivity.
I do not trust Microsoft. Does the app gather any information from my Phone?
No, the Microsoft Authenticator app collects no information from your device, nor does it allow Dalhousie or Microsoft to make any modifications to your device.
Do I have to use Microsoft authenticator, or can I use an alternative MFA authenticator application?
You are welcome to use a compatible authenticator application other than Microsoft if you prefer. However, Microsoft Authenticator is the only application supported by Dalhousie.
Can I use the Microsoft Authenticator with my personal accounts as well?
Yes, you can use it anywhere that accepts an app based MFA configuration. (Examples: Gmail, Hotmail, Twitter, Reddit, Canada.ca, etc)