How to Sign In Using Microsoft MFA

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UTRGV uses Microsoft Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to help keep accounts secure.

You may be prompted to use MFA when signing in to UTRGV systems, including but not limited to Microsoft 365, ASSIST, PeopleSoft, VPN, password reset tools, and other services.

This article explains how to complete MFA during sign‑in based on your selected default authentication method.
Note: If you are having trouble or need to update your MFA methods, this article does not cover those steps. Please see the Additional Resources section at the end of this article.

 

Sign-In Methods

The instructions below explain how to complete MFA sign‑in based on your selected default authentication method.

UTRGV supports the following MFA methods:

  • Microsoft Authenticator app (notification)
  • Microsoft Authenticator app (verification code)
  • Phone call
  • Text message

 

Default Method: Microsoft Authenticator App - Notification

When signing in, a prompt will appear in your web browser displaying a number.

Microsoft sign-in page prompting approval in the Authenticator app and displaying a number to enter.

You will receive a push notification on your mobile device from the Microsoft Authenticator app.

  1. Open the notification on your mobile device.
  2. Enter the number shown on the sign‑in screen.
  3. Approve the request to complete sign‑in.

Microsoft Authenticator notification asking to enter the number shown on the sign-in screen.

 

 

Default Method: Microsoft Authenticator App - Code

When signing in, you will be prompted to enter a verification code from the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Microsoft sign-in page prompting the user to enter a verification code from the Authenticator app.

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
  2. Select your UTRGV account to view the verification code.
    • A new code is generated every 30 seconds.
    • An internet connection is not required to view the code.

Microsoft Authenticator app displaying a six-digit one-time passcode for account sign-in. 

3. Enter the code on the sign‑in screen and select Verify or OK.

Microsoft sign-in page with a verification code entered and the Verify button available.  

 

 

Default Method: Phone - Call

When signing in, you will see a message indicating that a phone call is being placed.

Microsoft sign-in page indicating that a phone call is being placed to approve the sign-in request.

  1. Answer the incoming phone call from Microsoft.
  2. When prompted, press # on your phone keypad to approve the sign‑in.

 

 

Default Method: Phone - Text Message

When signing in, you will be prompted to enter a verification code sent by text message.

Microsoft sign-in page prompting the user to enter a code sent by text message.

1. Check your mobile phone for a text message from Microsoft.

Text message from Microsoft containing a verification code for sign-in.

2. Enter the verification code on the sign‑in screen.

3. Select Verify or OK to complete sign‑in.

Microsoft sign-in page with a text message verification code entered and the Verify button displayed. 

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Additional Help and Support

If you are unable to access the My Sign‑Ins page, or if your MFA methods need to be reset, contact the IT Service Desk.

​​​​​As part of UTRGV’s IT security protocols, identity verification is required for all MFA reset requests.

 

IMPORTANT: 

DO NOT APPROVE AUTHENTICATOR NOTIFICATIONS THAT YOU DID NOT REQUEST.  DO NOT PROVIDE AN MFA CODE TO ANYONE.  HACKERS MAY ASK FOR A CODE VIA TEXT, PHONE, OR EMAIL - DO NOT PROVIDE IT.  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF WILL NEVER ASK FOR A CODE.

Information Security warning stating not to approve MFA requests that were not initiated by the user.

Details

Details

Article ID: 127229
Created
Thu 2/4/21 9:59 AM
Modified
Fri 4/17/26 11:44 AM