How to...
Okta - How to set up Google Authenticator MFA
You will need
- ßÏßÏÊÓƵ login details ready. (e.g. ano123@sussex.ac.uk and not Andrew.N.Other@sussex.ac.uk) and your normal ßÏßÏÊÓƵ IT account password
- Computer connected to the internet (please ensure that the page you are currently reading is on your computer and not your phone)
- Your smartphone
- Approximately 10 minutes to complete the task
Stages that need to be completed on your smartphone are labelled [Phone] and pages that need to be completed on your computer are labelled [Computer].
How to set up
1. [Phone] Download the Google Authenticator from the Apple App or Google Play store onto your smartphone.
2. [Computer] Visit and sign into your Okta account.
a. Log in using your IT username and password (e.g. ano123@sussex.ac.uk)
b. You may be prompted to fill in a security question if this if your first time visiting or signing into Okta.
3. [Computer] Click the arrow in the top-right corner and click on Settings in the drop-down menu.
4. [Computer] Under the 'Security Methods' section, click 'Set up' next to the Google Authenticator option.
a. You may be prompted to re-enter your password.
5. [Computer] Click the ‘Set Up’ button again on the following page.
6. [Phone] Open the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone and tap the ‘+’ (plus) icon in the bottom-right corner.
7. [Phone] Tap ‘Scan a QR Code’.
a. If requested, give the app permission to use your camera.
b. If your smartphone does not support QR code scanning;
I. Click 'Can't scan' on your computer screen.
II. [Phone] Tap 'Enter a setup key'.
III. [Phone] Type 'okta.sussex.ac.uk' under Account name.
IV. [Phone] Enter the code from your computer.
8. [Phone] Position your phone camera over the QR code that’s open on your computer screen and wait for it to register.
9. Once your phone has registered the QR code, click 'Next' on your computer.
10. [Phone] Enter the verification code on the Google Authenticator app into the Okta page open on your computer screen.
How to use
1. Next time you log into an app that requires MFA, you may be required to open the Google Authenticator app on your phone and manually enter the code into the log-in page on your computer.
Thanks for setting up your authenticator, you’re all done. If you experience any issues using your authenticator when prompted, please contact the IT Service Desk by visiting the ITS Help Page.
Support
Visit the MFA info page.
Visit the Okta info page.
Please read our full list of FAQs.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for please visit the ITS Help page.
created on 2023-03-29 by Benoit Sharp
last updated on 2024-08-08 by Benoit Sharp