Overview

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If you're traveling or otherwise don't have a wifi or cell Internet connection for your mobile phone, you've got options! 

• Option 1: Use the Duo Mobile app to generate on-demand passcodes without any wireless or cell service.
• Option 2: Use a token to generate on-demand passcodes. 
  
  

Critical Concepts

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• We recommend using Option 1 - Generate Passcodes on the Duo Mobile app as this is generally the easiest and most convenient option. With this option, you do not need to prepare in advance or carry additional devices.
• Before getting started with these options, you will need to register for Duo two-step. See our Register for Two-Step article for instructions.

Steps to Take

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Option 1: Generate Passcodes on the Duo Mobile App

Duo Mobile app generates on-demand verification codes even without Internet or cell connectivity!

1. Follow the steps on the Register for Two-Step login article to setup and register your smartphone for Duo Two-Step.
   
   
2. Once setup is complete, open up the "Duo Mobile" app and you should now see a "UC San Diego Campus" account listed.
   
   
3. Tap on the "UC San Diego Campus" account and a 6-digit single-use passcode will display for use with two-step login.
   
   
   
   
4. To generate a new passcode, click the refresh icon to the right of the passcode on the app.
   
   
5. To use passcodes:
   
   • Single Sign-On Applications: When you receive the prompt for two-step verification, click Other Options then Duo Mobile Passcode. Enter your 6 digit passcode from your app and click Verify. As of August 19, 2024, the passcodes will expire after 30 seconds. If the passcode expires before you click Verify, you will need to click the refresh button to generate a new passcode.
   • VPN: See the Duo Two-Step Login on VPN article for steps to take to use two-step passcodes on the VPN.

Option 2: Generate Passcodes from a Token 

Tokens are a small hardware device (pictured below) that generates passcodes on demand to use with the two-step login. They do not require any connection to the internet or cell service. 

1. Request a token through the Duo Hardware Token Request Form
2. To generate a passcode, click the power button (1) on the left side of token.  You should see a 6-digit single-use passcode displayed on the LCD screen.
   
   • Passcode will be displayed for 10 - 15 seconds.  A countdown timer on the left side of the screen (2) will indicate when passcode will expire.
     
     
     
     
3. To use passcodes:
   
   • Single Sign-On Applications: When you receive the prompt for two-step verification, click Other Options, then Hardware Token, enter your 6 digit passcode, then click Verify.
   • VPN: See the Duo Two-Step Login on VPN article for steps to take to use two-step passcodes on the VPN.