Duo Two-Step with No Wireless or Cell Service


Overview


If you're traveling or otherwise don't have a wifi or cell Internet connection for your mobile phone, or no access to a landline, you've got options! 

Critical Concepts


Steps to Take


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.

    Screenshot: Duo Mobile app with UC San Diego account displayed.  Click to generate passcode.

  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 Enter a passcode, enter one of the unused passcodes, then click Log in.
    • VPN: See the Duo Two-Step Login on VPN article for steps to take to use two-step passcodes on the VPN.

Option 2: Text Yourself Passcodes in Advance

Before you leave an area with cell service, you can text yourself 10 single-use passcodes to use when you do not have wireless or cell service.

  1. See instructions for how to text yourself 10-single use passcodes for Duo two-step.
    • Note: If you request a new batch of passcodes, the previous batch will no longer work.
  2. To use passcodes:
    • Single Sign-On Applications: When you receive the prompt for two-step verification, click Enter a passcode, enter one of the unused passcodes, then click Log in.
    • VPN: See the Duo Two-Step Login on VPN article for steps to take to use two-step passcodes on the VPN.

Option 3: 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 from the Service Desk:
    • Email servicedesk@ucsd.edu 
    • Visit our walk up desk in Applied Physics & Mathematics building (APM), room 1313 - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

  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.

      Image of a hardware token

  3. To use passcodes:
    • Single Sign-On Applications: When you receive the prompt for two-step verification, click Enter a passcode, enter one of the unused passcodes, then click Log in.
    • VPN: See the Duo Two-Step Login on VPN article for steps to take to use two-step passcodes on the VPN.

If you still have questions or need additional assistance, please submit a ticket or call the ITS Service Desk at (858) 246-4357