Overview
Learn how to register a second (or more) device for your two-step login process. The interface will walk you through the process. You can register mobile devices and tablets for use with two-step login.
As announced in in an October 17 campus notice, UC San Diego has recently experienced an increase in phishing attacks that seek to exploit the phone callback option for two-step login (provided by Duo Security). To reduce the possibility of further incidents, the callback option for Duo two-step login will be progressively retired between November 2022 and March 2023 for all UC San Diego students, academic employees, and staff, including UC San Diego Health personnel. More information can be found on Retirement of the Duo Callback Option.
Critical Concepts
Steps to Take
Select the type of device you are registering for device specific instructions:
Smartphone
These instructions will help you install and enable the Duo Mobile App on your smartphone so that you can start authenticating Duo Push. Duo Push will allow you to easily tap a notification you receive on your phone to log in.
- Visit the two-step login device management link (https://duo.ucsd.edu) and use Active Directory to login. This will need to be done on your computer.
- Use an existing, registered device to verify your identity through the two-step process.
- Click Add another device.
- Select the Mobile phone option, then click Continue.
- Enter the cell phone's number. Verify the phone number is correct and click the checkbox to confirm. Click Continue to proceed.
- Choose the type of phone you are registering, and click Continue.
- You will be prompted to install the Duo mobile app (if you haven't already).
- Follow the instructions on screen to install the Duo Mobile app on your phone. You will be looking for the green Duo Mobile app, pictured below.

- Once you have installed, open the app and you will most likely want to allow Duo to send notifications to your device. This will lead to the most seamless experience using the two-step login. Otherwise, each time you log in you'll have to open the app to approve.
- Back on the registration screen, click I have Duo Mobile installed.
- Follow the instructions to open your Duo app and scan the barcode that appears on screen (you may need to grant Duo Mobile permission to access your camera). This is the key that ties your identity to your device!
- Once activated, click Continue and you should be taken to the "My Settings & Devices" page where you should be able to see your newly added phone.
Cell Phone (Non-Smartphone)
If you do not have a smartphone or do not want to install the Duo Mobile App on your smartphone, you can register a cell phone to receive text messages for two-step login:
- Visit the two-step login device management link (https://duo.ucsd.edu) and use Active Directory to login. This will need to be done on your computer.
- Use an existing, registered device to verify your identity through the two-step process.
- Click Add another device.
- Select Mobile phone and click Continue.
- Enter the cell phone's number. Verify the phone number is correct and click the checkbox to confirm. Click Continue to proceed.
- For the phone type, select Other (and cell phones) and click Continue.
- Once the device has been added, you should be taken to the "My Settings & Devices" page where you should be able to see your newly added phone. Here you can add additional devices or change your default two-step login settings.
Tablet
Tablets, such as iPads and Android tablets, can be used for the two-step login via the Duo Mobile app. If you have a smartphone that does not have a phone number, you can also register the device following these steps.
- Visit the two-step login device management link (https://duo.ucsd.edu) and use Active Directory to login. This will need to be done on your computer.
- Use an existing, registered device to verify your identity through the two-step process.
- Click Add another device.
- Select Tablet and click Continue.
- Select whether you are using an iOS or Android tablet and click Continue
- You will then need to install the Duo Mobile App on your tablet using your tablet's app store (ex. App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store)

- Once you have installed the app, click on I have Duo Mobile installed
- Follow the instructions on screen to link your tablet to Duo.
- You should then be taken to the "My Settings & Devices" page where you should see your new tablet added.
Hardware Token
Tokens are a small hardware device that generates passcodes on demand to use with the two-step login. Tokens may be useful to staff or faculty who are unable to use a phone during work or those who don't have an office or cell phone available. Hardware tokens are available for pick- up at the ITS Service Desk or can be sent to your campus mailbox via the campus mail services.
Please keep two things in mind regarding tokens:
- A passcode can also be generated from within the Duo phone or tablet app. The app-generated passcode is accessible even without a cell or wifi connection. Whether you're on a flight or a ship, traveling internationally or working in a subterranean bunker, if you're using the app and have the device, you should be covered.
- It is best practice to register multiple two-step login devices. Even with a token, you'll want a backup plan for the day you lose it or leave it at home. Therefore, we recommend setting up various devices to complete two-step login to ensure you have multiple options.
How to Request a Token:
You may pick up a token at the ITS Service Desk or have a token delivered via campus mail services:
- Pick up: Visit the ITS Service Desk in the Applied Physics and Mathematics Building (AP&M) Room 1313 in Muir College during our front desk hours, open Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm. You will be required to show a valid photo ID (campus ID card or government issued) to receive a token.
- Campus mail delivery: Submit a ticket (or email servicedesk@ucsd.edu) from your UCSD account requesting a token for the two-step login. Please provide us with your name, email address, department, and campus mail code. You will be asked to set up a time to verify your ID via Zoom.
- Off-campus personnel: If you work remotely and are unable to make arrangements to pick up a token on-campus, we can make arrangements to have it mailed or shipped to your location. Submit a ticket (or email servicedesk@ucsd.edu) from your UCSD account requesting a token for the two-step login. Please provide us with your name, email address, department, and shipping address. You will be asked to set up a time to verify your ID via Zoom.