You may already have one multi-factor authentication method configured, but perhaps you want to change to a different method that's more secure or easier to use.
Okta will default to using the same MFA method that was used the last time you signed in.
We recommend configuring Security Key or Biometric Authenticator if the device you will be using has a fingerprint reader or can do facial recognition (or if you have a YubiKey or use Google Titan).
Google Authenticator is a great second choice.
Okta Verify can automatically send Push Notifications to your mobile device whenever you need to provide an MFA method to sign in. It requires the installation of the Okta Verify app, which is fairly easy, but it does not include any cross-device, cross-platform, or backup options.
Recent security incidents coupled with longstanding concerns regarding sending MFA codes via text messages means SMS Authentication should only be used if none of the other options will work for you.
How to Add a New MFA Method to Your Okta Profile
- Log into signon.okta.com.
- Go to your Profile and select Settings.
- Click the Edit Profile button.
- Enter your Okta password and click the Verify button.
- Scroll down to the Extra Verification selection box.
- Click on the Set up button next to the type of verification you would like to add.
- Click Set up next to Security Key or Biometric Authenticator to use this method (the fingerprint reader). This is the easiest method.
- Click Set up next to Google Authenticator to use an authenticator app on your mobile device.
- Click Set up next to Okta Verify to use the Okta Verify app. Once set up, this app can send a Push Notification to your phone (much like the Google app does) instead of needing to enter a code manually.
- Click Set up next to SMS Authentication to have a code sent as a text message (SMS) to your mobile device. This method should only be used if none of the other options will work for you.
NOTE: Okta will default to the using the MFA method that was used the last time you authenticated.
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