How to set up MFA
Summary:
- Log In: Access any Kent online service (e.g., email, Microsoft 365, Moodle). When it asks for more information, click Next.
- Microsoft Authenticator App: When prompted, select and download this app as your primary method (recommended).
- Set Up Backup Authentication: Add a secondary method like SMS or phone call to ensure access if your primary method is unavailable.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Complete the setup by following the prompts provided.
Guidence & instructions:
If this is your first time setting up MFA, we recommend you follow our YouTube tutorial or use our step-by-step instructions below.
Step-by-step instructions
- When logging into a Kent online service, you’ll see a prompt saying "More information required."
- It’s best to complete the setup on a computer or laptop while keeping your phone handy for the MFA app.
- If this is your first time installing the app, ignore any prompts asking you to select "Work or school" and simply click "Next" to proceed.
- A QR code will appear on your computer screen.
You won't usually need to use MFA every time you log in
You'll be asked to use MFA authentication when logging into most Kent online services from off-campus, including email, Teams, Microsoft 365 apps, Moodle, Kent Vision, Staff Connect and online Library resources.
It's only required:
- If you're using a device for the first time
- If it's over 90 days since you used the device to log in
- If you've changed your Kent IT password
No MFA set up after 120 days?
If you haven't set up a method of authentication within 120 days of your account being activated, it will need to be set up on campus. Contact us for more details.
Authentication settings
How to update or add new authentication settings
Manage your authentication settings
Why do this?
- If you change your phone you'll need to remove the security settings from your old phone and set up authentication for your new device.
- If you lose your phone, or remove or reinstall the app (and this is the only authentication method you have set up), you'll need to contact us to reset your account. To avoid this, you should set up a secondary authentication method that can be used to recover your account.
More about MFA
What exactly is Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?
MFA asks you to use more than one method to prove who you are when logging in. Multi-factor authentication introduces an extra login step that you'll need to set up, in addition to your Kent IT Account password.
Help and support
Microsoft support
Get help from us
If you lose your phone was the only authentication method you’ve set up, you’ll need to contact us for help resetting your account.
You can also contact us if you have general issues setting it up.
- Use Nexus Online to report & track your query (Recommended).
- Helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
- 01227 824888
- Use the Chat to us button to launch online chat
- Visit us: Block D, Ground Floor, Templeman Library
- 01227 82 4888