Two-step verification

Before you begin: Use an incognito window 

You might still be logged in with another account (for example, from another school or job). To avoid errors, we recommend performing the setup in an incognito window. An incognito window is a private browser window where your browsing history is not saved. 

How to open an incognito window: 

• In Chrome: Click the three dots in the top right > New incognito window 
• In Edge: Click the three dots in the top right > New InPrivate window 
• In Safari (Mac): Click File > New Private Window 

Setting up two-step verification 

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). Allow the app to access your camera and send notifications. 
2. Open the incognito window and go to: https://aka.ms/mfasetupExternal link. 
3. Log in with your UvA email address: [firstname.lastname@student.uva.nl]. 
4. Click on Add sign-in method and choose Authenticator app. 
5. A QR code will appear. 
6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. 
7. Tap the plus sign or Add account. 
8. Choose Work or school account. 
9. Scan the QR code with your phone. 
10. After scanning, Microsoft will ask for verification. You will receive a notification on your phone. Approve it. 
11. Your account is now successfully linked. 

Check if your two-step verification is still working

Want to make sure your two-step verification via Microsoft Authenticator still works properly? This is important, especially if you haven’t logged in for a while or if you’re using a new phone where the Microsoft Authenticator app hasn’t been activated yet. Go to aka.ms/mfasetupExternal link and check under 'Security info' which devices are set up for your two-step verification. Make sure these devices are still up to date and add a new one if needed. You can also test if two-step verification works by logging in at office.comExternal link. If you can’t log in, you’ll need to (re)set your two-step verification using the instructions above before you can access your UvA account again. This way, you’ll always be able to log in securely.

Perform a reset for Microsoft Authenticator

Are you experiencing issues with two-step verification? In order to reset your two-step verification or temporarily exclude yourself from two-step verification please follow these steps.

1. Open a browser and go to https://id.uva.nlExternal link.
2. Click on 'I want to reset my Two-step verification (MFA)'.
3. Log in using your UvAnetID (without @uva.nl) and password.
4. Choose 'Reset two-step verification for Microsoft 365'.  
5. As soon as you click on this options an e-mail will be sent to your private e-mail address. Enter the activation code you receive on the web page.
6. Now close your browser session. It can take up to 30 minutes for the reset to be processed in our systems.
7. If you already had a token set up, delete this token. Just the token, not the authenticator app. To remove the token, open the UvA entry in the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap the top-right cogwheel, and select 'Delete account'.
8. You can now setup two-step verification again via https://aka.ms/mfasetupExternal link. If you have chosen for temporary exemption, you won't need to use two-step verification to access Microsoft 365 for the next few days.

Still not working?

Contact the Service Desk ICT Services.