DUO FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some key questions end users commonly have. Depending on your organization’s specific applications and configuration, some questions may need editing or can be omitted.
What are the Minimum Operating Systems requirements for Duo?Please view the
Minimum Requirements page for details. You will receive a Duo pop-up warning message if the device use to connect or authenticate through 2FA is out of date or end-of-life (no longer supported).
Do I need a smartphone or data plan to use two-factor authentication?
No. Having a smartphone makes for an easier and more secure experience with Duo Push. However, if your organization permits it, it is also possible to enroll a non-smartphone mobile device or landline to receive SMS passcodes or phone calls.
What is Duo Mobile?
Duo Mobile is a mobile application (app) that you install on your smartphone or tablet to generate passcodes for login or receive push notifications for easy, one-tap authentication on your mobile device. It works with Duo Security’s two-factor authentication (2FA) service to make your logins more secure.
What is the recommended two-factor authentication method?
If you have a smartphone or tablet, we recommend Duo Push, as it is quick, easy-to-use, and secure. See an introduction to Duo Security and a demonstration of Duo Push in this
short video.
If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, the next recommended method is Duo
hardware token.
How does Duo work with Department and Vendor Google Accounts?
With Duo in front of department and vendor accounts, account owners need to decide which type of sign-in best suits the department/vendor needs.
If you have multiple users accessing a department account, there are a few options to consider:
When should I sign directly into the account?
When should I use delegated access?
Additional Department Vendor Account FAQs
Why can’t I sign in to my department account, it keeps bringing me back to my gmail inbox?
How do I enroll an additional phone number in DUO to access the Department account?
How much data does a Duo Push request use?
Duo Push authentication requests require a minimal amount of data -- less than 2KB per authentication. For example, you would only consume 1 megabyte (MB) of data if you were to authenticate 500 times in a given month.
Why have I stopped receiving push notifications from Duo Mobile?
There are several reasons this could be happening. Please try the following to troubleshoot:
Make sure your enrolled device has a cellular network or WiFi connection.
Have the Duo Mobile app open when you authenticate.
Try these additional push troubleshooting steps:
If the above solutions don’t work, try using another authentication method, such as passcodes provided in the Duo Mobile app.
How can I authenticate if I’m somewhere with no cell signal or WiFi access?
How can I manage the devices I use for Duo?
If you have access to the “My Settings & Devices” link (the self-service portal) at the Duo Prompt and are currently able to authenticate with a device, you may:
● Add additional devices
● Designate your “default” device that receives authentication requests in addition to your preferred authentication method
● Deactivate Duo Mobile if you got a new phone but kept your number
● Change the name of your device (ex. “Personal Cell” or “Work Phone”)
● Remove a device
What should I do if I lost my phone?
Please contact the IT Service Desk immediately.
Can Duo see my password?
No. Your password is only verified by your organization and never sent to Duo. Duo provides only the second factor, using your enrolled device to verify it’s actually you who is logging in.
Does using Duo give up control of my smartphone?
No. The Duo Mobile app has no access to change settings or remotely wipe your phone. The visibility Duo Mobile requires is to verify the security of your device, such as OS version, device encryption status, screen lock, etc. We use this to help recommend security improvements to your device. You always are in control of whether or not you take action on these recommendations.