New Duo Universal Prompt

As of Wednesday, July 27th the Duo prompt you see when logging in to Swarthmore services has been updated with the new Universal Prompt. Some options will be moving or changing and the Duo documentation has been updated to reflect all changes.

To learn about all of the ways to authenticate with Duo, view the full list of all of the devices and the methods that are available for each one.


Are you a student with a mobile device that functions on data or WiFi at Swarthmore?

Mobile w/ App (Push)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can have Duo send push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that gives you the option to Approve or Deny the authentication request.

Mobile w/ App (Passcodes)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate 6-digit, one-time-use passcodes to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use passcodes to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Are you a faculty or staff member who works at your desk most of the time?

Mobile w/ App (Push)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can have Duo send push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that gives you the option to Approve or Deny the authentication request.

Landline/Mobile (Call Me)

When you register a landline or mobile phone as an authentication device you can receive an automated call to that number to complete authentication. The message will inform you that access has been requested to your account and it will tell you which buttons to press to accept or deny that request.

Mobile w/ App (Passcodes)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate 6-digit, one-time-use passcodes to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use passcodes to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Are you a frequent traveler?

Mobile w/ App (Passcodes)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate 6-digit, one-time-use passcodes to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use passcodes to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Mobile w/ App (Push)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can have Duo send push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that gives you the option to Approve or Deny the authentication request.



Do you forget your mobile device often (and your keys, glasses, and other handy items)?

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

↑ Printed and saved in your wallet/purse/bag/etc.

Landline/Mobile (Call Me)

When you register a landline or mobile phone as an authentication device you can receive an automated call to that number to complete authentication. The message will inform you that access has been requested to your account and it will tell you which buttons to press to accept or deny that request.

Do you work in a place with limited/no mobile reception?

Mobile w/ App (Passcodes)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate 6-digit, one-time-use passcodes to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use passcodes to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Do you work on library/lab/shared area computers often?

Mobile w/ App (Push)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can have Duo send push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that gives you the option to Approve or Deny the authentication request.

Mobile w/ App (Passcodes)

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate 6-digit, one-time-use passcodes to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use passcodes to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Worried about losing/breaking your mobile device? (Who wouldn't be worried?!)

Mobile (SMS Passcodes)

SMS passcodes can be requested from the Duo authentication screen upon login. You must have an SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Enter Passcode” option. A blue bar will appear at the bottom of the authentication window with your option to text you a set of 10 one-time-use passcodes. You can then use the passcodes option to enter one of the codes you were sent via text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

↑ Printed and saved in your wallet/purse/bag/etc.

 Otherwise, contact our Help Desk! They'll have you on your way in no time!

Not finding your "type" here?  Worried that you might find yourself stuck?  We can help!

Contact the Help Desk to set up an option that will work for you!

Below is a list of all of the ways you can contact ITS or find information:









  • No labels