Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Students - Without a Smartphone

When to Use?

This guide is designed to help students who do not have a smartphone or do not own a phone at all, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary digital services securely and efficiently.

Procedure

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Options
   For students without access to a smartphone, the following alternatives can be utilized for MFA:

   • SMS-Based Verification: If you have access to any mobile phone that can receive text messages, you can use this option to receive verification codes via SMS.

     • Go to Okta at https://my.gvsu.edu.
     • Log in with your GVSU username and password
     • Under Phone, select "Set up"
       
     • Select Country if not in the United States, and type in your phone number. Select "Receive a code via SMS" when done.
       
     • You will receive a text message with the code, type it in to the "Enter Code" box and select "Verify".
       
     • Once verified, you can click continue, and you are all done. The system will automatically log you in to https://my.gsvu.edu dashboard.
     • Upon next log in you can select Phone as an MFA
        
        

2. Setup Okta Verify for Mac OS and Windows (Only compatible with Windows 10 and 11)

   • Please follow this guide located here (Article - Okta Verify for Desktops Laptops)

3. Google Voice for Non-Phone Users
   For students without any phone:

   • Setting Up Google Voice: You can set up a Google Voice account to receive SMS or voice calls over the internet. This service provides you with a phone number that can be used for MFA without requiring a physical phone. Here’s how you can set it up on your laptop or desktop:

     • Visit the Google Voice website.

     • Sign in with your Google account (not your xxxx@mail.gvsu.edu, use a personal gmail account).

     • Follow the prompts to select a phone number and complete the setup.

   • Using Google Voice for MFA: Once your Google Voice number is set up, you can use it to receive SMS  for MFA, just like any mobile phone number. Please follow the steps above for SMS-Based Verification to enroll your new Google Voice number.

4. Hardware Security Keys (coming soon): These are physical devices that act like an electronic key to verify your login attempt. They can be used by plugging into a computer's USB port. This is one of the most secure methods and does not require a phone. Not available currently but coming soon.
    

For further assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk at it@gvsu.edu, call 616-331-2101, or visit www.gvsu.edu/it.