Account Security

Protect Your Account with Duo

Amarillo College uses Duo multifactor authentication, also called MFA, to help protect your account.

You will use Duo when signing in to AC Connect and other Amarillo College services, including Colleague, Self-Service, and Watermark. This guide will help you enroll, choose a sign-in method, and solve common problems.

Before You Begin

  • Have your ACNetID and password ready.
  • Have your phone, tablet, or hardware token nearby.
  • You only need to enroll once.
1

Enroll in Duo

A

Sign in to AC Connect

Go to AC Connect and sign in with your ACNetID and password.

B

Start Duo setup

When the Welcome to Duo screen appears, select Next. Duo will guide you through each step.

C

Choose your device

Most people use a smartphone. You may also use a tablet, a phone that receives text messages, or an approved hardware token.

Do not enter a landline number. Duo does not support landlines for Amarillo College accounts.
D

Install Duo Mobile

Install the Duo Mobile app on your phone or tablet before continuing.

Download for iPhone or iPad Download for Android

Using a phone that only receives text messages? You do not need to install the app, but you will have fewer sign-in options.

E

Finish enrollment

Follow the instructions on your device and in your browser. Finish setting up the Duo app before continuing your sign-in.

If the page times out, return to AC Connect and sign in again. Your enrollment may already be complete.

2

Choose How to Verify Your Sign-In

After entering your password, Duo will ask you to prove that it is really you.

Recommended

Duo Push

Duo sends a notification to the Duo Mobile app. Open the notification and enter the three-digit code shown on your computer.

This is the recommended and most secure option.

Text Message

Duo sends a seven-digit passcode to your mobile phone. Enter the code on the sign-in screen.

This option works without a smartphone, but it does not work with a landline.

Duo Mobile Passcode

Open Duo Mobile and tap Show next to your Amarillo College account. Enter the six-digit code.

This option can work without cell service or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Token

Press the green button on your hardware token, also called a key fob. Enter the six-digit code that appears.

Hardware tokens are provided when needed and must be requested.

Should You Trust the Browser?

Duo may ask whether you want to trust your browser. A trusted browser may reduce how often you need to verify your sign-in.

Select Trust

Use this option on your own computer, phone, or tablet.

Do Not Trust

Do not trust a public computer, classroom computer, lab computer, or kiosk.

This helps prevent someone else from accessing your account.

3

Use Duo Without Cell Service

Duo Mobile can create a passcode even when you cannot receive a push notification or text message.

  1. Open the Duo Mobile app.
  2. Find Amarillo College and tap Show.
  3. A six-digit passcode will appear.
  4. On the Duo sign-in screen, select Other options.
  5. Select Duo Mobile passcode.
  6. Enter the six-digit code.

After using a passcode, Duo may make it your default method. Select Other options during your next sign-in to switch back to Duo Push.

Common Questions

A hardware token, sometimes called a key fob, is a small device that creates a six-digit sign-in code. Each token is connected to one ACNetID and will not work with another person's account.

Duo Push is more secure than a text message because phone numbers can sometimes be copied or redirected. The app also gives you an offline passcode when you cannot receive a push or text.

Amarillo College does not offer phone-call verification. Calls are less reliable and cost more than push notifications or text messages.

You may be able to:

  • Receive a text message on a mobile phone.
  • Use a compatible tablet.
  • Request a hardware token.

Duo Mobile is a small app and normally uses very little battery power.

The app mainly does three things:

  • Stores accounts that use Duo.
  • Receives sign-in requests.
  • Creates temporary passcodes.

Lost, Broken, or Replaced Phone

My phone is lost or unavailable

Submit a support request for a temporary bypass code.

A bypass code works for 24 hours. You will need another code if you still cannot use your device the next day.
Submit a Support Request

I have a replacement phone

  1. Install Duo Mobile on the new phone.
  2. Submit a support request to register the new device.
  3. Open the enrollment link sent by Duo.
  4. Complete the setup in Duo Mobile.
  5. Sign in to AC Connect and test Duo Push.

If you still have access to your old device, select Other options and then Manage devices to add the new phone.

Need Help?

The Technology Information Center can help with Duo enrollment, replacement phones, hardware tokens, and bypass codes.

Submit a Support Request Email TIC@actx.edu