Important: SMS Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Changes for Students and Alumni - Effective September 1, 2026
What's Changing?
Microsoft is moving away from SMS (text message) and voice call authentication in favour of more secure methods such as:
- Microsoft Authenticator app on Mobile Device
- Passkeys (Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello, Google Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, etc.)
As a result, TWU Students and Alumni who currently use SMS-based MFA must transition to a more secure authentication method by February 1, 2027. Microsoft Authenticator remains TWU's recommended and supported MFA method because it works consistently across devices and platforms.
Starting September 1, 2026: You May Receive a New MFA Prompt When Logging in to a TWU Resource
Beginning September 1, Students and Alumni who have SMS MFA configured may begin receiving a Microsoft prompt after sign-in encouraging them to:
- Set up Microsoft Authenticator, or
- Register a Passkey
Even if you have multiple authentication methods configured, you may still receive this prompt if SMS remains one of your registered MFA methods.
What does the prompt look like?
After successfully signing in and completing MFA, you may see a Microsoft prompt indicating:
Users can then select Next to set up a more secure authentication method, or select Skip for now.
Microsoft will remind you daily if you choose to skip. Recommended: Complete the setup when prompted rather than postponing it.
February 1, 2027: SMS MFA Will No Longer Be Supported
On February 1, 2027, SMS-based MFA will no longer be a valid MFA method for TWU Student and Alumni.
What happens if I don't update?
If SMS is your only usable MFA method and you have not configured Microsoft Authenticator or a Passkey:
- You may be unable to complete MFA.
- You may lose access to TWU services such as Microsoft 365, Outlook, Moodle, Campus Portal, and other applications that use your mytwu.ca account.
- You may need assistance from the Service Hub to regain access to your account.
To avoid disruptions, update your MFA methods well before February 1, 2027.
Table of Contents
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Downloading Microsoft Authenticator
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Microsoft Authenticator Initial Setup and Enrollment
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Using Microsoft Authenticator for MFA
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Optional Method - Phone / SMS (Text Message) Setup and Usage Retired Authentication Method
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Finding Support
Before Starting
Please wait until you receive the below prompt when signing in to your TWU account before setting up MFA.
If you have not yet received the prompt as indicated, you do not yet need to set up MFA.
If you select the "Skip for now" option - after 14 days, you will have to set up MFA.
If you do want to proceed with setting up MFA, click on the "Next" button and follow the steps in this article.
Summary
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) secures our corporate, personal and academic data by adding an additional layer of security above our passwords. This guide provides instructions on how to configure and use MFA with Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone or Android device.
If you don't want to download the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone, you have the option of using SMS to provide you with MFA. To set up your phone using Text, please follow the Optional Method - Phone / SMS (Text Message) Setup and Usage
Audience: This guide is intended for TWU Students and Alumni.
You can View the Step by Step Video or follow the steps listed below:
Please reference the appropriate section for steps to download the Microsoft Authenticator app depending on if you have an iPhone or an Android.
iPhone
Steps at a Glance
- Open the App Store
- Tap Search
- Type Authenticator and tap Search
- Tap Microsoft Authenticator
- Tap Get to install the app
- Confirm the install as prompted
- Wait for the install to complete
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Similarly, you can also scan the QR Code below to download the Microsoft Authenticator App.
If you are having issues with scanning the QR Code, you can follow the Steps at a Glance or follow the detailed steps below:
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Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.
These steps will need to be performed in the following scenarios:
Steps at a Glance
Detailed Steps on How to Setup Microsoft Authenticator
From your PC or Mac
Open a web browser and navigate to twu.ca/email and sign in using your TWU email and password
Click Next when prompted for More information required
If you have already installed Authenticator on your phone, click Next.
If you need more information to install Authenticator, see Downloading Microsoft Authenticator
Proceed to step 7 for steps to scan the QR code
The next steps will switch between your PC or Mac and mobile device. Note that the following mobile device steps are shown on Android but the iPhone steps will be nearly identical.
From your Mobile Device
Open Microsoft Authenticator
Tap + or Add account
Tap Work or school account
Tap Scan a QR code
Allow Authenticator to use your camera if prompted
Point the camera at the QR code on the login screen, It will scan the code automatically
Wait for the activation to complete
Once successfully completed, you will see your account at the Authenticator home screen.
From your PC or Mac
click Next
Notice the 2-digit number displayed at the sign-in screen (in this example, 18)
From your Mobile Device
Tap the Approve sign-in? notification (or simply open the Authenticator app)
Enter the 2-digit number displayed from the sign-in screen (in this example, 18). and tap Yes
Approve sign-in when prompted
Note: this will vary per device and how you have your unlock setup on your phone. This could be a prompt for fingerprint, PIN, FaceID or password.
From your PC or Mac
Click Next
Click Done
These steps will need to be performed, when prompted, during the sign-in process.
Steps at a Glance
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Sign in to the applicable TWU application or web page using your TWU account
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After entering your username and password, notice the 2-digit number that appears at the sign-in screen
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From your mobile device, tap the Approve sign-in? notification (or simply open the Authenticator app)
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Enter the 2-digit number displayed from the sign-in screen and tap Yes
Detailed Steps on Using Microsoft Authenticator (MFA)
Sign in to the applicable TWU application or web page using your TWU account
Note: while this example uses twu.ca/email, these steps can be performed anywhere you use your TWU credentials (i.e. Moodle, ADP, Campus Portal etc.).
After entering your username and password, notice the 2-digit number that appears at the sign-in screen (in this example, 18)
From your mobile device, tap the Approve sign-in? notification (or simply open the Authenticator app)
Double check the location of the prompt. Make sure that the location matches where you are. If it matches, Enter the 2-digit number displayed from the sign-in screen (in this example, 18). Tap Yes
Note: If you get this prompt and the location is in another country or far away - select "No it's not me" and file a ticket with the Service Hub right away, saying that you received an MFA prompt that wasn't you.
Approve sign-in when prompted.
Note: this will vary per device and how you have your unlock setup. This could be a prompt for fingerprint, PIN, FaceID or password.
Your sign in is complete!
Retired Authentication Method
SMS-based MFA is retired and is no longer a valid authentication method on new TWU Student accounts. Existing Students and Alumni should migrate to Microsoft Authenticator or Passkeys.
What if I cannot or do not want to use Microsoft Authenticator?
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Other methods of using MFA are available on an as-needed basis. If you are unable to use a mobile phone, please contact The Service Hub as soon as possible to arrange an alternative. We recommend using a mobile phone as it is one of the easiest devices for people to remember to carry with them.
What do I do if I receive an Authenticator notification but I didn’t sign in?
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If you receive an Authenticator notification that you did not initiate, or you do not recognize the location shown in the prompt, someone may have discovered your password and is attempting to log in to your account.
It is very important to tap NO, IT’S NOT ME. You will then be prompted to reset your password.
The QR code isn’t scanning properly during the initial setup.
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Click Can’t scan image? and follow the prompts.
I don’t see Authenticator notifications
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Ensure notifications are enabled on your mobile device:
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Android
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iPhone
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Open Microsoft Authenticator
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Tap the menu ellipses
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Tap Settings
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Tap Notification Settings
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Enable and set notifications per your preferences
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Open Settings
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Tap Notifications
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Scroll down and tap Authenticator
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Enable and set notifications per your preferences
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If you have any additional questions regarding MFA, you can review our knowledge base or if you are having issues and need to ask a question, you can use the "Request Service" button.