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Add the Duo Mobile App to an Existing Two-Step Login Account

Use the instructions below to add the Duo Push method to your Two-Step Login account.

This article applies to: Two-Step Login

Starting November 4, 2025, Cornell will begin disabling the Duo Phone Call and Duo SMS Passcode methods. 

If you have been regularly using either of these methods, transition to using the Duo Mobile app, a USB security key, or a hardware token as soon as possible to avoid losing access to Cornell websites and systems.

About Duo Mobile and Logging In

The most secure ways to use Duo to authenticate your logins are the Duo Mobile app “Verified Push” method, a USB security key, or a hardware token. Other methods have been proven to be vulnerable to cyber attacks.

This page provides details about adding the Duo Mobile app to an existing Cornell Two-Step Login (Duo) account.

A “push” simply means that your browser, when you are logging in, “pushes” a request to the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone. You verify the push request by typing the number that is displayed in the browser into the mobile app and tapping Verify. 

Get more details about using the mobile app at Log In Using Duo Push for Two-Step Login.

Set Up the Duo Mobile App for Cornell Logins

Before continuing, if the Duo Mobile app is not already installed on your smartphone, install it now:

  1. Use your smartphone to go to the app store for your brand of device, either Google Play for Android devices, or the Apple App Store for iPhones. 
The Duo Mobile app requires Android 11.0 or greater, or iOS 16 or greater. Duo does not recommend using the Duo Mobile app with iOS beta or preview iOS versions. M1 iPad Pro is compatible with the Duo Mobile app.
  1. Search your app store for Duo Mobile.
  2. Follow the store's instructions for installing the Duo Mobile app.

After the Duo Mobile app is installed on your phone:

  1. Go to the Cornell Manage Your NetID website.
  2. Select Two-Step Login. Log in and authenticate using your existing Duo method.
  3. Select Manage Devices. You may need to authenticate with your existing Duo method again for the Duo Device Management portal.

  4. Select Add a Device.

    Duo device management showing current devices and Add a Device panel highlighted

  5. Select Duo Mobile.

    Duo Select an Option screen showing Touch ID, Duo Mobile, and Security Key options for setup, with Duo Mobile highlighted.

  6. Type the phone number for the smartphone where you have installed the Duo Mobile app, then select Add phone number.

  7. Verify the phone number is correct, then select Yes, it’s correct.

  8. Duo will ask you to download the Duo Mobile app to your device. If you have not already done so before starting, install it now by following the directions above. When the app has been successfully installed, select Next.

  9. A QR code will appear on the Duo Device Management webpage in your browser. Use the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone to scan the QR code.

    To scan the code, in the Duo Mobile app, tap Set up account, then tap Use a QR code. Grant the app access to your camera if requested. Scan the code and tap Save.

If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can also send yourself an email with an activation code. To do this, in your browser where the QR code appears, select Get an activation link.
  1. After you have scanned the code or entered the activation code you received by email, the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone will confirm it has been added to your Duo account.
  2. Click Continue to return to the Duo Device Management webpage.

For more information about using the Duo Push method for authenticating your logins, visit Log In Using Duo Push for Two-Step Login.

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