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I'm Having Problems with My Hardware Token for Two-Step Login

Troubleshooting common problems with a Two-Step Login hardware token

This article applies to: Two-Step Login

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I'm trying to use a hardware token but no passcode appears when I press the token's button.

Solution: Either the battery is dead or the token is damaged. You will need to replace the token.

I received an "Incorrect Passcode" error message when I tried to enter the passcode from a hardware token.

There are three possible causes:

  • You mistyped the passcode displayed by the hardware token.

    Solution: Press the token's button again and enter the new passcode that appears.  
  • The token is not enrolled for use with your NetID.

    Solution: You can check whether you have enrolled a token by going to the Manage Your Two-Step Login site (link opens web app) and choosing the My Two-Step Devices tab. Any hardware tokens associated with your NetID will appear at the bottom of your list of devices, with the last two digits of the token's serial number.  
  • When a token's button has been pressed too many times without entering the passcode that is displayed, the token will "drift out of synch." This is similar to a cell phone that placed a call on its own from your pocket or backpack. A token can also "drift" when it is not used on a regular basis.

    Solution: You can fix the token by logging in with a passcode generated by the token three times in a row.
    1. At the Two-Step Login authentication prompt, press the token's button.
    2. Enter the passcode that is generated.
    3. Click Log In.
    4. Repeat this process with 3 different passcodes in a row. The fourth passcode should work.

If these steps do not fix the problem, contact the IT Service Desk.

The token displays something that is not a passcode.

If the token generates anything other than a passcode, it is considered defective. While Duo's policy is to replace a token up to 6 months after purchase, unfortunately, since the Cornell Store purchases tokens in bulk, by the time a person obtains one, the warranty has expired.

The only solution to a defective token purchased at the Cornell Store is to buy a new one or ask your department to replace the token.

Support Contact:

Cornell IT Service Desk

Normal Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm (Eastern Time)
Emergency Service Disruptions: After Hours Support

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