Enrolling in Okta for the First Time Using a Smartphone (Okta Verify)

This article assumes you have your smartphone with you and have already installed Okta Verify. To begin Okta enrollment, first go to a computer and open your JMU email account. Click the Activate Okta Account link in your "Welcome to JMU Okta" (most people) or your "Preparing for JMU Okta" (some applicants) invitation email. The link takes you to mylogin.jmu.edu. You will be asked to enter your eID (not email address) and then your password, or you may be asked to set your password for the first time. Once you have reached this stage, you are ready for the steps below.

Addtional Note that applies only in March 2025: if you cannot locate your invitation email, but you already know your eID and password, head to mylogin.jmu.edu and enter them. If they work, you can begin using the steps below.

1. During first-time enrollment, Okta asks you to set up either Okta Verify (the smartphone app) or a security key (Yubikey). Click Set Up under Okta Verify.
   
   
   
2. Okta will present a QR code on your computer. Leave this screen open.
   
   
   
3. On your phone/tablet, open the Okta Verify app, and select Get Started.
   
   
   
4. Select Next.
   
   
   
5. Select Add Account.
   
   
   
6. Choose Organization - Work, school, company.
   
   
   
7. Choose Skip when asked to Add Account from Another Device.
   
   
   
8. Choose Yes, Ready to Scan.
   
   
   
9. Use your phone to scan the QR Code on your computer screen (from the earlier step):
   
   
   
10. Follow any additional on-screen instructions in the Okta Verify app to complete the enrollment process.
    1. Note: It is Strongly Recommended if asked to enable Screen Lock/Password/Biometric confirmation, to say not now. Adding the Screen Lock Confirmation can cause breakages in some log in processes.
11. When you have completed the enrollment process, Okta Verify will show an Account Added screen.
    
    
    
12. Your phone will then display your mylogin.jmu.edu account with a six-digit randomized code beneath it. The code may be hidden/masked, and there may be an eyeball icon next to it. Not required, but as an aside, you can click the eyeball whenever you want to reveal this code in the future.
    
    
    
13. On your computer, the QR code should disappear, and you will have the option to add a Security Key as an additional method of protection. **This step is optional.**
14. Select Continue to proceed to your Okta Dashboard, and your enrollment is complete.

How do I set up Okta Verify on my device for the first time?