Details
If you just received your invitation to activate your Okta account, this article is for you. You will begin the activation process by clicking the “Activate Okta Account” button in your invitation email (subject “Welcome to JMU Okta!”). You may click the button while viewing the email on a computer or on your phone. Clicking the button/link takes you to mylogin.jmu.edu, where you may be asked to enter your JMU eID (listed as the username in the Activation email) and to set your password for the first time.
Once complete, you will be asked to set up a security method. For Applicants, while you are not required to set up Okta Verify until you become a student, it is strongly recommended to do so now to allow self-service such as resetting a forgotten password. Follow the directions below according to the device from which you clicked the activation button/link:
Important: This article assumes you have your smartphone with you and have already installed Okta Verify. If you have not installed Okta Verify on your phone, do that now.
If you clicked the link on a Computer:
- You will be asked to select either Okta Verify (the mobile app) or a Security Key or Biometric Authenticator (IE., a Yubikey). Click Set Up under Okta Verify.
- Okta will present a QR code on your computer. Leave this page up; you will need it in a moment.
- On your mobile device, open the Okta Verify app and select Get Started.
- Select Next.
- Select Add Account.
- Choose Organization - Work, school, company.
- Choose Skip when asked to Add Account from Another Device.
- Choose Yes, Ready to Scan.
- Use your phone to scan the QR Code on your computer screen.
- Follow any additional on-screen instructions in the Okta Verify app to complete the enrollment process.
- Note: It is strongly recommended if asked to enable Screen Lock/Password/Biometric confirmation, to say not now. Adding the Screen Lock Confirmation can break some login processes.
- When complete, Okta Verify will show an Account Added screen. Click Finish.
- Your phone will then display your JMU Okta account (mylogin.jmu.edu) with a six-digit randomized code beneath it. The code may be hidden/masked, and there may be an eye icon next to it to reveal the code.
- This code will recycle every 30 seconds, and will only be required if you choose to authenticate with it.
- Select Continue on your computer to proceed to your Okta Dashboard, and your enrollment is complete.
If you clicked the link on your phone:
- You will be asked to select either Okta Verify (the mobile app) or a Security Key or Biometric Authenticator (IE., a Yubikey).
- Click Set Up under Okta Verify.
- You will have the option to get an activation code either through email, or through a text message. Select your preferred option
- Once you receive the message from Okta, click the link provided. This should move you to your default web browser, and then ask to open the Okta Verify app. Select allow.
- Follow any additional on-screen instructions in the Okta Verify app to complete the enrollment process.
- Note: It is strongly recommended if asked to enable Screen Lock/Password/Biometric confirmation, to say not now. Adding the Screen Lock Confirmation can break some login processes.
- Note: It is strongly recommended if asked to enable Screen Lock/Password/Biometric confirmation, to say not now. Adding the Screen Lock Confirmation can break some login processes.
- When complete, Okta Verify will show an Account Added screen. Click Finish.
- Your phone will then display your JMU Okta account (mylogin.jmu.edu) with a six-digit randomized code beneath it. The code may be hidden/masked, and there may be an eye icon next to it to reveal the code.
- This code will recycle every 30 seconds, and will only be required if you choose to authenticate with it.
- Return to the web browser you started the activation process.
- Select Continue to proceed to your Okta Dashboard, and your enrollment is complete.
You have successfully enrolled Okta Verify on your phone. JMU recommends enrolling a second device or authenticator. For instructions on how to register a second authentication method, please review the instructions in the following article.
If you have any questions during the setup process, please reach out to the JMU IT Help Desk.
Symptoms
How do I set up Okta Verify on my device for the first time?