You can use multi-factor authentication (MFA) around the world. Using the Duo Mobile app on your Android or iPhone is recommended because it gives you the flexibility to accept a verified push notification while you're in the US or abroad when you have access to mobile data or a wireless network, or use stored passcodes when you don't have access to wireless at all.
Review the scenarios below to determine how you can keep your MFA active while you travel.
You will only have access to your phone registered in your home country: Use Duo Mobile (Limited or No Connectivity)
Scenario: You will have access to your phone. Your phone won't have access to mobile data, but may be able to use wifi.
Solution: Make sure your phone is registered to use Duo Mobile. If your phone is not currently registered, download Duo Mobile.
Before you leave home:
- From the App Store or Google Play, download Duo Mobile onto your phone.
- Register or Re-activate your Mobile Device.
You will use a US phone number in addition to having your International phone: Add that phone number to Duo
Scenario: You will have access to your International phone. It won't accept calls, but can use wifi. You will also have access to a US phone.
Solution: Make sure your International phone is registered to use Duo Mobile. Then add your US phone to your MFA profile yourself.
Before you leave:
- From the App Store or Google Play, download Duo Mobile onto your International phone.
- Register or Re-activate your Mobile Device.
Once you're in the US:
- From the App Store or Google Play, download Duo Mobile onto your US phone.
- Register or Re-activate your Mobile Device.
- Since MFA can store multiple numbers, don't remove your existing International phone number. This way you can still use your International phone when you return.
You will only use an international phone number and you know that number: Contact the IT Support Center before you leave the US
Scenario 1: You are taking your International phone with you and swapping out the International SIM card for a US SIM card. You will swap the International SIM card back into the phone when you return home.
Scenario 2: You will not have access to your International phone, but will have a US phone, and you already know that phone number.
Solution: Provide the IT Support Center with information about your US phone so it can be manually registered to your MFA profile. Then when you reach the US, reactivate your phone using Duo Mobile.
Before you leave:
- Contact the Northwestern University IT Service Desk at 847.491.4357 (1-HELP).
- When Calling: Please have a valid Wildcard or valid government ID available for identity verification if necessary.
- If you are unable to contact Northwestern University IT by phone for assistance, send an email message to servicedesk@northwestern.edu. Be sure to include your NetID and a description of your situation. Our agents will review your ticket and follow up with potential next steps.
Once you're in the US:
- Swap the SIM card in your phone, if applicable.
- Make sure you have Duo Mobile downloaded onto your international phone from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register or Re-activate your Mobile Device.
- Since MFA can store multiple numbers, don't remove your existing US phone number. This way you can still use your US phone when you return to the US.
You won't have access to any phone: Consider purchasing a YubiKey when you arrive in the US
Scenario: You won't have access to any phone in your destination country.
Solution: Consider purchasing a YubiKey
- YubiKeys are multi-factor authentication tokens that allow users to register accounts across multiple MFA platforms. YubiKeys provide an equivalent secured authentication experience to a mobile device with the DUO Mobile app installed and activated.
Still need assistance: Contact the IT Support Center
Scenario: You have encountered issues with any of the steps above.
Solution: You will need to contact the IT Support Center for assistance.
- From the App Store or Google Play, download Duo Mobile onto your phone.
- Contact the Northwestern University IT Service Desk at 847.491.4357 (1-HELP).
- When Calling: Please have a valid Wildcard or valid government ID available for identity verification if necessary.
- If you are unable to contact Northwestern University IT by phone for assistance, send an email message to servicedesk@northwestern.edu. Be sure to include your NetID and a description of your situation. Our agents will review your ticket and follow up with potential next steps.
DUO Hardware Token Users: If you use a DUO Hardware token as your primary multi-factor authentication device, you may encounter performance issues while traveling. If you encounter any access issues contact the Northwestern University IT Service Desk at 847.491.4357 (1-HELP).
If you regularly travel internationally if may be worth considering a YubiKey to use as your primary multi-factor authentication device.