Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) and the VPN
Use checkvpn.uwaterloo.ca to see your computer's VPN connection status.
In the Second Password field, enter one of the following (i.e. push, 6 digit code, bypass code, SMS, phone) then click OK.
For Duo Mobile push (app):
Open your Duo app, select University of Waterloo, enter the code in the second password field [Recommended option], or
Enter ‘push' or 'push1’ to send the prompt to your primary device, or
Enter ‘push2’ to receive the prompt on a secondary device, ‘push3’ to receive the prompt on a tertiary device, etc.
For Duo hardware token: enter your 6-digit code
For Duo Bypass code: enter your bypass code
For SMS codes: enter ‘sms’; you will get a text message with 10 codes. Re-enter your password, and type the first code in the second password field.
For YubiKey: enter the code generated by touching the YubiKey
For Security key: unable, use another method
For Phone Call: enter 'phone'
Enter ‘phone2’ to receive the prompt on a secondary device, ‘phone3’ to receive the prompt on a tertiary device, etc.
If you are not receiving Duo phone calls, you may have a setting that is blocking the phone calls. Some possible solutions include adding the Duo phone number, (306) 900-4884, to your device whitelist, or if the service is blocking unknown callers, add the Duo phone number as a contact on the device.
iPhone: 'Silence Unknown Callers'
Telus/Koodo: 'Call Control'
Android: 'Block Unknown Callers'
Call Control or Call Blocker app
Any anti-spam service
Related articles
Need help?
Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.
Article feedback
If you’d like to share any feedback about this article, please let us know.