Changing your Sask Polytech multi-factor authentication sign-in options

How to set up app sign-in 

If you do not see an install button your device may not be compatible with the app. Follow Setting up and signing in using text codes (SMS) instead. 

1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your mobile device's App Store or Google Play store.
         
2. On your computer, go to the Security info page.
3. Click on Add sign-in method.
   
4. Select Microsoft Authenticator and hit next twice until the QR code appears.

5. Open the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device.
6. Click I agree.
7. Select Scan a QR code.
   • If you do not see the Scan a QR code option: click Add account and then Work or school account.
8. Scan the QR code shown on your computer using the Authenticator App.
   • Click Allow if you receive a prompt to allow Authenticator take pictures and record video.

9. Click Next on your computer.
10. A 2 digit number should appear on your computer screen.

11. Input the 2 digit number on the Authenticator App on your mobile device, hit the checkmark and hit YES.

12. Click Next on your computer.

13. Set your Default sign-in method.  

How to make the app your default sign-in: codes or notifications 

1. Go to the Security info page.
2. Enter your Sask Polytech username (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
3. Click on Security info.
4. Click Change next to Default sign-in method.
   
    
5. Select App based authentication or hardware token - code or App based authentication - notification under Which method would you like to use to sign in?
    
   • App based authentication or hardware token – code: a six-digit code generated by the app you will type in to approve sign-in.
   • App based authentication - notification: a pop-up notification on your mobile device that will prompt you to approve sign-in.|

6. Click Confirm.
7. Check Authenticator app or hardware token - code or Microsoft Authenticator - notification is showing as the default sign-in method.
   or
    

How to sign in using app codes (no Wi-Fi, data, or cell service needed)​​​​​​

1. Enter your Sask Polytech username when prompted (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
2. Click Next.
3. Wait for the Enter code page to show
   
4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device and click on your username under Saskatechewan Polytechnic.

5. Enter the six-digit number code into the service you are trying to sign into and hit verify.
   
6. Wait for the computer to grant you access to the service you are signing in to. 

How to sign in using app notifications 

1. Enter your Sask Polytech username on your computer when prompted (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
2. Click Next.
3. Wait for this Approve sign in request screen to appear.
   
    
4. Wait for a notification to appear on your mobile device.
   
    
5. Click on the notification, enter in the 2 digit number received in the Approve sign in request and click on the checkmark icon.

6. Click YES.
   
7. Wait for the computer to grant you access to the service you are signing in to. 

How to set up security key sign-in 

What you need 

• An existing secondary sign-in method or a temporary access passcode (see Lost Phone or Access to Other Sign-in Options section for how to get a temporary access passcode). You will need to complete the setup within four hours of getting the temporary access passcode.
• A FIDO2-certified security key (which works like a USB stick).
  • Purchase from Amazon or other technology retailers.
  • FIDO2 or FIDO Certified must be included in the product description.
  • USB‑A or USB‑C connectors should be selected based on the ports available on your device.
  • Lower‑cost options are often larger and may take up more space next to other ports.

What to do 

1. Get your security key.
2. Go to https://myprofile.microsoft.com on your computer.
3. Enter your Sask Polytech username (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
4. Click Next.
   
    
5. Enter your temporary access passcode or secondary sign-in option.
   
    
6. Click Sign in.
7. Go to the Security info page.
8. Click on Security info.
9. Click on Add sign-in method.
   
    
10. Click Choose a Method.
11. Click Security Key.
    
12. Click Add. 
13. Click Next.
14. Sign in again using your temporary access passcode or secondary sign in option.
    
     
15. Select USB device.
    
     
16. Select Windows Hello or external security key under Create a passkey.
    
     
17. Click OK.
18. Click OK.
19. Insert your security key.
    
     
20. Click Next.
21. Enter a PIN. 
    1. The PIN must be at least four alphanumeric characters. You will need to use this PIN every time you sign in. 
       
        
22. Place your finger on the key sensor for touch authentication.
    
     
23. Enter a meaningful name for your security key. 
24. Click Next.
    
     
25. Click Done. 
     

How to sign in using a security key 

You can use security keys as your main sign-in method whenever you sign in, but they cannot technically be set as defaults. This means you will need to choose "use a security key" each time you sign in to bypass the other sign-in methods. Multiple sign-in screens may appear depending on different scenarios. Below are three possible sign-in screen scenarios you may come across. 

Screen scenario 1

1. Open a Sask Polytech service or app, e.g., go to the mySaskpolytech portal.
2. Follow the sign-in prompt. 
3. Click on "Face, fingerprint, PIN or security key".
    
4. Click "security key".
5. Follow the prompts to insert your key, enter your PIN, and touch the key.
    

Screen scenario 2

1. Open an Sask Polytech service or app, e.g., go to the mySaskpolytech portal.
2. Follow the sign-in prompt.
3. Click "Sign in another way" if prompted to enter a code or number.
   
4. Click on "Face, fingerprint, PIN or security key".
5. Click "security key".
6. Follow the prompts to insert your key, enter your PIN, and touch the key.
    

Screen scenario 3

1. Enter your Sask Polytech username when prompted (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
2. Click Sign-in options.
   
   1. If you see the Enter Temporary Access Pass screen to appear, click on Other ways to sign in.
      
       
3. Click Use a security key.
4. Insert your security key.
5. Enter your PIN. 
6. Touch the security key on the sensor.
7. Click OK. 
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How to set up text code sign-in

A cell phone number and good cell service is required to receive the codes. 

1. Go to the Sask Polytech Microsoft sign-in page on your computer.
2. Enter your Sask Polytech username (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
3. Uncheck Allow my organization to manage my device.
4. Select No, sign in to this app only.
5. Click OK.
   
    
6. Go to the Security info page.
7. Click on Security info.
8. Click on Add sign-in method.
   
    
9. Select Authentication Phone.
10. Select country code as Canada (+1).
11. Enter your cell phone number.
12. Click Next.
    
     
13. Enter the verification code received on your cell phone.
14. Click Verify.
15. Click Done. 

How to sign in using text codes 

1. Enter your Sask Polytech username when prompted (e.g., user@saskpolytech.ca).
2. Click Next.
3. Wait for the Enter code screen to appear.
4. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone. 
5. Click Verify.

1. Read through the Sign-in troubleshooting information page.
2. Click on the blue Submit a ticket button on the right side of the Sign-in troubleshooting information page.
3. Fill in the form with as much detail as possible.

Once your issue is assigned, a service desk agent will contact you. They may provide you with a Temporary Access Passcode. Do not lose this code. It cannot be viewed by our service desk agents or regenerated.