Next month, Microsoft Authenticator will be replacing Duo Security as SMU’s primary Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solution. While the switch to Authenticator can be done within minutes, we highly encourage you not to wait until the last minute to minimize disruptions to your work and operations. Here is what you can expect starting next month and how you can quickly switch to Microsoft Authenticator.
Starting February 11, 2026, a notice to setup the Microsoft Authenticator app will begin to appear during sign-ins. Users will be able to click “Skip for now” to snooze for up to 14 days until the deadline.
For sign-ins after the morning of February 25, 2026, users will be required to setup the Microsoft Authenticator app if they haven’t done so already. 
For users that maintain persistent sessions in their browsers, it could be up to 30 days before they are prompted to setup Microsoft Authenticator.
Still, for anyone who might be signing in to different devices regularly, such as classroom computers used for teaching and presenting, they may find their lecture or group presentation delayed for a few minutes as they may be required to register the Microsoft Authenticator app during sign-in.
To reduce these disruptions and accommodate everyone’s busy schedule, we have created a way for you to register your device at your convenience by visiting smu.edu/passwordless to enroll as an early adopter and start using Microsoft Authenticator today.
Follow these 3 easy steps:
- Enroll in the early adopters’ group by filling out the form at smu.edu/passwordless
- Visit smu.edu/mfasetup and follow the instructions to register your device and setup the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Within the next hour or so, you will be prompted to sign-in to your SMU services using Microsoft Authenticator for MFA. If you haven’t registered your device in step 2, you will be required to complete that process during the sign-in process.
That’s it.
Once you have it set up, you can start exploring new passwordless options such as passwordless sign-in with a passkey and passwordless phone sign-in with the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you’ll no longer need to enter your password for most systems. You can approve the sign-in request using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Plus, with the ability to create syncable passkeys on your device or preferred password manager, switching to a new phone or getting locked out of your account becomes less of an issue.
If you still want assistance to walk you through the process, the IT Help Desk in Fondren Library can answer your questions and help get you enrolled with Microsoft Authenticator, and, as always, if you need any technology assistance, feel free to contact the IT Help Desk.
