Duo? Enroll with the mobile app first

Two students at a help station outside Capen Hall offer assistance to a new student on the first day of classes for the fall semester in August 2024.

Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Portrait photo of Emily Duran

By Emily Duran
IT Communications Intern

Published July 18, 2025

New to UB? When signing up for Duo, make sure you enroll a smartphone first using the free Duo Mobile app for an easy, convenient, and secure two-step verification process.

What is Duo?

UB requires all students, faculty, and staff to use Duo, a two-step verification system, in order to add an extra layer of security to your UBITName login. Two-step verification is the standard for account security; it pairs something you know (your UBITName and password) with something you have (like a smartphone or security key), to provide secure access to UB online services.

Why enroll with your smartphone first?

Enrolling a smartphone using the free Duo Mobile app is UB’s recommended way to use Duo due to its ease of use, convenience, and security.

The Duo Mobile app provides a quick method to verify your login attempt. When an attempt is made, you will receive a notification and be prompted to confirm or deny access to your account. This method allows you to keep your account secure from the palm of your hand, requiring only a quick “tap” to confirm it’s you logging in.

Once you’ve enrolled a smartphone, feel free to add other devices, such as tablets or laptops, or security keys such as biometrics built into desktops for even more ways to verify your login attempts.

How to enroll

UBIT has a detailed step-by-step guide on how to enroll your smartphone with Duo two-step verification with the Duo Mobile app, as well as directions on how to enroll another device after. You can also watch this quick 1-minute UB Tech Tips video tutorial and follow along with the steps.

Need more help?

Students can reach out to The UB Tech Squad to get help with technology at UB. The Tech Squad can meet you anywhere on campus! The UBIT Help Center is available anytime to assist faculty and staff.

UB Information Technology News keeps UB students, faculty, and staff informed about their IT services and showcases creative collaborations between UBIT and the campus community. Published by the Office of the Chief Information Officer at UB and distributed via email as The Monthly Download. Edited by Diana Tuorto, IT Communication and Engagement, dianatuo@buffalo.edu.