How do I set up multi-factor authentication for my user account as an admin?
Multi-factor authentication adds security to user accounts in your institution by asking each user to verify his or her user account. You can enable multi-factor authentication for your institution by contacting your Customer Success Manager. You can request to enable multi-factor authentication with one of three options: required for admins, required for all users, or optional for all users.
You must have a mobile device to set up multi-factor authentication for your user account. Your device must be able to send text (SMS) messages, or if you have a smartphone, you can download the Google Authenticator app for iPhone or Android.
Note: This lesson shows how to set up multi-factor authentication if it is an optional setting in your user account. However, if multi-factor authentication is required by your institution, you will be shown the multi-factor authentication page directly after you log in to Canvas.
Open User Settings
![Open User Settings](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/004/987/323/original/9e9a0637-9783-4739-b4a9-3e98c7e802d4.png)
In Global Navigation, click the Account link [1], then click the Settings link [2].
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication
![Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication from User Settings](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/001/129/863/original/3b40929d-8b6b-431d-9ddf-6954d5d327b5.png)
Click the Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication button.
Verify via Authenticator App
![Verify via Google Authenticator](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/007/677/279/original/fc84f59e-8115-4939-ab93-3fdfd64b95d7.png)
To verify multi-factor authentication a time-based one-time password (TOTP) authenticator app on iPhone or Android (ex: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy), download the app for your device.
Use the app to scan and generate the QR code [1]. Enter the code in the Verification Code field [2].
If you want multi-factor authentication to remember the computer you are using to log in to Canvas, click the Remember this computer checkbox [3].
Click the Verify button [4].
Verify via Text Message
![Verify via Text Message](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/007/677/281/original/3f7e0b89-ffaa-4489-8353-abe6d2886886.png)
To verify multi-factor authentication via text message, enter your phone number [1] and select your carrier [2]. This is the number where your multi-factor verification code will be sent.
Once you have set up your new phone number, or selected an existing phone number, click the Send button [3]. Your mobile device will receive a verification code. Enter the code in the Verification Code field [4].
If you want multi-factor authentication to remember the computer you are using to log in to Canvas, click the Remember this computer checkbox [5].
Click the Verify button [6].
Manage Multi-Factor Authentication
![Manage Multi-Factor Authentication](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/001/129/861/original/3e5d28c0-33d6-4aad-93a4-ba63e59a1f39.png)
Once multi-factor authentication is enabled, your User Settings page may display additional options to manage your authentication.
You can choose to create multi-factor authentication codes to use as backup in case your authentication device is not available [1]. This option is available to all users with multi-factor authentication.
If multi-factor authentication is optional for your account, you can also choose to reconfigure authentication [2] or disable authentication [3].