Body
Most
current University of Arkansas faculty, staff, and students have already set up Microsoft Authenticator on their mobile devices and are currently using it as their MFA method, so should
NOT complete these steps again.
If you have already set up Authenticator, go on to Step 3: Create a Microsoft passkey with Authenticator section of the Microsoft passkey setup steps.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Overview
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security for your UARK account and is required for using a UARK account to access university resources starting at the time the account is created.
Note: Faculty and staff will be unable to authenticate using MS Authenticator. Students may use the Authenticator App to authenticate, but are strongly encouraged to set up a passkey.
Multi-Factor Authentication Policy (UITS)
Who is required to use passkey as their MFA method?
May 29, 2026: All university IT staff will be required to set up a passkey and enroll in the passkey group.
April, 2027: All faculty, staff, and student employees will be required to set up a passkey and enroll in the passkey group.
After these dates, faculty, staff, and student employees will no longer be able to authenticate using MS Authenticator and will be required to use a Microsoft passkey to authenticate when accessing university resources.
Students are also strongly encouraged to set a passkey as their MFA method.
All university faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to set up passkey now!
Faculty, staff, or student employees who are unable to use a passkey may request a YubiKey to use as their MFA method.
Set up Microsoft Authenticator
After setting your UARK account password, the University of Arkansas requires that you create a Microsoft passkey using Microsoft Authenticator to use as your MFA method. Microsoft Authenticator must be installed on your mobile device to create the Microsoft passkey.
You will need both your mobile device and computer in order to complete the registration steps. Make sure your mobile device is available when you need to access UARK services, whether on or off campus.
- From the web browser on your computer, go to:
account.uark.edu
and log in with your UARK account username and password.
Note: Chrome or Edge are recommended.
Note: If you don't remember your UARK password, see our forgotten password information.
- You will be asked to provide more information. Click Next.
Note: If you do not receive this notification, you may have already set up Authenticator, so should NOT complete these steps again.
- You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Click Download now, or use the appropriate link for your OS to download and install Microsoft Authenticator:
- The first time you open the app, you will be asked to grant access to the device camera and allow notifications. Click Allow.
You are required to allow notifications and grant access; if you skip these steps or answer "Don't allow," the setup process cannot be completed.
- From the Authenticator app, tap the + (plus) button to add an account.
- Select Work or school account, and enter your UARK account information.
- A QR code will appear on your computer. Point your phone camera at your computer screen where the code is displayed to scan the code.
- A 2-digit number will be displayed on your computer screen. Enter the number into the the Authenticator app on your phone. Click Allow or Yes.
The Secure Info screen will be displayed to confirm that your registration is complete.
Using the Authenticator app
Faculty and staff will be unable to authenticate using MS Authenticator. Students may use the Authenticator App to authenticate, but are strongly encouraged to set up a passkey.
ADA Accessibility
Assistance is available for users who need accommodations.
Faculty/Staff: Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at titlevii@uark.edu or 479-575-4019 or request at Request Employee Accommodation.
Students: Contact the Center for Educational Access at ada@uark.edu or 479-575-3104.