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Using Duo MFA Offline or While Traveling

Learn how to use Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) without cellular service, offline, or when traveling abroad. Duo has a couple completely offline options to perform MFA and log in without an internet or cellular signal.

Duo Mobile App

The Duo Mobile app can generate single-use passcodes for multi-factor authentication. The app can generate the passcodes completely offline, even when the device is in airplane mode or has no service. To use this:

  1. Open the Duo Mobile app and click on the Colorado College account to display a passcode.
  2. When you reach the Duo MFA step of the CC log in, enter this passcode in the Passcode field.

You can setup the Duo Mobile app on a smartphone and/or tablet before leaving for your trip. Follow steps to setup a new device for MFA on the MFA Duo Setup page.

Hardware Token

We offer Duo hardware tokens for certain cases. These are small devices that fit on a key chain and generate passcodes for multi-factor authentication completely offline. The tokens work the same way as the passcode feature on the Duo Mobile app (mentioned above) except that they are a small, stand-alone device.

Report an issue - Last updated: 02/02/2021