Harvard University and Harvard Medical School use two-factor authentication (2FA) through the Duo Mobile app to enhance security.
Refer to this article if you have previously set up Duo Mobile but need to install it on a new mobile phone.
1 – Open the Duo Security Page
Navigate to the myHMS Portal Homepage. Enter your HMS username and password (formerly known as eCommons) to sign in as usual, and you'll be prompted with the Duo setup. Select Start Setup.
2 – Choose your device type (mobile phone strongly recommended)
3 – Enter your phone number
If the phone number has been used at Harvard Medical School before, you may be prompted to verify ownership of the number via a text message or phone call.
4 – Select the type of mobile phone
Note – if you are using an older version of iPhone or Android that is not compatible with the Duo app, select Other as your phone type to use SMS text instead of the app. Compatible operating system versions for the app are listed on Duo's help pages: Compatible iOS versions | Compatible Android versions
5 – Install the Duo Mobile app
Now switch to your mobile phone. You may already have Duo Mobile installed for use with HarvardKey. If so, you do not need to redownload the app. Otherwise, visit your phone's app store—either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store—to download and install Duo Mobile. You can recognize the app through this icon:
After Duo Mobile is installed, go back to your browser window and select I have Duo Mobile installed.
6 – Configure the Duo Mobile app for use at HMS
Now, back to your mobile phone. Open the Duo Mobile app. If prompted, grant the app access to your camera. Tap the "+" button and scan the QR code on the computer screen for a few seconds. Duo Mobile will automatically add Harvard Medical School as an option.
Note – if your phone's camera doesn't work, select Email me an activation link instead, open the email on your mobile phone, and the open link in the email. You will be prompted to open the link with the Duo Mobile app to activate.
7 – Choose preference when signing in to HMS systems
Then select Continue to Login