Traveling internationally with Azure MFA

Description

Before traveling internationally, OIT recommends that you follow the guidelines below to avoid any disruptions to your multi-factor authentication experience. If you have not already enrolled in Azure MFA, please follow the instructions in Enrolling in Microsoft Azure MFA.

Environment

Smartphone or tablet  

Computer 

Audience 

Students and faculty going abroad 

International students, faculty, and staff coming to Ohio University 

Table of contents

• I plan to use my current phone/tablet abroad. 

• I plan to get a new phone/tablet abroad. 

• Travel considerations 

I plan to use my current phone/ tablet abroad.

You should be able to take your existing phone/tablet abroad and authenticate on Wi-Fi with the Microsoft Authenticator app without any disruptions.

• Before you travel, check that your default authentication methodis set to the Microsoft Authenticator app. You may encounter issues authenticating via a phone call or text in an international location.

1. Navigate to myaccount.microsoft.com

2. Log in with your OHIO email and password.

3. You may be prompted to authenticate with Azure MFA to access the portal.

4. Under Security Info , select Update Info >

5. Your default sign-in methodis listed at the top of the screen.

6. If you need to change your default sign-in method for the Microsoft Authenticator app, follow instructions in Changing your default authentication method with Azure MFA .

• While abroad, connect your phone/tablet to Wi-Fi.

  • It’s possible that your device can cause you to incur roaming charges if you are using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi. 

  • If Wi-Fi is not available, you can authenticate by accessing a one-time passcodein the Microsoft Authenticator app. Your device does not need to be connected to a network to do this. View instructions in Using a one-time passcode with Azure MFA.

SIM card considerations

If you are planning on using a new SIM cardin your existing phone, you should be able to use your Microsoft Authenticator app without any disruptions. If you encounter issues, please contact the IT Service Desk.

• Getting a new SIM card means that your phone will have a new number.

• We recommend enrolling your new phone number in Azure MFA as a back-up method, so you can authenticate through a call or text in case you experience issues with the Authenticator app.

• Follow the instructions for in Adding an additional authentication method to enroll your new phone number in Azure MFA as an alternate phone.

I plan to get a new phone or tablet abroad.

Before you get your new phone

There are a few ways to authenticate until you get your new phone.

• Option 1: Use your current phone or tablet

  • You can use your current device to authenticate via the Microsoft Authenticator appover Wi-Fi. You can also use a one-time passcode in the Authenticator app, which does not require your phone to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

• Option 2: Get a temp password

  • If you can’t take your current phone/tablet abroad, contact the IT service desk before you travel to request a temporary password.

    • Call the service desk at 740.593.1222 or email servicedesk@ohio.edu to request a Microsoft Teams meeting to set up your temporary password.

    • After, when you attempt to access any online service that requires your OHIO email and password, you’ll then be prompted to enter the temporary password given to you by the service desk.

    • This temporary password is valid for 30 days and can be used while you set up your new phone.

    • 

Get help from OIT

• Visit the Multi-Factor Authentication: Azure  page to create a ticket