Setup MFA for Skyward

Skyward supports Multi-Factor Authentication.  This is also referred to as 2-Factor or MFA. 

There are three tools we are endorsing for setting up the Multi-Factor Authentication.  One is a Chrome browser extension and the other two are apps for your smartphone: Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator.  The phone apps are MUCH more secure.  None of these are paid apps.  If you are asked to pay for the app, you are using the wrong one.  Please see instructions below.

Once you are logged in to Skyward you can click Account at the top right corner of the screen.

Then click the checkbox next to Use Authenticator App.

Next you will be asked to set Authenticator App Device

You can use the Authenticator extension for Chrome, the Google Authenticator App on your phone, or the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone.   

Using the Authenticator Chrome Extension

This will run on your computer within the Google Chrome Browser. 

Chrome Browser Authenticator –  This is a chrome extension.  If can be found here: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/authenticator/bhghoamapcdpbohphigoooaddinpkbai?hl=en

Once installed, it will show up in the Chrome browser under extensions.  This looks like a small puzzle piece at the top right of you screen.  Click it to open it.

Click the pencil then the plus sign and use manual entry.  Use Skyward as the Issuer name.  Click Generate New Code on the Skyward login screen under “Enter code manually” then paste the code it in to the Authenticator field for Secret.  After entering the code a number should be generated by the Authenticator extension.  Paste it in to the field in step three on the Skyward login page “Enter the Authenticator Code” and save the setting in Skyward using the save button.  You need to copy and paste the code quickly before it ages out.

Using the Google Authenticator App on your smartphone

Google Authenticator – https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

Be sure you are using the official Google Authenticator.  This is also a free app.  If you are being asked to pay you are using the wrong app. 

Open the app and click on the plus button.  Click Generate New Code on the Skyward login screen under “Enter code manually” scan the QR code from the app using the QR code option.  After entering the code a number should be generated by the Authenticator extension.  Enter it in to the field in step three on the Skyward login page “Enter the Authenticator Code” and save the setting in Skyward using the save button. 

Using the Microsoft Authenticator App on your smartphone

Microsoft Authenticator – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/download-microsoft-authenticator-351498fc-850a-45da-b7b6-27e523b8702a

Be sure you are using the official Microsoft Authenticator.  This is a free app.  If you are being asked to pay it is the wrong one. 

Open the app and click on the plus button.  Choose "Work or school account" Click Generate New Code on the Skyward login screen under “Enter code manually” scan the QR code from the app using the QR code option.  After entering the code a number should be generated by the Authenticator extension.  Enter it in to the field in step three on the Skyward login page “Enter the Authenticator Code” and save the setting in Skyward using the save button.