Sign-in and MFA

You can use either of the following methods to set up MFA, but using both is recommended:

• Microsoft Authenticator App (recommended): Works on Wi-Fi, making it ideal for on-campus use where cellular coverage may be limited. https://aka.ms/getMicrosoftAuthenticator

• Other authenticator apps: Duo Security, Google Authenticator and the new Apple Passwords app, as well as others, support the same standard for providing a passcode (a.k.a. verification code or OTP). 

• Text Message (SMS): Use as an alternative method, though not recommended for on-campus use due to poor cellular coverage.

• New Users: You will be prompted to set up MFA as part of your first-time login process.

• Existing Users: You can manage your sign-in methods or update your MFA settings at https://aka.ms/mfasetup.

Microsoft Authenticator App using a Computer and Smartphone (recommended)

1. Sign in to your account at my.hcc.edu using the information in the email from Admissions containing your student ID number.

2. During your first-time login or when adding a sign-in method, you will see a prompt titled "More information required." Click Next to proceed.

3. On the next screen, Microsoft will recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can:

•    Select Next to continue with the recommended app.

•    Or choose I want to use a different method to select an alternative option (e.g., SMS; see below).

4. If you select Microsoft Authenticator:

   •   Download the app on your smartphone (iOS/Android) if you haven't already.

   •   Open the app and select Add Account > Work or School Account.

   •   On your computer or browser, click Next to generate a QR code.

   •   Use the app to scan the QR code displayed on your screen.

   •   After scanning, hit Next on the computer and you will get a prompt on your phone to verify the 2-digit number shown on the computer or browser.

5. Enter the 2-digit number from the computer into the app on your smartphone.

6. Click Next and Done on the computer to complete the setup.

7. Ensure that you do not delete the app after setup. 

Never approve a sign in that you did not initiate. No one from HCC will have you verify a number that you do not see. 

Using a Single Device for Setup; Smartphone only

1. Open the browser on your smartphone and sign in to your account as described above.

2. Use the Download now link to get the Microsoft Authenticator app.

3. When you get to the "Set up your account in the app" step, choose the option Pair your account to the app by clicking this link (if available) or follow the on-screen instructions to manually enter the account details provided in the browser.

4. Switch between the Authenticator app and the browser where you were signing in on your smartphone. Complete the verification steps by entering the required code or confirming via push notification. You will need to switch between the browser app where you are signing in and the Authenticator app to approve the sign in.

5. Do not close the browser while switching between apps to avoid restarting the setup process.

Text Message/SMS  (recommended as secondary or alternative method)

1. Select Text Message (SMS) as your MFA method.

2. Enter your mobile phone number and click Send Code.

3. Check your phone for a text message containing a 6-digit code.

4. Enter the code into the setup prompt and click Verify.
   No one from HCC will ever ask you for this code. This is for you to verify your login. 

1. Once your primary MFA method is set up, add a backup or alternate method by entering your mobile phone number for SMS verification.

2. This ensures you can access your account even if your primary method is unavailable or that you can re-authorize a new device. Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup to add a new sign-in method.

   • If you get a new device but keep your number, you can authenticate with SMS

   • If you get a new number but keep your device, you can authenticate with Authenticator

   • If you change both, please visit the Help Desk in Frost 109

If you forgot your phone, please stop by the Help Desk in Frost 109 and we can generate a temporary access passcode for you.

If you lost your phone or replaced it and don't have access to the old one, please email the Help Desk from the personal email address you used when you applied to the college. This must be the personal email address we have on file.

Once we verify your identity, we will reset your account. You can then follow the Forgot Password steps to regain access to your account and set up your MFA methods again.

Yes. Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and follow the prompts to update your method.

If you get a new phone (and still have access to the old one)  go directly to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and “Add sign-in method” as described here. 

Yes, MFA is required for all accounts to enhance security and protect your information.

Never share your passcode with anyone or approve a login that you did not initiate.

Verification codes are sent to the email address you used when applying to HCC.

This email address is stored in your account profile and is used to verify your identity during password reset and account recovery.

If you no longer have access to that email account, contact the Help Desk.

If you still have access to the myHCC Dashboard, update your information in your Profile if you change your personal email address or phone number.

Codes and approvals are only for you to sign in. Don't share them with anyone.

• ❌ No one from IT or the Help Desk will ever ask for your password

• ❌ Never share a verification code (a.k.a. one time passcode, OTP, passcode)

• ❌ Never approve a sign‑in you didn't start or can't see on your screen

If something doesn't feel right, stop and contact the Help Desk.

Learn more about Cybersecurity Awareness

Once you become a student the account creation process is initiated. This process takes 24 hours to complete.

You will need your HCC Student ID number. This was sent to you from Admissions. 

This email will come from admissions@hcc.edu with the subject line “Welcome to HCC!”

Click here to see how to figure out your HCC Account information.

Yes. You can use the Microsoft Authenticator app for many accounts. Other institutions and businesses use MFA with Microsoft Authenticator. Add as many of your accounts as you can to Authenticator to add an additional layer of protection.

The Authenticator app generates a passcode that you can use to authenticate by clicking “I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now” and use the six-digit passcode (OTP or verification code) instead of the approval of the push notification.

See Passcode