Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Obtaining a Bypass Code

Duo Mobile 2FA has an option to use a Bypass Code when you've forgotten or lost your 2FA device. While the 2FA prompt asks you to verify using a bypass code from your IT Help Desk, a bypass code can be retrieved without contacting the Technology Services Help Desk.

Problem

If you do not have Duo set up, your 2FA device has gotten disconnected from your Illinois account, or you've forgotten your 2FA device at home, Duo may prompt you to enter a bypass code.

Duo 2FA prompting for a bypass code

Obtaining a Bypass Code from the NetID Center

The University of Illinois NetID Center will allow you to obtain a 2FA bypass code without needing to contact the Help Desk.

  1. Navigate to the Illinois NetID Center website at https://identity.uillinois.edu.
  2. At the bottom of the NetID Center home page, click on the yellow Temporary passcode button.

    Temporary passcode button at the bottom of the NetID center home page

  3. The NetID center will ask you if you currently have your device or not. Click No, I don't have my device if you currently have no way to pass 2-Factor Authentication.

    The NetID center asking if you have your device or not, with a red box highlighting the No, I don't have my device option

  4. Enter your NetID and password, then click Log In to continue.

    The NetID center asking for credentials

    At this point, if your password is expired or you do not remember it, you will need to contact the Technology Services Help Desk for assistance.
  5. The NetID center should give you confirmation that a 2FA bypass code was successfully delivered to your registered recovery email address. You may need to allow several minutes for this email to arrive, depending on the service you use for email.

    The NetID center bypass code confirmation screen

    If you have no recovery email on file, you will need to contact the Technology Services Help Desk for assistance.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your account, the Technology Services Help Desk can assist. You can submit a ticket to the Help Desk through our Submit a Help Request portal. You can also reach the Help Desk by phone at 217-244-7000 or by email at consult@illinois.edu.



Keywords:
duo 2fa 2 factor authentication authentification mobile Verify it's you by entering a code from your IT help desk 
Doc ID:
47623
Owned by:
Help Desk Technology Services G. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2015-02-25
Updated:
2026-03-09
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services