Traveling With Okta and Signing in Abroad

Environment

Okta, Okta Verify

Issue

Guidance on how to sign in to your UMICH account while traveling or abroad. 

Resolution

When traveling, most people should be able to use the Okta Verify Mobile app on a smartphone or tablet. Even if you don't have a cellular or WiFi connection, the app can generate a passcode. See available options here: Options for Okta MFA Without Internet or Cell Service. 

Plan Ahead

• Traveling without your usual devices?
  • If you plan to travel without a smartphone or tablet, consider taking a hardware token.
  • If you use a different device when traveling internationally, you can add it to your Okta account: Add, Remove, or Reactivate Devices with the Okta Verify App.
• International travel? Access restrictions apply for some destinations.
  • Okta takes measures to restrict access to applications from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the regions of Crimea, Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) of Ukraine. 
  • See: Okta IP Access Policy for more information.
  • Note: Export restrictions also apply to Okta hardware tokens.
• Remember the Service Center. You can phone the ITS Service Center for assistance if your MFA device is damaged or stolen. Add the Service Center phone number (734-764-4357) to your contacts list.

Troubleshooting Network Issues

• 3rd party VPNs may interfere with our sign in processes, resulting in strange loading behaviors or unexpected error messages. 
• Use the U-M VPN: Students, faculty, staff, and sponsored affiliates with a regular uniqname can access the UM VPN at no cost. See: Getting Started with U-M Net VPN for setup instructions. 

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance with Okta? Michigan Medicine affiliates, contact HITS. Other U-M affiliates, contact the ITS Service Center.