---
title: "Using Duo 2FA Internationally or as an International Student"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10748724271/Using%20Duo%202FA%20Internationally%20or%20as%20an%20International%20Student"
format: markdown
---
Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) is designed to be used globally even when accessing UConn services and systems. International students should prepare their 2FA device properly for differences they may experience when traveling between their home country and the United States. Individuals who are traveling outside the United States should take steps to ensure their device continues to work abroad. 

**The simplest way to use 2FA for UConn services is to ****[download and set up the Duo Mobile app for authentication](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076)**. Duo Mobile works internationally with or without internet access on your device. It is the recommended two-factor authentication method for all situations. 

> ℹ️ ### Why should I not use SMS/calls for Duo?
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Some cell carriers cannot deliver SMS messages or calls internationally. Of those that can, some will charge additional fees for international phone/text/data usage.
> ℹ️ - As long as you have the same device, the app will continue to work, even if you change your phone number.
> ℹ️ - If you don’t have cell service, you will not receive texts or calls. However, the Duo Mobile app will continue to work.

## New to Duo?

If you are you setting up Duo for the first time, follow the instructions for [setting up a mobile phone for 2FA](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076) and installing the Duo Mobile app.

## Common questions

### International students

<details>
<summary>I don't have a US phone number. Will my phone work with Duo in the United States?</summary>

If you have an international phone number or are using a phone that you did not buy in the United States, you can use it with the Duo Mobile app. If you are you setting up Duo for the first time, follow the instructions for [setting up a mobile phone for 2FA](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076) and installing the Duo Mobile app.

If you set up Duo to send SMS messages, it is highly recommended to [switch from SMS texts to the Duo Mobile app](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10748724271/Using+Duo+2FA+Internationally+or+as+an+International+Student#Switching-from-SMS-texts-to-the-Duo-Mobile-app), even if you can receive SMS messages in the US.
</details>

<details>
<summary>I have an international phone number but will get a US phone number when I arrive in the United States. What should I do?</summary>

If you are still outside the US, you can set up Duo Mobile now. You should [set up verification via the app](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076) instead of SMS as you may not be able to receive SMS messages sent to your international phone number in the United States.

If you are already in the United States and only have SMS verification set up with your international phone number, you likely will not be able to log in and verify your identity. If this is the case, please reach out to techsupport@uconn.edu.
</details>

<details>
<summary>My Huawei phone can't download apps from the Google Play Store. What should I do?</summary>

If your Huawei phone is running Android, you can side-load the APK file for Duo Mobile according to these instructions: [https://help.duo.com/s/article/2211?language=en_US](https://help.duo.com/s/article/2211?language=en_US)

If your Huawei phone is running HarmonyOS, the Duo Mobile app is not supported. You should enroll in [SMS for 2FA](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/27936391304).
</details>

### Travelers

<details>
<summary>Can I use my US phone and phone number outside the United States?</summary>

If you have an US phone number (+1) or are using a phone that you bought in the United States, you can use it with the Duo Mobile app. If you are you setting up Duo for the first time, follow the instructions for [setting up a mobile phone for 2FA](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076) and installing the Duo Mobile app.

If you set up Duo to send SMS messages, it is highly recommended to [switch from SMS texts to the Duo Mobile app](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10748724271/Using+Duo+2FA+Internationally+or+as+an+International+Student#Switching-from-SMS-texts-to-the-Duo-Mobile-app), even if you can receive SMS messages in your destination country.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Will the Duo Mobile app work in my destination country?</summary>

Duo Mobile will work in most countries and regions. However, it will not function in Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Crimea region, Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Sevastopol region. In these regions, alternate methods such as SMS, phone calls, and hardware tokens will also not be supported. This information is provided by Duo [here](https://help.duo.com/s/article/7544?language=en_US).
</details>

<details>
<summary>My destination does not have strong cell service. What should I do?</summary>

You should [download and set up the Duo Mobile app for authentication](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10789815076). The app does not require cell service when using it to generate passcodes. If you cannot set up the Duo Mobile app, you may also consider using a [hardware token](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10736632690). These tokens never require any kind of service (cellular or internet).
</details>

## Switching from SMS texts to the Duo Mobile app

> ℹ️ To follow this process, you must have access to the original number that you added to Duo.

> ✅ It’s best to follow these steps on a computer because you need to scan a QR code at the end of the process. If you need to follow these steps on your mobile device, you can instead use the activation code.

If you already have Duo set up on your mobile device but did not install the app on your phone, follow these steps below. 

1. Begin by downloading the **Duo Mobile** app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
2. Go to [uconn.login.duosecurity.com/devices](https://uconn.login.duosecurity.com/devices) and log in with your UConn email address and NetID password.
3. Select **Add a device**
4. On the “Add a device” screen, select **Duo Mobile.**
5. When prompted to enter your phone number, select **I have a tablet**.
6. The next screen will prompt you to download the Duo Mobile app if you haven’t already. Click **Next **to continue.
7. The next screen will appear differently if you are accessing from a phone vs. a computer.  
a. If accessing from a computer, you will be presented with a QR code to scan. Open the Duo app on your phone, tap **+Add**, and select **Use QR code. **Hold the tablet up to the computer screen to scan the QR code.  
b. If accessing from your phone, simply click the **Continue** button.
8. The process is complete.

> 📝 For additional information and tips for international numbers, see the [Frequently Asked Questions](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/26110820432) about the Duo Enrollment.

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