Using Google Authenticator to sign in to your TnTech Account

Overview 

In some instances, you may want to use Google Authenticator as a Multi-Factor Authentication Method for your TnTech account. This may be particularly helpful if you frequently travel abroad or if you are an international student. This article details setting up Google Authenticator as your default method of authentication for both first-time, new users and current users. 

 

Steps for New Users

  1. Begin by navigating to express.tntech.edu and enter your username and default password as detailed by related articles on the right
  2. You will prompted by More information required, click Next
  3. On the following page, click I want to use a different authenticator app
  4. Download Google Authenticator on your mobile device then click Next
  5. Open the Google Authenticator App, tap the + in the lower right corner, and select Scan a QR Code
  6. If you are setting up your Authenticator on the same device that you are logged into (i.e. phone, tablet, Chromebook, etc.), click "Can't scan image?" and you will be provided an Account Name and Secret Key to enter into the Authenticator app (Enter a setup key instead of Scan a QR code)
  7. Once added, click Next, enter the 6-digit code shown in the Google Authenticator app, and click Next again
You have successfully added Google Authenticator as an MFA method.

 

Steps for Current Users

  1. On your device, log into TechExpress, click the "compass" in the upper right corner of the screen and scroll down the menu so you can select "Microsoft Security Information", or navigate to aka.ms/mfasetup
  2. Log in with your TnTech username and password.
  3. Approve your sign-in request with your current authentication method 
NOTE: If you do not have access to your current MFA Method(s), you will need to contact the IT Help Desk. 
  1. Once signed in, navigate to the Security Info tab and click Add sign-in method
  2. From the drop-down menu, select Authenticator app and click add
  3. In the new pop-up window, click I want to use a different authenticator app
  4. Download Google Authenticator from your phone or tablet's app store then click Next on the device that has Microsoft Security Information opened on (be sure to download the free version)
  5. Open the Google Authenticator App on your phone, tap the + in the lower right corner, and select Scan a QR Code
    1. If you are setting up your Authenticator on the same device that you are logged into (i.e. phone, tablet, Chromebook, etc.), click "Can't scan image?" and you will be provided an Account name and Secret key to enter into the Authenticator app (Enter a setup key instead of Scan a QR code)
  6. Once added, click Next, enter the 6-digit code shown in the Google Authenticator app, and click Next again
The authentication method should now be displayed with the list of methods as Authenticator app Time-based one-time password (TOTP).

 

Setting Google Authenticator as your Default Sign-in Method

  1. On your device, navigate to aka.ms/mfasetup and sign in with your TnTech username and password
  2. Approve your sign-in request with your current authentication method 
NOTE: If you do not have access to your current MFA Method(s), you will need to contact the IT Help Desk.
  1. Once logged in, navigate to the Security info tab
  2. Near the top, it will display your default sign-in method, click Change
  3. From the drop-down, select App-based authentication or hardware token - code and click confirm
Your default sign-in method has been changed to the Google Authenticator.

 

Still having issues?

If you have additional issues, please contact the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@tntech.edu or via phone at 931-372-3975. The IT Help Desk hours of operation are posted on the Self-Service Homepage.

 

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