This guide helps caregivers decide on the best MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) option for logging into Providence accounts. You only need to set up one MFA option, but you can set up a secondary option as a backup if desired.
1. Microsoft Authenticator (Recommended)
The Microsoft Authenticator app provides a notification on your phone to approve your sign-in, similar to Okta Verify.
- Setup Instructions: Click here to access Microsoft Authenticator Setup helpdoc.
2. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator generates a 6-digit code for login, similar to logging into Zendesk or Amazon Connect.
Setup Instructions:
- Click here and log into your Providence account.
- Click "Add method".
The Security info page lists your current sign-in methods (for example Phone and Microsoft Authenticator), with a + Add method link above the list and a "Lost device? Sign out everywhere" link below it.
- Select "Authenticator app" and click "Add".
An Add a method dialog opens asking "Which method would you like to add?" Choose Authenticator app from the drop-down and click the blue Add button at the bottom right.
- Click "I want to use a different authenticator app", then "Next".
A Microsoft Authenticator panel titled "Start by getting the app" appears, with a Download now link and a blue Next button. Below the instructions is a smaller link reading I want to use a different authenticator app — click that link first, then Next.
- Click "Next" again.
The panel is now titled Authenticator app and reads "Set up your account — In your app, add a new account." Click Next at the bottom right.
- A QR code will be displayed. DO NOT CLICK NEXT YET!
The Authenticator app panel titled "Scan the QR code" shows the QR code on the left with a Can't scan image? link beneath it, and Back and Next buttons at the bottom right. Leave this panel open; do not click Next until you have finished the Google Authenticator steps below.
- Open Google Authenticator in Chrome.
- Click the pencil icon in the upper-right.
In Chrome, click the Authenticator extension icon (a small QR-code symbol to the right of the address bar). The Authenticator pop-up opens listing your existing accounts and their current 6-digit codes; the pencil (edit) icon is in the pop-up's top-right corner, next to the scan icon.
- Click the "+" sign at the bottom of the window.
In edit mode each existing account shows a red minus (remove) icon on its left. Scroll to the bottom of the list, where an empty card contains a gray + sign.
- Select "Scan QR Code."
A two-item menu appears with Scan QR Code above Manual Entry; click Scan QR Code.
- Use your mouse to scan the QR code displayed on your Providence account screen.
- After scanning, enter the 6-digit code from Google Authenticator and click "Next".
Back on the Providence screen, the Authenticator app panel now reads "Enter code — Enter the 6-digit code shown in the Authenticator app." Type the code into the Enter code field and click Next.
You should now see Google Authenticator listed in your sign-in options.
3. Text Message Code
This method sends a 6-digit code to your phone via text message for login.
Setup Instructions:
- Click here and log into your Providence account.
- Click "Add method".
The Security info page lists your current sign-in methods with a + Add method link above the list; click it.
- Select "Phone" from the drop-down menu and click "Add".
In the Add a method dialog, open the "Which method would you like to add?" drop-down, choose Phone, and click the blue Add button.
- Enter your phone number and ensure "Text me a code" is checked. Click "Next".
The Phone panel explains "You can prove who you are by answering a call on your phone or texting a code to your phone." Pick your country code from the drop-down (it defaults to United States (+1)), type your number in the field beside it, select the Text me a code radio button (not Call me), and click Next.
- Enter the 6-digit code received via text message and click "Next".
The Phone panel reads "We just sent a 6 digit code to +1 … Enter the code below." Type the code into the field (a Resend code link sits beneath it) and click Next.
You should see a message confirming successful registration. Click "Done" to finish.
The Phone panel shows a green check mark with the message "SMS verified. Your phone was registered successfully." Click the blue Done button.