University-issued fob for two-factor authentication (2FA)

University-issued fobs are one of the methods available for receiving a 2FA authentication code. There is a one-time charge for the initial fob and another charge for each replacement. If you do not wish to incur this cost, consider using the free Google Authenticator app instead.

Fobs are:

  • Registered for use by a single person. Fobs may not be shared or transferred.
  • Tamper-resistant. Batteries are not replaceable.
  • Subject to mechanical and electronic failures. Most fobs will last three to five years.

You are responsible for the full cost of replacing a lost or damaged fob.

How to purchase a fob

Fobs are available for purchase at the Apple store in the UD Bookstore (map) for $23.25 each.

Due to challenges with campus delivery, department purchases have been suspended. Please use article https://services.udel.edu/TDClient/32/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=4 for remote, self-service using Google Authenticator.

How to activate a fob

Note: You must enroll in 2FA at My UD Settings before you can activate a fob.
  1. Log in to My UD Settings.
    Note: You can activate a fob only if you have enrolled in 2FA.
  2. In the section, Add 2FA methods, click the Add UD fob button.
  3. A dialog will open wiht the title UD-issued Fob Settings.
  4. In the Fob serial number field, enter the serial number found on the back of your fob.
  5. Press the Press button on the back of your fob to view a code on the fob screen. Type this code in the Fob verification code field.
  6. Click the Save button.
  7. If you are using the Google Authenticator app, it needs to be reconfigured to work with your fob. Click the Edit Google Authenticator button and follow the instructions to update the Authenticator app on your device.
  8. Click the Done button.

What if my fob fails?

Even though most fobs have a three- to five-year lifespan, they are subject to mechanical and electronic failures.

If fobs fail, they tend to exhibit one of the following symptoms:

  • The 2FA code appears when you press the Press button on the fob, but the code does not work when you try to log in. This symptom occurs if the fob's internal clock becomes inaccurate; as a result the 2FA code is calculated incorrectly. To fix this problem:
  1. Follow the instructions in the above section "How to activate a fob" to re-register your fob.
  2. Try to use the fob to log in with 2FA. If the code on the fob still does not work, then your fob needs to be replaced.
  • No numbers appear in the window when you press the Press button on the fob. Your fob likely needs to be replaced.

If your fob stops working within six months of your purchase at the bookstore, take it to the IT CS&S Service Desk (lower level Smith Hall) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on a day the University is open for business. You can receive a free replacement fob if you purchased your fob less than six months ago and it is defective. You will need to purchase a new fob if your fob stopped working because it was damaged.

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