MFA-Duo - How can I use the "Remember Me" function?

This document will provide instructions for setting the "remember me for 12 hours" feature. The "remember me" feature makes MFA-Duo more convenient by reducing the number of times that you'll be prompted for MFA-Duo on the same device using the same browser. The "remember me" feature remembers your current browser for 12 hours.

Note: The "Remember me for 12 hours" function is not currently working with Safari version 13.0.3 on Mac OS 10.14.6 (Mojave). Duo is aware of the issue, and it should be resolved soon.

Please see the Troubleshooting section below if you find that "remember me" is not working for you.

In order to login with Duo Multi-factor Authentication, you must have first set up a device and linked it with your NetID. If you have not yet completed this, follow the instructions here: MFA-Duo - How to Enroll for MFA Duo for your NetID Login Account

Using "Remember Me for 12 hours"

  1. Navigate to a page that requires Duo Multi-factor Authentication after NetID login (e.g. MyUW).

  2. Authenticate with your NetID and Password.

  3. Before choosing an authentication method, check the box next to "Remember me for 12 hours".

    Remeber me for 12 hours checkbox is checked

  4. Proceed with your MFA Duo login as usual by clicking Send Me a Push or Enter a Passcode.

Note: If the "Remember me for 12 hours" option is grayed out, your MFA-Duo authentication method is set up to automatically send a push;

You can still use "Remember me for 12 hours" without changing device settings by:

  1. Click cancel on your initial push request.
    2. A banner notification that there is a pending Push to the duo device with a Cancel button on the banner

  2. Click "Remember me for 12 hours".
  3. Proceed with your MFA Duo login as usual by clicking Send Me a Push or Enter a Passcode.

UW-Madison strongly recommends you do NOT select 'Automatically send this device a Duo Push' so that you can easily take advantage of "Remember me for 12 hours" Follow the steps below to change your MFA-Duo settings:

Changing your settings to no longer default to Push

  1. Navigate to the Multi-Factor Authentication Portal.

  2. Authenticate with your NetID and password, and with MFA-Duo.

  3. Change the "When I log in" drop-down option to "Ask me to choose an authentication method."

    4. My settings and devices page with default device and default notification settings highlighted\


  Troubleshooting "Remember Me"

Users may find that they are prompted for MFA-Duo within 12 hours even after they have selected the "remember me for 12 hours" box. The "remember me" feature relies on a browser cookie to function.

"remember me" may not work in the following situations:
  • If you close your browser or switch to a new browser.
  • If you switch to a different computer.
  • If you are using private/incognito browsing mode.
  • If your browser does not allow cookies to be saved.
  • If you clear your browser cookies
Here are some basic troubleshooting tips to ensure that "remember me" works.
  1. Make sure that your internet browser allows cookies from the duosecurity.com domain to be stored in your browser.
    • In Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy. Under Cookies and website data click Allow from websites I visit. Restart your browser and try "remember me" again.
    • In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Options > Privacy. Adjust the slider for the Internet zone to allow third-party cookies to be stored. Restart your browser and try "remember me" again.
    • In Firefox, go to Firefox > Preferences > Privacy & Security. Ensure Third-Party Cookies are not blocked. Under Cookies and Site Data click Accept cookies and site data.
      Restart your browser and try "remember me" again.
    • In Chrome, go to Preferences > Settings > Show advanced settings > Content settings. Ensure Block third-party cookies is not selected. Restart your browser and try "remember me" again.
  2. If you have browser extensions or plug-ins installed, disable or remove them to see if "remember me" works. Many browser extensions and plug-ins prevent cookies.
  3. If the steps above do not resolve the issue, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.

    See accessibility & usability information

    We work with our users to address access and usability barriers in the MFA user experience. Learn details about known access barriers and workarounds at MFA-Duo - Accessibility & Usability Information. If you encounter a barrier or need assistance, please contact the DoIT Help Desk or call (608) 264-4357.

    For questions regarding how to get access to the MFA mobile app contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.

    How to get access to a Security Key or Duo Token/Fob 

    Students

    Students, to obtain a token/fob, please contact the DoIT Help Desk (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu. Students with disabilities can also request a token or security key at the McBurney Disability Resource Center, 702 W. Johnson St., Suite #2104, Madison WI 53715 on the 2nd floor.

    Faculty, Staff, and Researchers

    Employees can get access to devices for MFA at their Human Resources Office or IT department. For questions contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.