How to Generate and Get a QR Login Code for OKTA Service

OKTA is an identity and access management service that allows users to securely access multiple applications with a single login. It provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security.

What is a QR Login Code?

A QR login code allows you to easily set up multi-factor authentication on your mobile device. When you scan the QR code with an authenticator app like Okta Verify, it links your mobile device to your OKTA account.

Here are the key benefits of using a QR login code:

  • Convenient – Scanning a code is faster than manually entering a secret key.
  • Secure – The code contains encrypted connection details to link your device securely.
  • Universal – The QR code works for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Generating a QR Login Code

You can generate a QR login code in your OKTA dashboard. Here are the steps:

1. Log in to your OKTA account

Go to your organization’s OKTA login page and sign in with your username and password.

2. Navigate to Security > Authentication

Go to the Security menu and select Authentication.

3. Select Okta Verify

Look for the Okta Verify section and click on “Setup” to begin setup.

4. Choose your device type

Select the device you want to link, either iPhone, Android, or Windows device.

5. Scan QR code

A unique QR code will appear on your screen. Open the Okta Verify mobile app on your device and scan this code to link your device.

That’s it! Scanning the QR code links your mobile device to your OKTA account. Going forward, you can use Okta Verify push notifications or one-time codes for multi-factor authentication.

Getting a New QR Code

You may need to get a new QR code if you have a new device or need to re-register your Okta Verify app. Here is how to get a new code:

On Desktop

  1. In your OKTA dashboard, go to Security > Authentication and select Okta Verify.
  2. Click “Setup New Device” and scan the new QR code on your mobile device.

On Mobile App

  1. Open the Okta Verify App > Click the plus icon > Select Add New Account
  2. Scan the QR code displayed on your OKTA dashboard.

This allows you to link additional mobile devices or refresh the registration if you have a new phone.

Using QR Code Login

Once you have Okta Verify set up on your mobile device, you can easily log in using the QR code.

On PC/Mac

  1. Launch your browser and go to the OKTA login page.
  2. When prompted for MFA, approve the push notification or enter the OTP from Okta Verify.

On Mobile

  1. Tap the push notification received and approve the login request.
  2. Alternatively, open Okta Verify and enter the one-time password.

The QR code login enhances security by requiring an additional factor beyond your password. It prevents unauthorized access even if someone knows your password.

Troubleshooting Issues

Here are some troubleshooting tips for common QR code issues:

  • Code not scanning? – Make sure your camera focus is proper and there is no glare on the screen. Try scanning from multiple angles.
  • Not receiving push? – Check if notifications are enabled for Okta Verify in device settings. Connection issues can also prevent pushes.
  • Wrong account linked? – If the wrong OKTA account got linked, unlink the app and scan the code again. Make sure the code is for your account.
  • Getting invalid OTP errors? – Time on your device could be out of sync. Make sure automatic time/timezone is enabled on your phone.
  • Lost access to mobile app? – Log in to your OKTA dashboard and remove the Okta Verify factor. Then set up a new factor like SMS or voice call.

Conclusion

Using QR code login for multi-factor authentication makes the login process quick and secure. Make sure to scan the code instead of entering the secret key manually for convenience. If you have any issues with QR code setup, try the troubleshooting tips or contact your organization’s IT support.