Employee MFA Setup

No. MFA is required for all Solano College employees under Board Policy 3910 and Administrative Procedure 3910.2. All faculty and staff must use MFA to access college systems and services.

Only until February 1, 2027. Microsoft is ending text message and phone call sign-in on that date, so they will no longer work for employee accounts. Set up a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator now so you are not locked out. Learn more in Microsoft's retirement article (opens in a new tab).

• Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator (recommended): The fastest and most secure option. You confirm it's you with your phone's PIN, fingerprint, or face.
• Microsoft Authenticator notifications: Enter the number shown on your screen in the app and tap Approve. Use this if your phone can't create a passkey.
• YubiKey: A physical security key for employees who prefer not to use a personal phone. See the YubiKey question below.
• Text message or phone call: Ending February 1, 2027. Switch to a passkey before then.

A passkey needs an iPhone with iOS 17 or later or an Android phone with Android 14 or later. Update your phone's software and the Microsoft Authenticator app, then try again. On Android 14, if you can't turn on Authenticator as a passkey provider, update to Android 15 if your phone offers it.

If your phone still can't create a passkey, use Microsoft Authenticator notifications instead, or contact the Help Desk.

Go to Microsoft Security Info (opens in a new tab) and sign in with your Solano College account. You'll see each method on your account, including any passkey, Authenticator app, or phone number.

No. You can add more than one account to the same Microsoft Authenticator app. Follow the steps on this page to add your Solano College account and create a passkey.

Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone and follow the steps on this page to add your Solano College account and create a new passkey. Passkeys stay on the phone where you created them, so keep your old phone until setup on the new one is done. If you no longer have your old phone, contact the Help Desk.

Microsoft Authenticator can show a 6-digit passcode without a connection. When asked, choose to enter a code, then open the app to see the code for your Solano College account.

You can request a YubiKey if you prefer not to use a personal phone. Before you request one, please note:

• You must carry the YubiKey with you when you sign in.
• If you lose it, the replacement cost (about $50) is your responsibility.
• Setup takes more time than the app.

To request a YubiKey, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@solano.edu.

No. Shared logins are not permitted under Board Policy 3910 and Administrative Procedure 3910.2. Each employee must have their own account protected by MFA to ensure accountability and data security.

Yes. All faculty and staff, including adjunct faculty who teach or work entirely online, must use MFA to access college systems. MFA protects your account and college data no matter where you sign in.

No. Your fingerprint, face, and PIN never leave your phone. They only unlock the passkey stored on your device. Microsoft Authenticator does not give Solano College access to your photos, messages, files, or other personal data.

No. The Help Desk will never ask for your password or a verification code. If you get a request like that, don't respond. It may be an attempt to break into your account. Forward it to helpdesk@solano.edu.

When you ask for help, the Help Desk may send a Microsoft Authenticator prompt to your phone to verify your identity. The prompt includes a support request message and a confirmation code that staff may ask you to read back.

• Never approve a sign-in request you didn't start. Deny it, change your password, and report it to the Help Desk.
• Only scan a sign-in QR code on a screen where you just started signing in. Never scan one sent to you by email, text, or message.
• Don't share your phone's PIN. Anyone who can unlock your phone can use your passkey.
• If your phone or YubiKey is lost or stolen, contact the Help Desk right away.
• Always sign in through official Solano College sign-in pages.

If you experience login errors (such as “Invalid Username/Password”) or repeated sign-in prompts, clearing your browser cache and cookies can often resolve the issue.

Your browser may retain outdated session information after a login timeout or system update. Clearing cached data removes these stale sessions and allows the application to establish a fresh, valid login.

Follow the steps below for your browser.

How to clear cache and cookies

Google Chrome

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
2. Select "Last 7 days" or "All Time" based on the date of your last successful login.
3. Select the checkbox "Cookies and Other site data."
4. Click "Delete data."
5. Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
2. Select Last 7 days or All time.
3. Check Cookies and other site data.
4. Click Clear now.
5. Close all Edge windows and reopen the browser.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
2. Select Last 7 days or All time.
3. Check Cookies and other site data.
4. Click Clear.
5. Close all Firefox windows and reopen the browser.

Once stale cookies are cleared, the error should no longer appear.

If the issue continues after clearing your cookies, please submit a Help Desk ticket so our team can assist you.