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How do I set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) in PowerSchool?

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ORCA staff are strongly encouraged to enroll in multi-factor authentication in PowerSchool. This guide is designed to help you enable MFA quickly and easily. 

What is multi-factor identification?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires a user to provide two or more distinct proofs of identity before granting access to an account or system. It is sometimes referred to as 2-factor authentication (2FA) or 2-step verification (2SV).

To utilize MFA in PowerSchool, you will need to download a mobile authenticator app. The most popular and recommended is Google Authenticator, which is freely accessible from your phone's app store. This guide assumes that you are using Google Authenticator, but most authenticator apps work the same way. 

Choose where your codes will live

To use MFA in PowerSchool, you need an authenticator: an app that generates a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. You have two options:

  • Option 1: An authenticator app on your phone. The most popular and recommended is Google Authenticator, which is free from your phone’s app store. Most authenticator apps work the same way.
  • Option 2: The Passwords app on your ORCA MacBook. If you’d rather not use a personal phone, your MacBook has an authenticator built in. Nothing needs to be installed.

Option 1: Adding PowerSchool to your Google Authenticator app

PowerSchool provides two different ways to connect to your Authenticator app: via a QR code scan, or by typing in a 32-character key. Using the QR code is recommended, but in a pinch the key can be used as well.

  1. Log in to PowerSchool and navigate to your profile menu by clicking on your initials in the top right corner.
  2. Select Manage Profile.
    PS_manage_profile.png
  3. Scroll down, and you should see a subheading titled Multi-Factor Authentication for PowerSchool SIS. Click on the link Enable Multi-Factor Authentication directly underneath.
  4. From here, a QR code and key should pop up. You can then use your Google Authenticator app to scan it from the home screen.

 
Within your Google Authenticator app:

  1. While at the home screen, tap the + symbol on the bottom right of the screen to add an account.
  2. Select Scan a QR code.
  3. Use your phone's camera to scan the provided QR code on PowerSchool. Your PowerSchool account should automatically be added to your home screen.
  4. Back in PowerSchool, underneath the QR code, input the 6-digit code now displayed in your Authenticator app.

  5. Select Verify Code. Congratulations, you've set up MFA!

    From here, PowerSchool logins from new browsers or devices will require that you provide the current 6-digit code from your Authenticator app. Codes in the Authenticator app are time-sensitive, and will refresh after 30 seconds. If you encounter an issue after trying to input a code, let the current cycle lapse and try again when a new code appears.

Option 2: Set up iCloud Passwords in Chrome (one time)

  1. Make sure you’re signed in to your MacBook with your ORCA Apple Account (System Settings > your name at the top of the sidebar).
  2. In Chrome, open the Chrome Web Store and add the iCloud Passwords extension (published by Apple).
  3. Click the Extensions (puzzle piece) icon in Chrome’s toolbar and pin iCloud Passwords so it’s always visible.
  4. Click the iCloud Passwords icon. Your MacBook will display a 6-digit code. Enter it in the extension to turn it on.

From there, sign into PowerSchool. When iCloud Passwords offers to save your password, choose to save it. If it doesn’t offer, follow these steps below to offer it manually:

  1. Open the Passwords app in your MacBook (Finder > Applications > Passwords) and unlock it with Touch ID or your MacBook password.
  2. Click the + button, enter the PowerSchool web address, then your username, and your password. Then click Save.

Using the QR code (quickest): 

  1. On the PowerSchool MFA page from Step 1, right-click (or Control-click) the QR code and choose the iCloud Passwords option to set up a verification code.
  2. Select your saved PowerSchool login when asked.
  3. A 6-digit code now appears for that login. Copy it.

Or, using the 32-character key: Use this if the QR code option doesn’t appear.

  1. On the PowerSchool MFA page, select and copy the 32-character key shown with the QR code.
  2. Open the Passwords app and select your PowerSchool login.
  3. Click Edit, then click Set Up Code.
  4. Paste the key into Setup Key, then click Use Setup Key.
  5. A 6-digit code now shows on that login. Click the code to copy it.
  6. Back in PowerSchool, underneath the QR code, paste the 6-digit code.
  7. Select Verify Code. Congratulations, you’ve set up MFA!

Even more alternatives can include: 1password

I no longer have access to my authenticator app

If you do not have the Authenticator app associated with your PowerSchool account, reach out to us at the Help Desk for assistance at helpdesk@syseducation.org.

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