Multi-Factor Authentication Required for Students Starting February 16

Need MFA Help?

Contact the Help Desk for assistance or to make an appointment.

Service Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM


helpdesk@solano.edu
(707) 864-7000 Ext: 4690

Protect Your Solano College Account

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your Solano College account. After you enter your password, MFA asks you to confirm it's really you with a second step, such as approving a sign-in on your phone.

Passwords alone can be guessed, stolen, or exposed in data breaches. With MFA, someone who has your password still can't get into your account. MFA helps protect your personal information, financial aid, registration, Canvas coursework, and student email.

When Is MFA Required?

MFA will be required in two phases, based on the first letter of your last name.

  1. Monday, November 16, 2026

    MFA enrollment opens for all students. Set up any time.

  2. Tuesday, February 16, 2027

    MFA required for last names beginning with A–K.

  3. Monday, March 15, 2027

    MFA required for last names beginning with L–Z.

After your required date, you must finish MFA setup before you can use any Solano system that uses your Solano College sign-in, such as FalconNest, Canvas, and student email. Set it up now to avoid interruptions.

Get Started: Set Up a Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator is the required MFA option for most students. You'll need an iPhone with iOS 17 or later or an Android phone with Android 14 or later, plus your Solano College username and password.

Sign in with your Solano College username:

username@solano.edu

For example, Maria Hernandez signs in as mhernand@solano.edu. Don't use your old @students.solano.edu address.

  1. Install the App

    Download the free Microsoft Authenticator app. Make sure the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.

    Download Microsoft Authenticator on the App Store Get Microsoft Authenticator on Google Play

  2. Add Your Account

    Open the app and tap Add work or school account, then Sign in. Already use the app? Tap + and choose Work or school account.

  3. Sign In

    Enter your Solano College username and password. If you're asked to verify your identity, follow the prompt.

  4. Create a Passkey

    Follow the prompts to create a passkey. If your account was already in the app, tap it, then tap Create a passkey.

  5. Confirm It's You

    Use your phone's PIN, fingerprint, or face when asked.

  6. Turn On Authenticator and Finish

    When asked, tap Settings and turn on Authenticator as a passkey provider. Return to the app and tap Done.

Stay safe: Start setup only in the Microsoft Authenticator app, on a phone that only you use. Solano College will never email or text you a link to set up MFA.

Authenticator App Setup Guide Detailed Passkey Setup Guide

Watch How to Set It Up

Prefer to follow along? These short videos walk you through each part of setup.

Authenticator App Setup

Install Microsoft Authenticator and add your Solano College account.

Watch Authenticator App Setup on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Passkey Setup

Create a passkey and turn on Authenticator as a passkey provider.

Watch Passkey Setup on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to set up MFA? What happens if I miss my date?

Yes. MFA is required for all students. After your required date, you must finish MFA setup before you can use any Solano system that uses your Solano College sign-in, such as FalconNest, Canvas, and student email. Your date is listed above and is based on your last name. Setup takes about 10 minutes, so do it before your date.

My phone is too old, or I don't see Create a passkey. What should I do?

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, you can use Microsoft Authenticator notifications instead. Add your Solano account to the app, and when you sign in, enter the number shown on the screen in the app and tap Approve. If you need help, contact the Help Desk.

I don't have a smartphone. Can I still sign in?

Yes. Contact the Help Desk. After verifying your identity, staff will go over other sign-in options with you.

Can I use text messages instead?

No. Microsoft is ending text message and phone call sign-in on February 1, 2027, so it will not be available for student accounts. Use a passkey or Microsoft Authenticator instead.

Can Solano see my fingerprint, face, or personal information?

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, or other personal data.

How do I know a setup request is really from Solano?

Start setup only in the Microsoft Authenticator app, using the steps on this page. Solano College will never email or text you a link or QR code to set up MFA, and Help Desk staff will never ask for your password or a verification code. If you get a message like that, don't respond. Forward it to helpdesk@solano.edu.

How do I keep my account safe after setup?
  • 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 is lost or stolen, contact the Help Desk right away.
  • Keep your password private, and don't use it on other sites.
  • On lab or shared computers, always sign out when you're done.