Setting up Multifactor Authentication

Setting up and using MFA:

Upon successful login with your ESL username and passphrase, you will be prompted to set up MFA before accessing secure services with your ESL account.

Once your ESL account has an MFA set up, you will be required to provide the 6-digit passcode shown in your app or browser when prompted during login.

Should you need to remove and reset your MFA, e.g. you have lost or changed your phone, you will need to contact the Delegated Authoriser from your organisation and request the removal of the MFA. Please refer to the Remove and reset MFA page for instructions.

Note: Removing your MFA does not mean that you do not have to use MFA for future logins where required, you will be prompted to reset it at the next opportunity you try to access secure services using your ESL.

To begin the set up:

We recommend downloading the Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator app for free from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play store. Most smartphone-based authenticator applications will work, but our support is limited to these two, including the authenticator browser extension, although we strongly recommend using a smartphone-based authenticator app where possible as it is more secure.

Refer to the help guides below for your chosen MFA method:

Most smartphone-based authenticator applications are similar and will operate like below:

1.    Scan QR code provided when prompted to set up MFA.
2.    Authenticator app will start generating Passcodes.
3.    Provide Passcode back to the application/website that is asking you for MFA.

If you are having trouble scanning the QR code, make sure that your camera is clear of debris, and nothing is covering the QR code.

If you still can’t scan the QR code, use the manual entry option in your authenticator app and enter the Account name and Secret key provided in the “Other authentication options.” section on the MFA set up page on ESL as shown in the image.

Finding the Verification Passcode for MFA

Once you have set up your Authenticator, you will see the passcodes being generated and refreshed once you open the app or browser. Make sure you are entering the correct code by verifying the name above the code. It will say Education Sector Logon (ESL).

Calling Service Desk

Education Service Desk

Freephone: 0800 422 599 (NZ Only)

Email: service.desk@education.govt.nz

Note: To confirm your identity, you will be asked questions to verify your identity.