Sign-In Changes Are Coming. Here's What You Need to Know
Posted: 2026-08-13 14:21:56 Expiration: 2027-01-31 14:21:56
Microsoft is changing how you sign in to your SIUE Microsoft account, the account you use for email, Blackboard, and other services. If you currently use text message or phone call codes to verify your identity, those methods will be phased out over the next several months.
What's happening?
Starting September 1, 2026, Microsoft will begin prompting users who still sign in with a text message or phone call to set up a passkey, a more secure sign-in method that uses your fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN instead of a text message or phone call code. The prompt can be dismissed for now, but it will appear again at your next sign-in. On February 1, 2027, Microsoft will retire its built-in SMS and voice authentication service entirely. After that date, text message and phone call codes will no longer work for SIUE sign-in.
What should I do right now?
Nothing urgent. February 1, 2027, is the actual deadline. For most SIUE users, Microsoft Authenticator is the recommended starting point: it works on nearly any smartphone and does not require Bluetooth. If you already use Microsoft Authenticator and your device supports passkeys, you can easily add a passkey as an additional sign-in method.
If you use text message codes, you have time, but we encourage you to set up Microsoft Authenticator now and add a passkey if your device supports it. Setup takes about five minutes.
Keep in mind that passkeys need Bluetooth for cross-device sign-in, which does not work on some public machines such as labs, kiosks, and podiums. Authenticator works anywhere.
If a phone number was your only alternate method for self-service password reset, the retirement affects your ability to reset your password on your own. See the E-ID - Changing your E-ID Password for what to do.
What's coming next?
Over the coming months, ITS will share guides, FAQs, and training resources to help you transition. We'll also offer hands-on help sessions and one-on-one appointments for anyone who wants assistance.
Where to learn more:
Additional information and step-by-step guides will be published throughout the 2026-27 academic year at the SIUE Knowledge Base. The recommended starting point is Account Access - Passkeys. Watch for updates in the E Today, on the ITS website, and in the Knowledge Base.
Questions? Contact the ITS Help Desk at help@siue.edu or (618) 650-5500.
-- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Mark Dorris