Workday MFA Setup on Personal Devices

This page details the steps on how to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Workday utilizing a mobile device. This may require the use of a separate authentication app, such as Microsoft (MS) Authenticator.

Note: If you already use Single Sign-On (SSO) as a North Carolina state employee, you are not required to download the MS Authenticator app. You may continue to use the authentication method you selected when setting up. This includes options for a phone call, text, or MS Authenticator.

State employees who do not have SSO accounts with a state email address should have received temporary Workday credentials from their manager. Please use those credentials while following along. This access is referred to as Workday Native Access.

Instructions

Step 1: Download the Workday App

Workday app logo in the app store.

Download and install the Workday App on your smart device from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Set Up the Workday App

Open the Workday app. You will need an organizational ID to get started.

The organizational ID for the State of North Carolina is: nc

Enter the organizational ID in the blue outlined box, next to the building icon.

Workday app enter organization screen.

Step 2A: SSO Employee Instructions

If you are a state employee who uses SSO, please use the first login option, "State Login-SSO." Follow the standard process for logging in. You will land on the home page of the Workday employee hub.

You're done! You may disregard the remaining instructions.

Step 2B: Non-SSO Employee Instructions

If you are a state employee without a state email address, please use the second option, "Non-SSO State Employees and Pre-Hire." State employees who do not have SSO accounts should have received temporary Workday credentials from their manager. Please use those credentials in the setup process.

Step 3: Download the MS Authenticator App

Microsoft Authenticator app on the app store.

Workday will prompt you for additional security using MFA. The State of North Carolina recommends the MS Authenticator app. If you already use other authenticator applications, you may continue to use them instead. Our instructions assume you use MS Authenticator.

Step 4: Configure the MS Authenticator App

Workday extra verification required screen.
Workday app authenticator setup screen.

After opening the Workday app and generating the QR code needed in the Authenticator App, you will open the MS Authenticator app.

Step 4A: Add a New Account

Click the plus sign in the top-right corner to add a new account:

Authenticator app add account button.

Step 4B: Sign In

  1. Select “Other” then “Enter Code Manually”
  2. Enter Secret Key manually, tap or enter the code manually
  3. Copy or write down Secret Key displayed. For Account Name, enter “Workday”.
  4. In Secret Key field, paste or enter Secret Key with spaces.

 

Workday app success popup.
Workday app authenticator setup screen.
A security code for Workday in the authenticator app.
  1. From Workday on the computer, click Next.
  2. From MS Authenticator, tap “Workday” and obtain the 6-digit code. Note: this will change every 30 seconds.
  3. From The Workday App, Confirm Security Code by entering the 6-digit number from the Authenticator App.
  4. Click Next.
The Workday app showing a prompt to enter a security code.
A Workday app prompt to enter a security code. The user is in the process of entering the code.
  1. Look for the "Success!" window.
Workday app success popup.
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