What is PingID and how do I use it?

PingID is an application that helps to keep OU systems and applications secure when employees log in from off-campus networks. This is done through multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires every employee to verify their log-in attempt is legitimate by confirming it via a second device, usually a mobile phone.

If you are new to OU and have never enrolled in PingID before, you will be prompted to do so the first time you try to log in to an OU application off campus (such as Microsoft Outlook or Teams using your ou.edu email address).

How to enroll in PingID

To enroll in PingID, follow the steps below:

1. On your primary work device (your desktop or laptop computer), go to the OU online portal for PingID: https://link.ou.edu/pingid
2. Enter your OU 4×4 and password just as you would to log in to any other OU application.
3. Once you’re logged in, you should see the My Devices screen as shown below. Select the +Add button, which will direct you to the “Add a New Device” screen.

4. You will now download the PingID app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone. Search your device’s app store for PingID and install the app.

5. Once you’ve installed PingID on your mobile device, open the app. You’ll be asked to accept the terms of service. Tap Accept. You’ll also need to enable push notifications and location access for PingID. Tap “I Understand” and then accept all PingID permission requests when prompted to do so (tap Allow and OK).
6. Your PingID pairing key and QR code should be displayed on your computer (the “Add a New Device” screen from Step 3). From the PingID app on your mobile device, hold your device in front of the QR code to scan it.
   • If you are unable to scan the QR code using your mobile device, tap Enter Pairing Key Manually and enter the pairing code as shown on the “Add a New Device” screen.

7. On your mobile device, enter a nickname for your PingID profile and tap Done. You should see a green checkmark indicating the pairing request is successful. You may need to tap X to exit.
8. To check if you’ve successfully enrolled in Ping ID, select the Menu (three horizontal lines) icon in the upper-left corner of your PingID app. When the menu expands, select Settings. You should now see the University of Oklahoma listed under My Organizations. Make sure the option to “Allow Notifications” is turned on as well.
   • Please note you will need to keep the PingID app installed on your mobile device going forward, as authentication prompts will always appear in this app whenever you try to log in to an OU application off campus.

How to use PingID

When you try to sign in to an OU website or application off campus, a PingID authentication request will be sent to your mobile device for your approval. Follow the steps below to approve the request:

1. You may see the notification from PingID appear on your mobile device’s home screen. Tap the notification to open the app, or locate the PingID app on your device and launch it manually.

2. In the PingID app, you should see the following screen. Select Yes to approve the authentication request.

3. After you approve the request, you should see a green box with a checkmark as shown below. This means you’ve successfully authenticated your log-in request. On your work device, you should automatically be directed to the OU website or application you were attempting to access.

More PingID resources from OU IT

If you are having trouble with PingID or would like further instructions on how to pair a secondary device with your PingID account, please read the following help articles from OU IT:

• PingID Enrollment
• PingID Authentication for Desktop App (Windows, Mac)
• PingID Authentication for Voice and SMS Text Messages