Sign in with an Okta Verify push notification (iOS)

To authenticate with a push notification, select this option in the sign-in window and approve the Okta Verify notification sent to your device. For enhanced security, your organization might present you with a number matching request.

Before you begin

  • Ensure that the latest version of Okta Verify is installed on your device and your account is set up. For details, see Set up Okta Verify on iOS devices.
  • On iPods, push notifications are not supported.

Start this task

  1. Select the push notification option in the sign-in window.

    2. Based on your organization’s configuration, one of the following options appears.

    • If Okta Verify is in the list of authentication factors, click Okta VerifySend Push. Optionally, select Send push automatically for future notifications to pop up automatically on your device.

      Okta Verify authentication factor in the sign-in promptScreen capture of the Okta Verify authentication options

    • If Get a push notification is in your list of security methods, click Select.

      Selecting a push notification to confirm your identity

    A push notification is sent to your device.

    If a number appears in the sign-in window, you must select the matching number on your device.

    Sign-in message confirming that the push notification was sentSign-in message for push notification with a number challenge

  2. Check your device for a push notification from Okta Verify.

    The notification expires after five minutes if you don't approve or reject the verification request. To receive a new notification on your device, go back to the app you want to access, and select the push notification again.

    If your device is locked, long-press the notification and verify your identity with Face ID or Touch ID if prompted.

  3. Confirm your identity.
    • If prompted, tap Yes, It's Me or tap the number that matches what you see in the sign-in window. You might have to tap Review to get to the number matching page.

      Okta Verify push notification to confirm your identityOkta Verify push notification to confirm your identity

      If your phone is synced to your Apple Watch, you can approve the verification request on your watch.

    • If Okta detects an unusual sign-in attempt, Okta Verify prompts you to review the sign-in details. Okta considers a sign-in attempt to be unusual based on various reasons, including details about your device and location.

      Tap Review.

      Okta Verify push notification when an unusual sign-in attempt is detected

      • If the details match your device and current location, tap Yes, It’s Me or tap the number that matches what you see in the sign-in window.

      • If you don’t recognize the device or location, tap No, it’s not me or Cancel the sign-in attempt. This action cancels the authentication attempt and prevents access to the Okta-protected account.

  4. Scan your face or fingerprint as prompted.

    Face ID prompt in Okta Verify Touch ID prompt for Okta Verify

    If your organization requires biometric verification, you can’t confirm your identity with your Apple Watch. You’re prompted to use your paired iPhone instead.

    If Okta Verify requires additional configurations, the app guides you through the steps.

    • If prompted, enable Face ID or Touch ID.
    • If the Okta Verify biometric settings must be refreshed, tap Sync Face ID or Sync Touch ID.

As soon as your identity is confirmed, you gain access to your app account.

Related topic

Sign in with Okta Verify on iOS devices