If your mobile device is not allowing location permission for class attendance, check the following solutions to common problems:
1. I am not being prompted to allow location
If you are not being prompted to allow location access for the attendance check-in webpage, the problem is either that your web browser has been denied location permission or the page itself has been denied permission. You can resolve this by checking both of these settings using the process linked below for the type of device you have:
2. I’m in the classroom, but the attendance results show poor proximity to the class
Different devices may have different acccuracy levels for location. For instance, most smartphones have GPS location capability while most laptops do not (a laptop’s location is often based on what Wi-Fi access point or network you are connected to).
- If you are using a smartphone, make sure the setting for Precise Location is turned ON.
- The links suggested for issue #1 (above) include screen animations that show where to change the Precise Location setting on each type of smartphone.
- If you are using a laptop, make sure that you are connected to Drexel’s DragonFly 3 Wi-Fi service
3. I’m not able to confirm my login with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Problems with MFA can arise for multiple reasons. If you recently got a new mobile device, you may not have transferred your MFA over to your new device properly. This can be the case especially if you are using the Microsoft Authenticator app as your authentication method. However, this may also happen if you didn’t get a new device but somehow have your MFA approval methods misconfigured. There is a simple solution that might work or a full solution that should definitely work, with some help from Drexel IT.
Try the simple solution first:
If you are still logged into Microsoft on another device like a laptop computer (and had checked the box to keep you signed in for 60 days) or if you can approve your login using a different multi-factor method such as a text message), see if you can get to the following page: https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
Once you are on that page, you can add an additional MFA method such as the instance of the Microsoft Authenticator app that’s on your new smartphone. Be sure to remove any old methods or devices that you are certain you won’t use any more. You may also want to add a backup authentication method such as a code via text message sent to your cell phone. That way, if you ever get a new device or have problems with the app in the future, you should still have that fall-back method so you can log into your account if needed.
Use the full solution if needed:
If the simple solution doesn’t allow you to change your MFA authentication method, then reach out to Drexel IT at 215-895-2020 and follow the voice menu prompts to get help with your Drexel Account and, specifically, Multi-factor Authentication. Tell the representative who answers your call that you are a student and need to “reset your MFA.”
4. My MFA is working for other things, but not when I’m trying to do something on my phone
If you use the Microsoft Authenticator app, did not get a new device recently, and your MFA currently works for other things, there is one other setting to check. This setting can sometimes cause problems when trying to log into Drexel on the same device you’re using to complete the MFA approval.
Use the following steps to turn the setting off:
- Start the Authenticator app on your mobile device
- Tap the app’s menu button at the top
- On an iPhone, the menu button icon looks like three, straight horizontal lines (☰) and appears on the left
- On Android devices, the menu button icon looks a vertical row of dots ( ⁝ ) and appears on the right
- Choose Settings from the menu options
- Under the Security section of the Settings page, look for a setting called App Lock and turn it OFF. This will allow you to approve MFA logins without having to switch into the MFA app (switching into the app may cause your web browser to interrupt or cancel the Drexel login process).
- Try accessing the attendance check-in page again and then approve your MFA challenge without leaving that web page. It should appear as an on-screen notification that you can tap on to approve.
If you have questions or need additional technical support for attendance location tracking, please contact the LeBow Instructional Tech Services department at lebowintech@drexel.edu. Be sure to mention the course you are in and that you need help with location attendance.