University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg · Guest access

Sign-in help

Sign-in verification guidance

After entering your password, verify your identity using one of the methods offered on the sign-in screen. Email codes and authenticator-app codes are different; use the code for the method you selected.

Using an email verification code

  1. Select Email me a verification code if prompted to choose a method. If the authenticator screen appears first, select Use another verification method, then choose email.
  2. Keep the sign-in page open and open your email in another tab or in your email app. Use the mailbox indicated by the partially hidden email address on the sign-in screen. Find the latest Wits guest access: your verification code message. Check your junk or spam folder if necessary.
  3. Enter the six-digit code on the email verification screen and select Verify and sign in. Email codes expire after five minutes and can be used once.

If your code has expired, select Send a new code. Wait at least 60 seconds between requests. A new request invalidates the previous code. Always use the latest message.

If delivery fails or the request limit is reached, follow the on-screen instructions or use another available method. If you cannot access the registered email address, contact your department contact.

Initial authenticator setup

  1. Open an authenticator app on your phone

    Use an app supported by the setup screen. If you do not have one yet, install a supported app from your phone's official app store.

  2. Add your Wits guest account

    In the app, choose the option to add an account or scan a QR code. Scan the QR code displayed on your Wits sign-in setup page. Give the account a name you will recognise.

    If you cannot scan the QR code, use the manual setup option shown on the page and enter its setup key into the app.

  3. Enter the code to finish setup

    The app will show a verification code for the account you just added. Enter that code on the Wits setup page and submit the form. Keep the account in your authenticator app for future sign-ins.

If you are viewing this guide on the phone used for authentication, select the manual setup option when you cannot scan the QR code.

Using an authenticator-app code

  1. Enter your Wits guest username or email address and password.
  2. When asked for a verification code, open your authenticator app and select the account you added for this Wits service.
  3. Enter the current code shown in the app, then continue. Codes change regularly; if one is about to expire, wait for the next code.

Your code comes from the authenticator app linked to this guest account. Choose that account even if your app also contains other work or personal accounts.

Common questions

Where do I find my verification code?

Check which method the sign-in screen asks for. For Email verification code, open the latest Wits verification email. For Code from your authenticator app, open your app and select your Wits guest account. Enter the code on the screen for that method.

How do I switch from the authenticator app to email?

Select Use another verification method on the sign-in screen, then Email me a verification code. If email is not offered, contact your department contact. Only methods available for your account can be selected.

My verification email has not arrived.

Check the partially hidden email address on the sign-in screen and open that mailbox. Check junk or spam, then allow a short time for delivery. If necessary, select Send a new code after at least 60 seconds. Use the latest email. If the page reports a request limit, wait 15 minutes before trying again. If delivery continues to fail, use another available method or contact your department contact.

My email code is being rejected.

Enter all six digits from the latest Wits verification email, including any zero at the beginning. Email codes expire after five minutes and can be used once. If you requested a new code, the previous code no longer works. Request a new code when permitted and enter it on the email verification screen. If the attempt limit is reached, wait 15 minutes, then start sign-in again.

My authenticator-app code is being rejected.

Select the correct Wits guest account in your app. Wait for a new code and enter it promptly. Enable automatic date and time on your phone and try again. You can also select Use another verification method and choose email if offered. If you still cannot sign in, contact your department contact.

I cannot access the email address shown.

Your verification code is sent to the email address already registered on your Wits guest account. You cannot change it on the sign-in screen. Use your authenticator app if available, or contact your department contact to request assistance with updating your account.

I have a new phone, lost my phone, or deleted the app account.

Select Use another verification method and choose email if offered and you can access your registered mailbox. Contact your department contact for assistance with restoring your authenticator access. Resetting your password alone does not restore your authenticator account.

Do I need an authenticator app to use email codes?

No. If email verification is offered, you need access to the mailbox registered on your guest account. A fresh email code is sent when you reach the email verification step in a new sign-in session. If you choose an authenticator app, keep the account in that app after completing setup.

How do I return to signing in?

Select Return to sign-in at the top or bottom of this page. If your sign-in session has expired, start again from the Wits service you were trying to access.

Department assistance

For assistance, contact your department contact. Provide your name, the email address used for your guest account, the Wits service you are trying to access, and the error message displayed.

Do not include your password, verification code, or QR-code setup image in your correspondence.