2SV - Microsoft Authenticator App and Jailbroken iOS/Android Devices

MS Authenticator app will shortly be unable to function on jailbroken devices. This page defines terms and lays out steps to get around this change for affected VIU 2SV users.

In mid-2026, Microsoft will block "jailbroken" iOS and Android devices from its Microsoft Authenticator App. The following information will help you determine whether your device is affected by this change and what steps to take if you are. 

What is "jailbreaking" on a mobile device? 

Jailbreaking is when a mobile device has the manufacturer's security methods bypassed. The user can then modify system files, remove pre-installed software, install custom apps, and unlock features not accessible on stock devices. It is very unlikely that an iOS or Android device would be jailbroken without the user's knowledge. If your phone receives regular OS updates and still has access to the Apple or Android store apps, it is almost certainly not affected.

Who is affected by this change? 

This change only affects users of the MS Authenticator app who have jailbroken iOS and Android devices. Users of affected devices will begin to receive notifications that the app will remove their added work or school accounts. Eventually the MS Authenticator app will not be able to work with VIU's 2SV. 

When will this change happen?

Microsoft has identified a window from February 2026 to July 2026 for this change. Users of jailbroken mobile devices will receive advance warning when opening the MS Authenticator app. The change will come in 3 phases: 

• Warning: The warning phase will inform users of jailbroken devices that their 2SV is at risk. (expected Mar-Apr 2026)
• Block: The block phase will prevent new work or school accounts from being added to the MS authenticator app on jailbroken devices. (expected May-Jun 2026)
• Wipe: Existing work or school accounts will be removed from the MS Authenticator app on jailbroken devices and cannot be re-added. (expected by end of July 2026)

We do not have a specific time line on when each phase will roll out. More information can be found at the Microsoft support page about the change. 

What can I do if I am using a jailbroken device for 2SV through MS Authenticator?

There are a variety of ways you can navigate this change. 

• Reverse the jailbreaking process. Make sure your phone is running the manufacturer's supported version of its operating system.  This is done at user discretion and VIU IT cannot provide support for the process. 
• Use a device that is not jailbroken.  Click this link to change your 2SV methods: https://ithelp.viu.ca/TDClient/169/ITPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=2918
• Use a different authenticator app. Proton Authenticator and Google Authenticator will both work with VIU's 2SV, but neither are officially supported by VIU IT. 
• Switch to text-message Authentication. Instructions on setting up a new primary 2SV method can be found here.: https://ithelp.viu.ca/TDClient/169/ITPortal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=2918
• Request a hardware token (Employees only). VIU provides 2SV fobs to employees for use in authentication. To request one, click on this link: https://ithelp.viu.ca/TDClient/169/ITPortal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=2179 and then click Request 2SV Token  on the right hand side. 

Why was this change made? 

Microsoft, who provides VIU's two-step verification (2SV) solution, has made the decision to block the Authenticator app on jailbroken devices. This change was made by Microsoft and is outside of VIU IT's control