MyBell and Bell Email MFA/2FA access

[StevieB]

 I understand the need to implement login verification on the web.  All good.  However it completely baffles me that your system requires a successful text-based authentication to my Bell mobile phone, and then immediately requires an additional e-mail based verification.  This is ridiculous, useless, and a waste a time.  Not even my bank makes me jump through that many hoops for a simple login.   Once again Bell you are demonstrating you are more interested in showing off and spinning your wheels just for the sake of it, rather than focusing on the actual customer experience.  I login to my Bell account often, and this has become such a source of irritation that I'm considering switching to Rogers.  So, my question is, can you setup my account so that I'm not forced to double verify myself when I log in!!??

[Anita1]

I'm with you.  This driving me crazy, and I still haven't figured out how to have two email accounts open on my cell phone.  So basically I can no longer check my emails on my phone.  When it first started, I thought--or was it hoped--the verification was limited to the first time you login that day, but I quickly learnt after having to go this five or six times within a few hours that it was every time you login.  Whoever came up with this idea isn't on their phone as much as the rest of us!  Bell, please change this or make it optional.

[Johnny3]

Why am I asked to confirm every time I open my emails. I have a very strong password manager. This is most annoying when checking for emails numerous times a day??????.

[Psych_1967]

Hi Anita-I don't know if this will help you, but my mother uses Safari as her browser for her emails (on iPad) and I managed to clear her cache for her (you may need help with this) and I also checked that the box for "Block All Cookies" was unchecked. Since then, she has been able to remain logged in-and she has strict instruction (from me) not to close her email tab in Safari. So far, this method has worked. It *is* a real pain and customers should not have to log in repeatedly over the course of a day (or more), to check their emails.    

[Psych_1967]

Exactly, Johnny! Depending on what device you use and which browser you use to login (if you use the web as opposed to the App) you can clear the cache and cookies and this may give you more time before it logs you out.  

[Alton]

Bell is now implementing double verification when logging into email.
I have three accounts I regularly use at various times of the day on my computer. It's enough grief logging in and out every time. Is there a way to bypass the new verification other than clicking on the do it later buttons?

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

If you are going to access Bell email using a browser, then there is no method to circumvent the MFA login verification.

If you are using an email client or a mail application on your computer or device, E.g. Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, Outlook, Samsung Mail, Google Mail, etc., you are able to bypass the verification.

Take care.

[dks]

Yes. You can bypass MFA by using a standalone email client. I use Outlook Classic aka Click to Run, not the Office 365 version

[Psych_1967]

@dks this is really good to know, but unfortunately, for some older customers who struggle with *change* (any change) due to cognitive difficulties, this isn't an option. But it most certainly *is* an option for those customers who are able to navigate a new email client. 

[dks]

I understand your concern. At the same time, all institutions (financial, telecom, even food stores) and their customers are victims of fraud, often by identity theft, password insecurity and more. It's a difficult choice, but one we are all having to deal with it.  

[Psych_1967]

Yes, I hear you. I have been a victim of ID fraud in the past.  But at the end of the day, I do believe it should be the customer's choice. It isn't as if there isn't any security information provided-the Bell email customer *is* providing their email address and password. It's the complexity of the added layer of security that is simply unmanageable for people with cognitive decline, and I hate to say it, but companies like Bell, and others you mention, are just not considering the needs of this group of people.   

[dks]

While I understand your perspective, providers of services through the internet have a responsibility to their customers to prevent theft and fraud. From a liability perspective, 2FA makes sense. That is what it has come down to. 

[Michelle48]

Hello, how do you remove the mfa from your email account? I fully understand having extra security but to enter every time I try to access my email on the same computer I was on five minutes earlier is frustrating. It took four codes to sign in today even though I used the correct code. It’s to the point I’m seriously considering leaving bell because it’s so frustrating. Thanks 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome to the Bell Community Forum.

Thank you for reaching out and posting your question and raising your concern.

This is a community web site. As such, there is little we can do to change the security requirements as set out by Bell.

To enhance the security of account and personal information, all Bell customers are required to use MFA. You cannot opt out. There is no workaround if you are going to access your email with any web browser. There are alternative solutions that will solve your authentication issue.

Have you considered accessing your email account by way of a different method? Email client, application, etc. There are any number of very good reliable and free programs & applications built into computers, devices & tablets that will eliminate the need for you to enter an  MFA code when checking, sending or receiving an email. E.g. Outlook, Apple mail, GMail, etc. 

I have included a couple of web links that may be of assistance:

Multi-factor authentication for MyBell : What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Setting up Bell email : Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Let us know if we can of further assistance.

Take care.

[Michelle48]

Hi, thanks for your response. I have not heard about these programs and apps. I will definitely be looking into them. Much appreciated. 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day @Michelle48  

Thank you for your response. I will assume you are accessing your email with a web browser. What device are you using to access your Bell webmail?  E.g. computer, tablet or mobile phone, etc.

Most operating systems today include a free email client or application.

For example only:

1. A computer with Windows10/11 as the OS, includes Outlook. If you prefer something else, then you can install Gmail or another app and setup your Bell email on these applications.
2. If you are using an Apple computer, tablet or mobile device, there is a free mail program included: Apple Mail. If you prefer something different you can install Gmail, Outlook, etc.
3. If you are a Samsung mobile device or tablet, they provide a Samsung Email app. if you prefer something different you can install Gmail, Outlook, etc.
4. Etc. etc.

Take care.