Configure Evolution email app (Linux) for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)


OVERVIEW

Target audience: Linux users who want to configure the Evolution email application for use with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) at McGill.

Evolution is the email app recommended for Linux because it supports Two-Factor Authentication. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to configure Evolution to access your McGill email, with 2FA.

info

NOTE:

IT Services provides Evolution support on a best-efforts basis. In some cases, you may be required to contact the developer (GNOME) directly.

Configure Evolution for your McGill email with 2FA

  1. Ensure you are running version 3.27.91 or above to complete the following procedure.
  2. You should also install the evolution-ews plugin. Use the preferred method of installation for your Linux distribution (j,e. apt-get, dpkg, etc.)
  3. Launch Evolution. If you are running the app for the first time, you will be presented with the Add Account wizard. If the app is already configured, go to File > New > Email Account to open the wizard.
  4. Click Next on the initial Welcome screen. When prompted to restore from backup, ensure Restore from a backup... is unchecked and click Next.
  5. Enter your name and email address in the Required information fields. Uncheck Look up mail server details based on the entered email address and click Next.

    screenshot of identity window

    • In the window titled Receiving Email, click the drop down menu next to Server Type and select Exchange Web Services.
    • In the Username field, type your McGill email address and change the Host URL to: https://outlook.office365.com/EWS/Exchange.asmx.
    • In the Authentication drop down menu select OAuth2 (Office365). If OAuth2 (Office 365) is not listed as an option, click Check for Supported Types first.
    • Check the box Override Office365 OAuth2 settings
    • Enter the following values for Tenant and Application ID:
      • Directory (tenant) ID - cd319671-52e7-4a68-afa9-fcf8f89f09ea
      • Application (client) ID - edcd9288-0ed2-4411-b805-0ef9b77852c3
    • Click Finish to proceed.

    screenshot of receiving email window

  7. Click Apply to add the account to Evolution.
  8. You should see the popup window Office365 account authentication request. Enter your McGill Username and Password, then click Sign in and authenticate with 2FA to complete the account setup.


    screenshot of Office365 authenication request window

note

NOTE:

If you receive an error message, close the app and open it again

references

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: