How To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA (2024)

The microsoft authenticator app is an easyalternative to using a text or phone call for multifactor authentication and isthe best methodfor accountsthat multiple usersmonitor,i.e. departmental email accounts. Please consider migrating to this method as Microsoft may soon only support an authenticator app, smsand phone calls will no longer be supported.
Follow the steps below to setup the app for mfa (note the on-screen prompts inthe app may vary slightly between the iosand android versions).

(Google Authenticator is also an option if preferred, starting on step 4):

1. Sign in to your account via Outlook Web at http://mail.office365.comusing a desktop or laptop browser, click on your namein the upper right, thenchoose VIEW ACCOUNT. (thesesteps can be done with a mobile browser but using a desktop browser may be simpler and is recommended.)
   You can also click thisMy Account portallink to go directly to your security info:

   
   

2. SelectSecurity infoin the left menu or by using the link in theSecurity infopane. If you are currently on mfa, you'll be prompted for it.
   Next, selectAdd methodin theSecurity infopane:

   
   

3. On theAdd a methodpage, selectAuthenticator appfrom the list, and then selectAdd.
   
4. On theStart by getting the apppage, selectDownload nowto download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   Scan the QR code matching your mobile device type, you can also get the authenticator app byusing this link.
   If you can't scan the QR code, click the Get the app button under your mobile device type.

   (If you prefer to use Google Authenticator instead of MS Authenticator, chooseI want to use a different authenticator app):
   

   See Also

   Account recovery unsuccessful - Microsoft SupportHow to Stop Microsoft from Asking Me to Sign In

5. Remain on theSet up your accountpage on your desktop or laptop while you set up the Authenticator app on your mobile device:

   
   

6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, select to allow notifications (if prompted), select Add Account then choose Work or School account. Choose Scan QR Code.
   (If it takes you to asign-in screen, click cancel then begin again by clicking Add Account, Workor School account again. You are looking for the Scan QR Code prompt.)
   

Note:The first time yousetup the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android). You must selectAllowso the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step.

7. Return to theSet up your accountpage on your computer or laptop, and then selectNext.
   TheScan the QR codepage appears:

   
   

8. Scan the provided code with the Microsoft Authenticator app QR code reader, which appeared on your mobile device after you created your account in Step 6.

   (If using Google Authenticator, open

   the authenticator app, click on the + in the bottom right, choose scan a QR code,andscan the QR code. This will connect your authenticator app with your account.)
   
9. The authenticator app should successfully add your account without requiring any additional information from you. However, if the QR code reader can't read the code, you can manually enter the code and URL into the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   
10. SelectNexton theScan the QR codepage on your computer. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, to test your account.

    
    

11. Approve the notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app, and then selectNext.
    Your security info is updated to use the Microsoft Authenticator app by default to verify your identity when using mfa or password reset.

    

Additional Instructions For The Security Info Screen

How to Delete your authenticator app from your security info methods

If you no longer want to use your authenticator app as a security info method, you can remove it from theSecurity infopage. This works for all authenticator apps, not just the Microsoft Authenticator app. After you delete the app, youhave to go into the authenticator app on your mobile device and delete the account.

Important:If you delete the authenticator app by mistake, there's no way to undo it. You'll have to add the authenticator app again, following the steps above.

1. On theSecurity infopage, select theDeletelink next to the Authenticator app.

   
   

2. SelectYeswhen asked to confirm to delete the authenticator app. After the authenticator app is deleted, it's removed from your security info and it disappears from theSecurity infopage. If the authenticator app is your default method, the default changes to another available method.
3. Open the authenticator app on your mobile device, selectEdit accounts, and then delete your account from the authenticator app.
4. Your account is completely removed from the authenticator app for mfa and password reset requests.
   

Changingyour default authentication method

1. On theSecurity infopage, selectChangenext to theDefault sign-in methodinformation:

   
   

2. Choose the method you would like to usefrom the list of available methods:

   
   

3. SelectConfirm. The method selected will now be your default for mfa and password reset.

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If you have any questions about anything mentioned above, you can contact the IT Helpdesk at [emailprotected] or 304-384-5291 for assistance.