Issue/Question
How do I set up the Microsoft Authenticator app?
Environment
- Microsoft Authenticator App
Resolution
The following steps must be completed with your smart phone plus another device like a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
- Log in via My Sign-Ins on a device other than your Android phone.
- Click Security Info.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Microsoft Authenticator.
Note: Do not select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next.
- Click Next. You will be shown a QR Code.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for the Microsoft Authenticator app, then tap Install.
Note: Make sure that the authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- Once installed, open the Authenticator app.
- Tap Allow for notifications.
- Tap Accept.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Scan a QR Code.
Note: If you are not presented with the option to Scan a QR Code, tap the icon in the top right, select Work or school account, and then Scan a QR Code.
- If prompted, Allow Authenticator to take pictures and record video.
- Use your Android device to scan the QR code from My Sign-Ins. You will receive an Account Added Successfully message within the app.
Note: This QR code must be scanned from within the Authenticator app, not the default Camera app.
- Within My Sign-Ins on your second device, click Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code that you will need to enter within the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You will receive an 'Approve sign in?' notification on your Android device.
- Enter this code into the prompt within the app on your device and tap Yes.
Note: You may also be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics. (PIN, FaceID, fingerprint, etc.)
- Within My Sign-Ins, click Next and then Done.
- Log in via My Sign-Ins on a device other than your Apple phone.
- Click Security Info.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Microsoft Authenticator.
Note: Do not select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next.
- Click Next. You will be shown a QR Code.
- Open the App Store on your Apple device.
- Search for the Microsoft Authenticator app, then tap Get.
Note: Make sure that the authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- Once installed, open the Authenticator app.
- Tap Accept.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Scan a QR Code.
Note: If you are not presented with the option to Scan a QR Code, select the icon in the top right, select Work or school account, and then Scan a QR Code.
- Click OK.
- Use your Apple device to scan the QR code from My Sign-Ins.
Note: This QR code must be scanned from within the Authenticator app, not the default Camera app.
- Click Allow.
- Within My Sign-Ins on your second device, click Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code that you will need to enter within the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You will receive an 'Approve sign in?' notification on your Apple device.
- Enter this code into the prompt within the app on your device and tap Yes.
Note: You may also be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics. (PIN, FaceID, fingerprint, etc.)
- Within My Sign-Ins, click Next and then Done.
These instructions are only to be used if you do not have another device to assist with set up process.
- Install Microsoft Authenticator app from App Store or Google Play Store.
Note: Make sure that the authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- Once installed, open Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Tap Accept.
- Tap Continue.
- Close authenticator app and log in via My Sign-Ins on mobile device via preferred web browser. Typically Safari on Apple and Google Chrome on Android.
- Click Security Info.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Microsoft Authenticator.
Note: Do not select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- You will be prompted to set up Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next.
- Click Next. Tap on Pair your account to the app by clicking this link.
- When prompted via a notification, open Microsoft Authenticator.
- If asked to allow notifications, allow notifications for Microsoft Authenticator.
- Close Microsoft Authenticator app once it has opened.
- Open your web browser to return to My Sign-Ins , click Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code you will need to enter within Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Close web browser and open Microsoft Authenticator.
- You will receive an 'Approve sign in?' notification on your mobile device.
- Enter this code into prompt within app on your device and tap Yes.
Note: You may also be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics (PIN, FaceID, fingerprint, etc.).
- Close Microsoft Authenticator and open your web browser.
- You should see a Notification Approved page. Click Next and then Done.
If you have issues setting up multi-factor authentication via Microsoft Authenticator, please contact the
ITS Service Desk.
Video Guide
Here is an instructional video guide going through the steps above.
View this and more video guides at our Technically Speaking site.