Issue/Question
How do I set up the Microsoft Authenticator app?
Environment
- Microsoft Authenticator App
Resolution
If you have
gotten a new device since last authenticating and are unable to complete these steps, please
contact the ITS Service Desk for assistance.
The following steps must be completed with your smart phone plus another device like a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Single Device enrollment steps are also provided below.
- Open Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search Microsoft Authenticator, tap Install.
Note: Make sure authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- On another device (laptop, desktop, tablet) log into Outlook.
- You will be prompted Let's keep your account secure.
- Click Next.
- Click Next. You will be shown a QR Code.
- Open Microsoft Authenticator app on your Android device.
- Tap Scan a QR Code.
Note: If you are not presented with option to Scan a QR Code, tap icon in top right, select Work or school account, 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 your other device. You will receive an Account Added Successfully message within app.
Note: This QR code must be scanned from within Authenticator app, not default Camera app.
- On your other device, click Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code that you will need to enter within Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You will receive a 'Approve sign in?' notification on your Android device. Tap notification.
- Enter code into prompt within app on your device and tap Yes.
Note: You may be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics. (PIN, fingerprint, etc.)
- On your other device, continue clicking Next through prompts. Click Done.
- Open App Store on your Apple device.
- Search Microsoft Authenticator, tap Get.
Note: Make sure that the authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- On another device (laptop, desktop, tablet) log into Outlook.
- You will be prompted Let's keep your account secure.
- Click Next.
- Click Next. You will be shown a QR Code.
- Open Microsoft Authenticator app on your iPhone device.
- Tap Scan a QR Code.
Note: If you are not presented with option to Scan a QR Code, tap icon in top right, select Work or school account, then Scan a QR Code.
- If prompted, Allow Authenticator to take pictures and record video.
- Use your iPhone device to scan the QR code from your other device. You will receive an Account Added Successfully message within app.
Note: This QR code must be scanned from within Authenticator app, not default Camera app.
- On your other device, click Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code that you will need to enter within Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You will receive a 'Approve sign in?' notification on your iPhone device. Tap notification.
- Enter code into prompt within app on your device and tap Yes.
Note: You may be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics. (PIN, FaceID, etc.)
- On your other device, continue clicking Next through prompts. Click Done.
These instructions are only to be used if you do not have another device to assist with set up process.
- Open App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search Microsoft Authenticator, then tap Get / Install.
Note: Make sure that the authenticator app you install is from Microsoft Corporation.
- Open Microsoft Authenticator and Accept terms of use.
- Open web browser and navigate to Outlook. (outlook.com)
- Tap Sign In. You will be prompted to open Outlook app, tap Continue to sign in.
- Sign into your WKU email account.
- You will be prompted Let's keep your account secure. Tap Next.
- Tap Next again. Tap Pair your account to the app by clicking this link.
- Microsoft Authenticator will open and your account should appear within app.
Note: If asked to allow notifications, allow notifications for Microsoft Authenticator via Settings.
- Toggle back to web browser, tap Next.
- You will be presented with a two-digit numerical code that you will need to enter within Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You will receive a 'Approve sign in?' notification. Tap notification.
- Enter code into prompt within app and tap Yes.
Note: You may be prompted to pass your phone's biometrics. (PIN, fingerprint, FaceID, etc.)
- Continue clicking Next through prompts. Click Done.
Video Guide
Here is an instructional video guide going through the steps above.
View this and more video guides at our Technically Speaking site.
If you need assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk or submit a service request by clicking the Request Service button.