Set up multi-factor authentication

This guide will help you set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) using Microsoft Authenticator, so you can approve sign-in requests from your phone.

You will need

• Your existing username and password
• Your mobile phone
• Internet access on both your computer and your phone
• A screen lock, PIN, fingerprint or face recognition set up on your phone

Approximate duration: no more than 5 minutes.

Get Microsoft Authenticator

You can install the app now, or wait until we reach the install step later in this guide.

Select the type of phone you will use to set up Microsoft Authenticator.

This guide supports both iPhone and Android. The overall setup process is the same, but buttons, menu names and screens may look slightly different depending on your phone and operating-system version.

Complete the action shown below on your phone.

1. Open the Apple App Store.
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
3. Confirm the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
4. Install and open the app.

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iPhone screenshot to be added

Follow the written steps below until this image is added.

Complete the action shown below on your phone.

1. Open Google Play.
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
3. Confirm the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
4. Install and open the app.

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Android screenshot to be added

Your screen may look different depending on the phone manufacturer and Android version.

Return to this guide when finished. Select Next to continue.

Complete the actions below, switching between your computer and your phone as shown.

1. On your computer, open your Security info page.
2. Select Add sign-in method, then choose Authenticator app.
3. Select Next until a QR code appears on your computer screen.
4. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator.
5. Select the plus (+) button, then Work or school account.
6. Select Scan a QR code and scan the code shown on your computer.

Return to this guide when finished. Select Next to continue.

Your computer and phone will now confirm the connection.

1. Your computer shows a two-digit number.
2. Your phone receives a notification from Microsoft Authenticator.
3. Select Approve on your phone.
4. Select the number on your phone that matches the number on your computer.
5. Confirm your computer shows the sign-in was approved.
6. Select Next to continue.

Return to this guide when finished. Select Next to continue.

You can test your MFA setup the next time you sign in.

1. Open the Microsoft 365 sign-in page.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Wait for the approval prompt.
4. Approve the notification on your phone.
5. Select the matching number.
6. Confirm you are signed in.

Return to this guide when finished. Select Next to continue.

Multi-factor authentication is now set up. When you sign in, approve the notification on your phone and select the matching number.

You can now access your Microsoft 365 applications:

• Microsoft 365
• Outlook
• Teams
• SharePoint
• OneDrive