aka.ms/mfasetup – Multifactor Authentication Setup

Microsoft has made an app called Authenticator that you can use with your accounts if you want to use two-factor authentication. Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security when you use your accounts in case your password gets lost, stolen, or hacked.

The second piece of information, like a phone number or two-step verification, makes it easier for people who should be out of your account to get in. Many things can be done with the Authenticator software:

The most common way to verify someone’s identity is with two-factor authentication, where a password is one of the two factors. After you log in with your username and password, you’ll be asked to confirm an alert or enter a verification code.

• Call to sign up. A type of two-factor authentication in which a user’s username and a biometric (fingerprint, face, or PIN) reader on their mobile device replace the need for a password.
• Inputting code into a computer. To make codes that can be used with services that need two-factor authentication.
• Authenticator works with all services that use two-factor authentication and follow the Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) standards.

Download and install the app – Aka.ms/mfasetup

1. Install the latest version of the Authenticator app for your operating system:

2. The part of Google that works on Android. Find the Authenticator app on your Android device by going to Google Play and searching for it.

3. Apple made the operating system for smartphones. On your iOS device, you can get the Authenticator app from the App Store.

Set up two-step verification on Authenticator – Aka.ms/mfasetup

For extra security, the Authenticator software can make a verification code you must enter when you sign in to your account. You don’t have to wait for messages or phone calls any longer. Follow the steps below to ensure that only you can see your data.

Go to the Authenticator for iOS download page from your phone to get started.

Set up the Authenticator app

After Authenticator has been installed, do the following to link it to your account:

• Bring up the program called Authenticator.
• Click the (+) sign in the top right corner.
• You can scan the QR code with your camera or look in your account settings for more information.

Once you’ve added your account to your Authenticator app, you can use the one-time codes to sign in. Go to the Microsoft Authenticator Download page to learn more about the app and how to use it.

Sign in with a text message – Aka.ms/mfasetup

The information below explains how two-step verification works when you get a text message on your phone:

• You can sign in to Microsoft 365 and other services with your username and password.
• Microsoft will send a text message to your phone with a verification code.
• There will be a place to enter the code on the page where you sign in.

Sign in with a phone call – Aka.ms/mfasetup

Two-factor authentication involves getting a call on your cell phone or office phone, and we’ve explained how it works here.

• You can sign in to Microsoft 365 and other services with your username and password.
• It’s Microsoft calling.
• Use the phone to call #.

Signing in with an alternate method

Even if you choose your phone or device as your preferred method of verification, there are times when you will need help to be able to use it.

Because of this, we recommend that you set up a backup for your account right away. If your usual way to log in isn’t working, you can use one of the other options listed below.

• You can sign in to Microsoft 365 and other services with your username and password.
• Choose to switch out your current way of verifying with one of the other options. You will have a different number of ways to verify your identity.
• Just sign up in any way that works for you.

Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account

Two-factor authentication has regular problems that happen more often than we would like. We put together this post to explain how to fix the most common problems.

Your company can set up two-factor authentication for your account if they use Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). When two-factor authentication is turned on, you’ll need a mix of the following things to get into your account:

• This is what you use to log in.
• This is the code.
• Some portable electronic gadget for talking

Using two-step verification is more secure than just using a password. It is worth the extra work. No one can hack your phone if they don’t know where it is.

I don’t have my mobile device with me – Aka.ms/mfasetup

It’s how things are. Your phone is at home, so you can’t use it to prove who you are. You might have set up your work phone as an extra way to log in to your account.

If that’s the case, you can use this other plan immediately. If you need help figuring out why you were never asked to add a second form of verification, contact the Help desk.

• When asked for the second information, sign in to your account but click the Sign in another way link.
• If you are still looking for the Sign in another way link, no other ways to verify your identity have been set up. If you need help getting into your account, the person in charge of it is the best person to ask.
• Use the method of your choice to go through the two-step verification process.

My device was lost or stolen – Aka.ms/mfasetup

If you lose your phone or it gets stolen, you can do either of the following:

• Use a different way to sign in.
• Ask the Help desk at your company to clear your settings.

If you lose or have your phone stolen, you should tell your company’s support team immediately. The support team can make changes to your profile.

If you clear your preferences, you’ll be asked to sign up for two-factor authentication the next time you log in.

I’m not receiving the verification code sent to my mobile device – Aka.ms/mfasetup

It’s pretty common to have trouble getting your verification code. You might need to change some settings on your phone or tablet to fix the problem. Here are some ideas; hopefully, they can help.

Suggestion	Guidance
Use the Microsoft Authenticator app or Verification codes	Sign-in errors say things like “You’ve reached our limit on verification calls” of “You’ve reached our limit on text verification codes.” Microsoft might limit how often a user can try to log in. The exceptions are the Microsoft Authenticator and the verification codes. If you’ve reached your limit, try again in a few minutes or use the Authenticator App or a verification code.
Restart your mobile device	From time to time, a device needs to be updated. When you restart, all of the background processes and services end. When you restart your device, the main parts shut down. When you restart, any service or part gets a new start.
Check that your security information is correct.	Check your phone numbers for security verification. All alerts will go to that number if you put in the wrong number. The user can’t see your alerts or help you log in, which is good. Instructions can be found in Manage your two-factor verification method settings.
Check to see if your notifications are on.	Make sure your mobile device has notifications turned on. Ensure the following notification modes are allowed: Phone calls Your authentication app Your text messaging app Ensure these modes create an alert that is visible on your device.
Make sure you have a device signal and an Internet connection	It’s common to have trouble getting your verification code. You should change some settings on your phone or tablet to fix the problem. Here are some ideas; that can help.