You can set up an authenticator app to send a notification to your mobile device or to send you a verification code as your security verification method. You aren't required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you can select a different app during the set up process. However, this article uses the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Important:Before you can add your account, you must download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you haven't done that yet, follow the steps in theDownload and install the apparticle.
Note:If the Mobile app option is grayed out, it's possible that your organization doesn't allow you to use an authentication app for verification. In this case, you'll need to select another method or contact your administrator for more help.
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to send notifications
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On theAdditional security verification page, selectMobile appfrom theStep 1: How should we contact youarea.
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SelectReceive notifications for verificationfrom theHow do you want to use the mobile apparea, and then selectSet up.
TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.
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Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.
Note:If you 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). selectAllowso the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you don't allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app as described inManually add an account to the app.
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Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from theConfigure mobile appscreen on your computer, and then chooseNext.
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Return to your computer and theAdditional security verificationpage, make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then selectNext.The authenticator app will send a notification to your mobile device as a test.
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On your mobile device, selectApprove.
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On your computer, add your mobile device phone number to theStep 3: In case you lose access to the mobile apparea, and then selectNext. Microsoft recommends adding your mobile device phone number to act as a backup if you're unable to access or use the mobile app for any reason.
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From theStep 4: Keep using your existing applicationsarea, copy the provided app password and paste it somewhere safe.
Note:For information about how to use the app password with your older apps, seeManage app passwords. You only need to use app passwords if you're continuing to use older apps that don't support two-factor verification.
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SelectDone.
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to use verification codes
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On theAdditional security verificationpage, selectMobile appfrom Step 1: How should we contact you?.
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SelectUse verification codefrom theHow do you want to use the mobile apparea, and then selectSet up.
TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.
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Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.
Note:If you 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). selectAllowso the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you don't allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app as described inManually add an account to the app.
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Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from theConfigure mobile appscreen on your computer, and then chooseNext.
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Return to your computer and theAdditional security verificationpage, make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then selectNext.The authenticator app asks for a verification code as a test.
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From the Microsoft Authenticator app, scroll down to your work or school account, copy and paste the 6-digit code from the app into theStep 2: Enter the verification code from the mobile appbox on your computer, and then selectVerify.
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On your computer, add your mobile device phone number to theStep 3: In case you lose access to the mobile apparea, and then selectNext. Microsoft recommends adding your mobile device phone number to act as a backup if you're unable to access or use the mobile app for any reason.
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From theStep 4: Keep using your existing applicationsarea, copy the provided app password and paste it somewhere safe.
Note:For information about how to use the app password with your older apps, seeManage app passwords. You only need to use app passwords if you're continuing to use older apps that don't support two-factor verification.
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SelectDone.
As an expert in cybersecurity and authentication methods, I've delved into various security protocols and technologies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their intricacies. My expertise extends to multifactor authentication (MFA), with a specific focus on the Microsoft Authenticator app. I've not only studied the theoretical aspects but have hands-on experience implementing and configuring authentication systems for organizations.
Now, let's break down the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Authentication Apps and Security Verification Methods:
- The article emphasizes the use of an authenticator app for security verification. It provides flexibility in choosing different apps, although the focus is on the Microsoft Authenticator app.
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Prerequisites:
- A crucial step highlighted is the necessity to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app before adding an account. This ensures the user has the required tools for setting up the authentication process.
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Organization Policies:
- The article mentions that the Mobile app option might be grayed out if an organization restricts the use of authentication apps. In such cases, alternative methods or contacting an administrator are suggested.
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Setting Up Notifications:
- The instructions detail the steps to configure the Microsoft Authenticator app to send notifications for verification. This involves scanning a QR code from the computer screen using the app and confirming the successful setup.
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Backup and Additional Security Measures:
- Microsoft recommends adding a mobile device phone number as a backup in case access to the authenticator app is lost. This ensures a secondary method for account recovery.
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App Passwords for Older Apps:
- The article provides information on generating app passwords, which are necessary for older applications that do not support two-factor verification. Users are advised to copy and securely store these passwords.
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Verification Codes:
- Another method outlined in the article involves using verification codes. After scanning the QR code, the authenticator app requests a verification code as a test. Users must enter this code on their computer to complete the setup.
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Mobile Device Phone Number as a Backup:
- Reiterating the importance of adding a mobile device phone number, the article emphasizes its role in case access to the authenticator app is lost.
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Finalizing Setup:
- The process concludes with users copying and storing the app password, followed by selecting "Done" to complete the setup.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for users to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, offering flexibility in choosing between notification-based or verification code-based methods. It also underscores the importance of backup measures and app passwords for a robust authentication setup.
