Microsoft Authenticator Setup Guide

This guide will help you set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using the Microsoft Authenticator app. MFA adds an extra layer of security to protect your account.

The setup only takes 5–10 minutes.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

✔ Your work email and password
✔ Your smartphone
✔ Access to download apps from the app store

Download the Microsoft Authenticator app if you don’t already have it.

iPhone: Download from the Apple App Store
Android: Download from the Google Play Store

Step 1: Sign In to Your Account

Open a web browser on your computer.
Go to: https://aka.ms/mfasetup
Sign in with your work email and password.

You will see a message asking you to set up additional security verification.

Click Next.

Step 2: Choose Microsoft Authenticator

When asked how you want to verify your identity, choose:

Mobile App

Select Receive notifications for verification.
Click Set Up.

A QR code will appear on your screen.

Step 3: Open Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
Tap the + (Add Account) button.
Choose Work or School Account.
Tap Scan QR Code.
Use your phone camera to scan the QR code on your computer screen.

Once scanned, your work account will appear in the app.

Step 4: Approve the Test Notification

After scanning the QR code:

Click Next on your computer.
A notification will appear on your phone.
Open the notification and tap Approve.

This confirms the setup worked.

Step 5: Finish Setup

Click Done on your computer.

Your account is now protected with Multi-Factor Authentication.

What Happens When You Sign In

When signing in to your work account:

Enter your email and password.
A notification will be sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Tap Approve to finish signing in.

Important Tips

Only approve sign-in requests that you started.
If you get a request you didn’t start, tap Deny and contact IT.
If you get a new phone, contact IT to reset your MFA.

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