Microsoft Authenticator App

Microsoft Authenticator App

Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator App

Microsoft prefers having 2FA on M365 accounts.  Rather than texting Microsoft uses an Authenticator App.  They will technically allow SMS right now, but are phasing it out.  NOTE: This authenticator can be used for other (non-microsoft logins as well)

Install the Microsoft Authenticator App
  1. The authenticator app is easy to install and easy to use.
  2. Search "Microsoft Authenticator" in the Play Store or the Apple Store and Install it.
  3. Sign in with your Microsoft Username and Password as needed.

Adding an Account

This link provides the steps:

This ties the account on your computer to your phone.
When you go to Office.com to sign in on your computer, it will ask you to Keep Your Account secure.
  1. Choose Next to continue with the Authenticator App (recommended)
  2. Choose "I want to use a different authenticator app" if you use the Google App, Authy app or another brand of authenticator.
  3. Choose "I want to set up a different method" if you want to use texting.


Once you click next, you'll be asked to scan a code.
Click the + sign on the authenticator (In the blue bar at the top)
Chose Work or School Account (the middle option)
Scan A QR code.
Once you scan the code, it'll ask you to verify the number.
NOTE: There is often an option to "Remember Me" so that it doesn't ask every time. But keep your phone handy as you'll often need it to verify your login.

Setting Up SMS (texting) for 2FA

Here is an article that show you how to set up 2FA with texts, but Microsoft will eventually phase this out.
https://support.lesley.edu/support/solutions/articles/4000109824-choosing-text-messaging-or-calling-for-multi-factor-authentication-to-office-365

Using the Microsoft Authenticator

When you login to your account, it will ask you to authenticate.
Enter your email address and click next. Then enter your password.
The authenticator on your phone gets a message where you can enter the number into the box. NOTE: It times out quickly.
IF YOU CLICK THE "I CAN'T USE MY AUTHENTICATOR APP RIGHT NOW" BUTTON - it still asks you to verify with the app.
One option is to Use a Verification code. If you click on your email account in the app, you'll see a 6 digit code that is valid for 30 seconds. Then it changes to a new code.


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