Summary
The purpose of this article is to walk you through the process for setting up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for your M365 account.
Setting up MFA for your M365 account is a straightforward process. We have found that the FREE Microsoft Authenticator mobile app provides the smoothest user experience for those who are able to implement it. However, there are several methods you may choose from. We encourage you to review those options in the article titled Choosing a preferred method of Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365 before you proceed with the registration process outlined below.
If you choose to use the FREE Microsoft Authenticator mobile app option, please install the app on your mobile device before you begin the set up steps below. You will find step-by-step instructions in the article Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App.
Icon for the Microsoft Authenticator app provided by the Microsoft Corporation. This is a FREE app - do not pay for an app for this purpose.
Important: Be sure to set up your phone as a backup MFA method as well as the authenticator app, so that if either one does not work, the other method is still available to use.
Note: For Password Recovery methods (as opposed to MFA verification), also see our article on MyAccount: Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification .
How-To
Task: To set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for your M365 account using the Microsoft Authenticator App
Note: These instructions assume you are using a computer. If you do not have access to a computer at this time, follow the instructions here instead - MFA: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only
Instructions
Step 1 - On your computer, go to: myaccount.microsoft.com
Step 2 - Click on UPDATE INFO in the Security info tile
Step 3 - Click Add sign-in method
Step 4 - Click the Choose a method drop down and select Authenticator app
Step 5 - If you do not have the FREE Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, install it now.
Step 6 - Click Next after the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed on your phone.
Step 7 - On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app. Allow notifications if prompted.
Step 8 - In the app, click Add account or the Plus Sign +. Select Work or School account and the option to Scan QR Code.
Step 9 - If prompted, Allow the Microsoft Authenticator app to Access the Camera.
Step 10 - Use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to scan the QR code that appears on the computer screen. After you scan the code, click Next.
Step 11 - If prompted, Allow the Authenticator app to Send You Notifications.
Step 12 - On your phone, Approve the test notification from Microsoft Authenticator
Step 13 - You're all set and can now use the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Step 14 - We strongly recommend that you also set up one or more backup methods to use if your primary method is not available. Follow on-screen prompts to add as many back up methods as you desire from the Choose a method drop down. See detailed instructions here - MFA: Adding Backup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Methods .
Example: Choose other method(s) for Microsoft MFA
Possible methods include:
- Call my authentication phone
- Text a code to my authentication phone
- Call my office phone
- Notify me through a mobile app (as just set up above)
- Use verification code from app or token - this includes modern YubiKeys
See this article which explains how each MFA method behaves as you use Microsoft resources such as Email, Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint: Choosing a preferred method of Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365 .
Outcome
Users who have set up Multi factor Authentication for M365 will be prompted to MFA periodically when signing into Email, Teams, OneDrive sync, and other M365 tools on both their computers and their mobile devices. As other applications (such as Zoom, Kaltura, and Canvas) have moved into the Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) environment, users may be prompted to MFA when logging into those applications as well.
Further reading
MFA: Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App
MFA: Adding Backup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Methods
MFA: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only
MFA: Using Authenticator App without Cell Service
MFA: Setting up Authenticator on a new phone
MFA: Changing phones or phone numbers
MFA: Multi-factor Authentication and USNH Systems
MFA: Choosing a preferred method of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365
MFA: YubiKey Facts & Purchasing Guide
MFA: Setting up YubiKey for Microsoft Authentication
MyAccount: Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification
Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) Project Information
Set up Security info from a sign-in page - Microsoft Support URL - https://aka.ms/securityinfoguide
Need additional help?
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.