Account security
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator App
Microsoft requires you to use the Microsoft Authenticator app to improve your Office 365 security. It’s more secure than the SMS method you’re currently using — and it keeps you signed in even when you travel overseas.
Before you start
Why this matters
The Microsoft Authenticator app is more secure than the SMS text-message method you may currently be using, and it works reliably even when you’re travelling overseas.
Please complete this before your holidays — otherwise you may find yourself without email access while you’re away.
Step 1 — install the app
Get the app on your phone first
Step by step
Enrol the Authenticator App
1
Install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile phone first (see the links above for iPhone and Android).
2
On your computer, open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Office 365 portal — portal.office.com
3
Sign in with your Office 365 username and password if needed.
4
Open a new browser tab and go to aka.ms/MFASetup
5
You may be asked to sign in again with your Office 365 username and password.
6
You should now receive the following message:
□□ Microsoft
More information required
Your organization needs more information to keep your account secure
Next
7
Click Next to begin the enrolment.
8
On the next page you’ll get information about installing the Authenticator App (which you’ve already done).
9
Click Next.
10
Click Next again on the following page.
11
You should now be looking at a page with a QR code visible.
12
Open Authenticator on your phone, select the plus icon (top right) and select Add account.
13
Select Work or School Account, then tap Scan a QR Code.
14
Scan the QR code on your screen.
15
You’ll then be prompted to enter a verification code (from the website) into the Authenticator App.
16
Once entered, this should complete the enrolment. 🎉
Now that you’ve enrolled with both SMS and the Microsoft Authenticator App, future MFA challenges will prompt you to use the Authenticator App instead of SMS.