Setup Microsoft Authenticator App

Microsoft requires you to use the Microsoft Authenticator app to improve your Office 365 security.

The Microsoft Authenticator app is more secure than the SMS method you are currently using.

Doing the steps below is also important if you travel overseas.

Please follow the steps below before your Christmas holidays; otherwise, you may be without email access.

To set up the Microsoft Authenticator App

1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile phone first

Instructions to install the Microsoft Authenticator App for iPhone – Download Microsoft Authenticator – Microsoft Support

Instructions to install the Microsoft Authenticator App for Android – Download Microsoft Authenticator – Microsoft Support

2. Now that you have the app installed and ready, go to your computer, open your web browser, and go to the Microsoft Office 365 portal – http://portal.office.com
3. Sign in with your Office 365 username and password if needed
4. Now 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

7. Click Next to begin the enrolment

8. On the next page, you will get information about installing the Authenticator App (which you have already done)

9. Click Next

10. Click next again on the next page

11. You should now be looking at a page with a QR code visible

12. Open Authenticator on your mobile 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

15. You should then get prompted to enter a verification code (from the website) into the Authenticator App

16. Once entered, this should complete the enrolment.

Now that you have enrolled with both SMS and the Microsoft Authenticator App, future MFA challenges will prompt you to use the Authenticator App instead of SMS.