Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your M365 account is simple. We recommend using the free Microsoft Authenticator mobile app, as it offers the smoothest user experience for most users. However, you can choose from several available methods. Before proceeding with the registration steps below, we encourage you to review your options in the section titled Choosing a Preferred Method of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365.

 

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

 

Step 1: On your computer, navigate to myaccount.microsoft.com

Step 2: In the Security info section, click on Update Info.

 

 

 

Step 3: Click the Add sign-in method button.

 

 

Step 4: Click the "Choose a method" dropdown and select "Authenticator app."

 

 

Step 5: If the Microsoft Authenticator app is not already installed on your phone, download and install it now. It's available for free.

• Get the iOS version  

• Get the Android version  
• For help, see our section on Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App

 

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 displayed on your computer screen. Once the code is scanned, click "Next" to continue.

 

 

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 highly recommend setting up one or more backup methods in case your primary method becomes unavailable. Follow the on-screen prompts to add as many backup methods as you prefer from the "Choose a method" drop-down menu. For detailed instructions, refer to 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)

Check out this section that explains how each MFA method works when using Microsoft resources like 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.