This section provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the free Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365, using only your mobile phone or device. Follow these guidelines if you wish to add the Authenticator app without needing access to a computer.

 

Step 1: Open your mobile web browser and go to myaccount.microsoft.com Sign in if prompted.

 

Step 2: Tap on “UPDATE INFO” in the "Security info" tile.

 

 

Step 3: On the Security info page, tap the “+” sign to “Add sign-in method”.

 

 

Step 4: In the "Add a method" box, tap the “Choose a method” menu.

 

 

 Step 5: From the pop-out menu, select “Authenticator app”.

 

 

Step 6: In the "Add a method" box, tap “Add”.

 

 

Step 7: If the Microsoft Authenticator app is not installed, tap “Download now and follow the steps to install it. If the app is already installed, skip to Step 8.

 

 

Step 8: Return to the browser page shown in Step 7 and tap “Next”.

 

Step 9: Tap “Pair your account to the app by clicking this link”, then tap “Open” if prompted.

 

 

Step 10: Tap “Next”. You should receive a push notification for approval.

 

Step 11: Once approved, a screen will appear confirming the notification was successful. Tap “Next” to return to the Security info page. You’re now set up to use the Microsoft Authenticator app for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

 

 

Step 12: It’s strongly recommended to set up backup methods in case your primary method is unavailable. Follow the on-screen prompts to add one or more backup methods from the “Choose a method” drop-down menu (refer to Step 3).

 

For detailed instructions on adding backup methods, refer to MFA: Adding Backup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Methods.

 

Example of backup methods:

- Call my authentication phone

- Text a code to my authentication phone

- Call my office phone

- Notify me through a mobile app (as set up above)

 

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.