Setup Guide: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Microsoft Authenticator

Setup Guide: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Microsoft Authenticator

Setup Guide: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Microsoft Authenticator

This guide will walk you through setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with the Microsoft Authenticator app for Office 365.

Prerequisites:

  • A valid Microsoft (Office 365) account.
  • A smartphone (Android or iOS) with internet access.

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator on your smartphone  

For iOS:

1.      Open the App Store on your iPhone.

2.      Search for Microsoft Authenticator.

3.      Tap Install to download and install the app.

For Android:

1.      Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.

2.      Search for Microsoft Authenticator.

3.      Tap Install to download and install the app.

 

 

Step 2: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Your Account

Note – The following steps will require you to use your computer and Mobile phone.

1.      Sign in to Office 365:

  1. On your computer, using your favorited browser Edge (Private window) or Chrome (Incognito window)
  1. Go to https://portal.office.com.
  1. Sign in using your Office 365 username and password.
  1.  In the pop-up new windows select Next and follow the steps on the screen


Step 3: Set Up Microsoft Authenticator

1.      Open Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone:

o    Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app that you installed earlier.

2.      Add Your Account:

o    In the Authenticator app, tap the + icon (or Add Account).

o    Choose Work or school account.

o    The app will prompt you to scan a QR code.



3.      Scan the QR Code:

o    Back on the browser Office 365 setup page, after enabling MFA, a QR code will appear on the screen.

o    Use the Authenticator app on your mobile to scan this QR code and press Next.

 

InfoNote: Grant access permission, allow the App to access the camera on your mobile phone, tap ‘OK’.

4.      Verify the Setup:

o    After scanning the code, the app will verify your setup.

o    You’ll receive a push notification on your phone asking you to approve the sign-in.

o    Enter the two digit code and tap Approve in the Microsoft Authenticator app to complete the setup.

 

o   On your computer, the browser screen should update to display ‘Notification approved’,



  1.  The screen below should now show, confirming you have successfully linked the Authenticator App with your Microsoft 365 account. Click ‘Done’. 

 


Troubleshooting:

If you are presenting synchronization issues on your account after the configuration of the MFA

1.      Sign Out and Sign in Again:

o    After successfully setting up MFA, sign out of your Office 365 account and sign in again.

o    You will first enter your username and password.

o    After that, you will receive a push notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app to approve or deny the sign-in attempt.

2.      Approve Sign-In:

o    Open the Authenticator app on your phone.

o    Tap Approve to complete the sign-in process.

·         Can't Receive Notifications?

o    Make sure you have enabled push notifications for the Microsoft Authenticator app in your phone’s settings.

o    Check that your phone has an active internet connection.

·         Having trouble scanning the QR code?

o    Make sure your phone’s camera is working properly.

o    If needed, you can manually enter the setup code displayed on the screen in the Authenticator app.

 

Optional

If the MFA is not enforced by your organization, you can follow this step for activated the MFA in your account

1.   Go to Security Settings:

o    On your computer, using your favourite browser Edge (Private window) or Chrome (Incognito window)

o    Go to https://portal.office.com.

o    Sign in using your Office 365 username and password.

o    Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select My Account.

o    In the left-hand menu, select Security & Privacy and then click Additional Security Verification.

o    Under Additional security verification, click on Set up two-factor authentication.

o    Follow the prompts to enable MFA.



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