step-by-step authenticator setup guide

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App from the Android Play Store or Apple App store on your phone as it will be required during your new set up process. 

   

2. IMPORTANT: If this is the first time, you're setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android). You must select Allow so the authenticator app can access your camera to view QR codes and quickly setup your accesses. 
    
3. Once the Microsoft Authenticator App has been installed on your smartphone, please follow the below steps on your PC:

Reset your password

Connect to your new email, please:
 

On your PC:

1. Open a web browser like Google Chrome in “Incognito’ or Microsoft Edge ‘In-Private’ mode.
2. Go to https://www.office.com
3. Click on Sign in. 
   
   
    
4. Use your credentials
   • Username: <your email address>
   • Enter the Temporary password you received.
      
5. Follow the wizard to reset and create your own password.

6. Once you have reset the password, you will be asked for more information. Click on Next and follow the steps.
    

   

    

7. You will now be presented with a wizard to configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Click on Next.

   

8.  On the next page for Authenticator setup, click on Next again.
    

   

9. You will need to set up your account to connect to the app. When you get to the Scan the QR code page, then go back to your smartphone to follow the below steps: 

   

10. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, click on ADD ACCOUNT or if this is not your first account click the + sign at the top right.
     
11. Click on Work or School account.
    
       

12. If the setup is successful, you will receive the following confirmation – “Notification approved.” Click on Next.

    

13. Now, you will set up the backup solution, which is to use the regular MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) using the SMS option.You will be asked to enter your mobile phone number along with the country code. You will need to decide if you want to have your validation done via an SMS or having Microsoft call you.

    

     

14. In the example below, I have chosen the SMS option. Once you receive the SMS, enter the 6-digit code, and click Next
     
15. When successful, you will receive the following screen “SMS verified successfully.” Click on Next.
     
16. You are now ready to use Microsoft Authenticator as the default sign-in method. Click on Done.
17. You will then be able to sign into your Microsoft Services (Outlook, Teams, Etc)