Setting up Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication

Take steps to improve the security of your work account: Here’s a quick start guide on how to set up Microsoft Azure Multi-Factor Authentication on your mobile phone. How to set up other MFA methods, which may possibly not be available based on your organization's security policy, will be listed further below.

If you run into any issues along the way, please see this MFA Troubleshooting Guide. 

Note: If you have recently received a new phone, please contact the Help Desk to reset your MFA. 

Initial Setup

1. On your computer open a browser and navigate to https://myprofile.microsoft.com
2. On the next web page, select the Security info tab on the left, then click + Add method. We highly recommend starting with the Authenticator app method since it’s the easiest, quickest, and most secure method.
3. At this point, the web page will prompt you to download the app.
   
   1. From your mobile device’s app store, search for Microsoft Authenticator and install the app.
   2. Once installed, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone:
      1. If it shows an option to Skip, you can tap Skip.
      2. If it asks to allow Camera and Push notifications, please choose Allow. 
   3. Switch back to your desktop web page and click Next.
4. Click Next again at the prompt.
5. If you've never used the Microsoft Authenticator app, please do step 6 and skip step 7.  If you've already been using the Microsoft Authenticator app previously, skip step 6 and go right to step 7.
6. (if you've never used the Microsoft Authenticator app before) Tap 'Add account' then tap 'Work or school account':
7. (if you've already been using the Microsoft Authenticator app) On the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, tap the + symbol (this may be toward the top right of your screen or to the bottom middle of your screen). On your phone, please tap the Work or school account. This should activate your phone's camera.
   
   
8. On your computer’s browser window, you will see a QR code to scan. Scan that QR code by pointing your phone's camera at the code. It should automatically scan the code.
   
   1. Your work account should then successfully be added to your Microsoft Authenticator app. 
9. Switch back to your computer's browser window, wait just about 5 seconds, and then click Next.
10. The system will then send a test push notification to your phone. When you see the notification, promptly tap Approve, and then the web browser on your computer will confirm that it was successful. After that, you can click Next, then Done.
    
    

If you'd like the ability to reset your own password or unlock your own account in the future, please continue to the section below.

Additional setup for Self-Service Password Reset and Account Unlocking

In order to use the Self-Service Password Reset and Unlock Account feature, you'll need to add the Phone authentication method to your account.

Note: Due to your organization's security policy, you may not have the following multi-factor authentication option available. Any questions on that, please contact the help desk. 

Steps to add Phone authentication method

1. Click + Add method again, select Phone from the dropdown menu, then click Add.
2. Enter your cell phone number when prompted, select Text me a code, then click Next. (If you prefer to receive a call, you can select that option instead.)
3. You will receive a test text message with a code on your phone (if you selected to receive a call, you will get a call on your phone that will read the code out loud to you). Enter that code in your web browser, then click Next, and you’re done!

You’ve now successfully added two layers of security for your account!

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Related:

• How do I change my default Multi-Factor Authentication method?
• Troubleshooting Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication
• Setting up DUO multi-factor authentication