If your organization is using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365, the easiest verification method to use is the Microsoft Authenticator smart phone app. It's just one click instead of typing in a 6-digit code. And if you travel, you won't incur roaming fees when you use it.
Download and install MicrosoftAuthenticator app
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android, iOS or Windows Phone.
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app
Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6
Choose the mobile app
Open a browser on your computer and go to portal.office.com. Sign in to your Office 365 for business account.
Use these steps if you see this screen:
Click Set it up now.
Choose Mobile app from the dropdown.
Make sure "Receive notifications for verifications" is selected. Click Set up.
If you can't use your phone camera, you'll have to manually enter the 9 digit code and the URL.
Your account will be added automatically to the app and will display a six-digit code.
Confirm activation status on your computer
Switch back to your computer and click Done.
Now wait for the Checking activation status text to finish configuring your phone.
When it's complete, you'll be able to click the Contact me button on the right.
Note:If configuration fails, just delete retry the previous steps again.
Approve sign in on your phone
Switch back to your phone and you'll see a notification for a new sign in.
Go to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Tap Approve to allow it.
Finish set up
Back on the computer, follow any prompts that you might see such as adding a mobile number.
You're good to go!
From now on, whenever you have a new sign in or add your Microsoft 365 work or school accountto an app, you'll open the Authenticator app on your phone and tap Approve.
Related Topics
Set up multi-factor authentication for Microsoft 365
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Sign in to an application or service such as Microsoft 365 using your username and password. Microsoft sends a notification to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. Open the notification on your phone and select the Verify key. If your company requires a PIN, enter it here.
Modern authentication is based on the use of OAuth 2.0 tokens and the Active Directory Authentication Library. It notably adds support for multifactor authentication, in which a secondary challenge besides a password is used to verify a user's identity, such as previously set personal questions.
Open Authenticator on your phone and select the plus icon and select Add account.Select Work or school account then tap Scan a QR Code. Notes: If you can't use your camera to scan a QR Code, click Can't scan the image on your PC and tap Enter code manually on your mobile.
With 2FA for Office 365, users will be required to acknowledge a phone call, text message, or app notification on their cellphones after correctly entering their passwords. They can sign in only after this second authentication factor has been satisfied.
The default authentication method is to use the free Microsoft Authenticator app. If you have it installed on your mobile device, select Next and follow the prompts to add this account.
Make sure "Security Info" is highlighted in menu on left side of page > choose "Add sign in method" button above the list of methods (phone, password etc).
Beginning in early 2023, we disabled Basic authentication for all tenants who had any type of extension. You can read more about the timing here. In Office 365 Operated by 21Vianet, we began disabling Basic authentication on March 31, 2023. All other cloud environments were subject to the October 1, 2022 date.
Stronger Security: MFA strengthens security by adding an extra layer on top of your typical method of just a password for account access. Even if a password becomes compromised, an additional factor is still required to gain access which allows the account to remain secure.
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