Adding Microsoft Authenticator as your default MFA method in Microsoft 365

Before you start, please ensure you have your smartphone available with Microsoft Authenticator app installed.

• If you do not already have Microsoft Authenticator installed on your mobile device...
  
• To install the Authenticator app on an Android device, scan the QR code below or open the download page from your mobile device.
  

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• To install the Authenticator app on an iOS device, scan the QR code below or open the download page from your mobile device.
  

  

Step 1: Log Into Office 365

• Open Microsoft Office 365: Go to the Microsoft365 login page and sign in with your email and password.
  • Typically, you can start at office.com and sign in.

Step 2: Access Security Settings

• Navigate to Security Info: Once logged in, go to your account settings or click here to be directed directly to the "Security Info" page.

Step 3: Update/Confirm your "Default sign-in method"

• Change Your Method: Within the "Security Info" portal, confirm that your "Default sign-in method" is listed as "Microsoft Authenticator" If not, select "Change" and select "App based authentication" and then select "Confirm"
  
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• If you do not see "App based authentication" as an option, you will need to add Microsoft Authenticator as a sign-in method by proceeding to step 4.
  

• Select "Add sign-in method" and select "Authenticator app" and then click "Add"
• Select "Next" to confirm that you already have Microsoft Authenticator installed on your mobile device. Select "Next" once again to setup your account on your mobile device.
  
• On your mobile device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and if prompted, allow notifications and access to the camera.
  
• On your mobile device, proceed with Adding an Account (+) and then select "Work or school account"
  
• Within the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device, select "Scan QR Code"
  
• Use the camera on your mobile device to scan the QR code shown on your computer screen.
  
• Select "Next" to test the setup.
  
• Enter the number displayed on your computer screen in the prompt of your mobile device and then select "Yes"
  
• If successful, you will see "Notification Approved" You can now select "Next" to complete the process.

Step 5: Verify and Save Changes

• Test the Setup: Try signing out and then back into Office 365 to ensure that the Microsoft Authenticator app is now your default method. You should get a notification on your phone to approve the login.

Step 6: Confirmation

• You're Done! Once you've successfully logged in using the Microsoft Authenticator, your setup is complete.