MFA: Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App for M365

Summary

The purpose of this article is to walk you through the process for setting up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for your M365 account using the FREE Microsoft Authenticator mobile app  which provides a seamless user experience for those devices which are able to implement it. 

Please install the FREE Microsoft Authenticator mobile app  on your mobile device before you begin the set up steps below.  You will find step-by-step instructions in the article Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App. 

MS Authenticator icon

Icon for the Microsoft Authenticator app provided by the Microsoft Corporation. This is a FREE app - do not pay for an app for this purpose.

Important:  For Password Recovery methods (as opposed to MFA verification), also see our article on Managing Account Verification Methods .

 

How-To

Task: To set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for your M365 account using the Microsoft Authenticator App

Note: These instructions assume you are using a computer.  If you do not have access to a computer at this time, follow the instructions here instead - MFA: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only

Instructions

Step 1 - On your computer, go to:  myaccount.microsoft.com  

Step 2 - Click on My Account then Security Info in the left hand navigation panel.

The Security Info page times out very quickly for security purposes. If prompted, sign in again. 

My Account menu with Security Info marked.

 

Step 3 - Click Add sign-in method

Security info with list of MFA sign-in methods and link to "Add sign-in method".

 

Step 4 - Select Microsoft Authenticator from the middle of the list. 

Microsoft Authenticator marked in the list of options.

 

Step 5 - If you do not have the FREE Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, install it now.  

Step 6 - Click Next after the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed on your phone.

Pop up with links to get the Microsoft Authenticator app and a "Next" button to use after the app is installed on your phone.

 

Step 7 - On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Allow notifications if prompted.

Step 8 - In the app, click Add account or the Plus Sign +. Select Work or School account and the option to Scan QR Code.

in app Add Account options

 

Step 9 - If prompted, Allow the Microsoft Authenticator app to Access the Camera.

Allow the app to Access the Camera by clicking OK

 

Step 10 - Use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to scan the QR code that appears on the computer screen.  After you scan the code, click Next.

Image to scan the QR code

 

Step 11 - If prompted, Allow the Microsoft Authenticator app to Send You Notifications.

Step 12 - On your phone, Approve the test notification from Microsoft Authenticator

Let's try it out

 

Step 13 - You're all set and can now use the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Notification approved

 

Step 14 - We strongly recommend that you also set up one or more backup methods to use if your primary method is not available.  Follow on-screen prompts to add as many back up methods as you desire from the Choose a method drop down.  See detailed instructions here - MFA: Adding Backup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Methods .

Example: Choose other method(s) for Microsoft MFA

 List of sign-in methods.

 

Possible methods include:

  • Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator - available on supported mobile devices
  • Passkey - includes options such as YubiKey security keys, Windows Hello for Business, or macOS biometric logins
  • Microsoft Authenticator - sends notifications through a mobile app (as just set up above)
  • Avoid setting up any of the phone methods as those will be discontinued by Microsoft in Fall 2026.

See this article which explains how each MFA method behaves as you use Microsoft resources such as Email, Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint: Choosing a preferred method of Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365 .

 

Outcome

When you have set up Multi factor Authentication for M365, you will be prompted to MFA periodically when signing into Email, Teams, OneDrive sync, and other M365 tools on both their computers and their mobile devices. For other applications in the Single Sign-On (SSO) environment (such as myUSNH, Canvas, or, Kaltura) you may be prompted to MFA when logging into those applications as well.

 

Further reading

MFA: Installing the Microsoft Authenticator App

MFA: Adding Backup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Methods

MFA: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only

MFA: Using Authenticator App without Cell Service

MFA: Setting up Authenticator on a new phone

MFA: Changing phones or phone numbers

MFA: Multi-factor Authentication and USNH Systems

MFA: Choosing a preferred method of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for M365

MFA: YubiKey Facts & Purchasing Guide

MFA: Setting up YubiKey for Microsoft Authentication

MyAccount: Managing Account Verification Methods

Set up Security info from a sign-in page - Microsoft Support  URL - https://aka.ms/securityinfoguide

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person. 

 

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