Summary
This article explains how to add and manage password recovery and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) verification methods. We recommend you have at least three methods:
- the Microsoft Authenticator App (works for MFA only),
- one or more passkeys (work for MFA only), and
- a personal email address (works for password recovery only).
Having multiple methods ensures continued access to your accounts in the event of travel or a situation where you do not have wifi or cell phone service.
Use this process to keep your verification methods up-to-date as you change devices, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. Updating your security info will help ensure you are able to access your accounts when you need them. If you are trying to set up your account for the first time, see our article on Claiming your Account at USNH .
Security Info Sign-In Method Comparison
Green highlighted items are the minimum recommended to ensure access to your accounts. We encourage you to add as many additional methods as you can.
| Method |
Password Recovery |
MFA (Sign-In Verification) |
Considerations |
| Microsoft Authenticator App |
No |
Yes |
Works without cell/wifi coverage, even internationally. Set up fresh on any new device that is not jailbroken or rooted. MFA only. |
| Personal Email (Alternate Email) |
Yes |
No |
Essential for password reset. Password reset only. |
| Passkeys |
No |
Yes |
Phishing-resistant. Can be device-bound or synced. MFA only. |
| Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator |
No |
Yes |
Phishing-resistant and device-bound. MFA only. |
| Security Key (YubiKey, Kensington) |
No |
Yes |
Works completely offline. MFA only. |
| App Password (rare) |
No |
Yes |
|
Phone (SMS Text or voice call) |
No |
No |
Discontinued as of Nov. 2, 2026. |
Office Phone (voice call) |
No |
No |
Discontinued as of Nov. 2, 2026. |
Alternate Phone (voice call) |
No |
No |
Discontinued as of Nov. 2, 2026. |
How-To
Task: To Access your Security Info sign-in methods
Instructions
Step 1 - In a web browser, go to https://myaccount.microsoft.com and sign in if necessary.
Step 2 - Expand My Account on the left and select Security Info.
Step 3 - If you have previously configured any sign-in methods, they will be listed here.
Outcome
You can access your Security Info sign-in methods.
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Task: To Add a Sign-In Method
Instructions
Step 1 - Access your Security Info sign-in methods following the instructions above.
Step 2 - Click Add sign-in method. We strongly advise that you configure as many as you can.
Step 3 - Click the Choose a method drop down. You will have many options. Choose one and click Add to set it up.
Step 4 - Go through the on-screen instructions for your chosen method. Repeat steps 3-5 to add additional methods. See Specific Method Instructions below.
Step 5 - When finished, simply navigate away from the Security Info page. Now that you have verification methods set up, you may need to authenticate using one of them to log into your USNH account or to access the Security Info page again.
Outcome
You have set up at least two sign-in verification methods for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We recommend the Microsoft Authenticator App plus as many others as you can. Email does not work for MFA.
You have set up your personal email for Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). Personal email is the only option for password recovery.
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Task: To Change a Sign-In Method
Instructions
Step 1 - Access your Security Info sign-in methods following the instructions above.
Step 2 - To change a method, click the "Change" link if available.
Step 3 - Go through the on-screen instructions for your chosen method. Repeat as necessary. See Specific Method Instructions below.
Step 4 - When finished, simply navigate away from the Security Info page. You may need to authenticate using one of your sign-in methods to log into your USNH account or to access the Security Info page again.
Outcome
You have changed your verification and recovery sign-in methods for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). Be sure you maintain a minimum of two methods for MFA (recommend the Microsoft Authenticator App plus another non-email method) and password recovery (email is the only option).
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Task: To Remove a Sign-In Method
Instructions
Step 1 - Access your Security Info sign-in methods following the instructions above.
Step 2 - To remove a method, click the "Delete" link.
Step 3 - Go through the on-screen instructions for your selected method. Repeat as necessary.
Step 4 - If necessary, Add additional sign-in methods to be sure you maintain a minimum of two methods for MFA plus password recovery (email only).
Step 5 - When finished, simply navigate away from the Security Info page. You may need to authenticate using one of your remaining sign-in methods to log into your USNH account or to access the Security Info page again.
Outcome
You have removed old verification and recovery sign-in methods for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). Be sure you maintain a minimum of two methods for MFA (recommend the Microsoft Authenticator App plus another non-email method) and password recovery (email is the only option).
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Specific Method Instructions
Microsoft Authenticator App
Essential for MFA. Requires a mobile device (phone or tablet). Not for password recovery. For MFA only
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Email
Essential for password recovery. Not for MFA. Personal Email is the only option for password recovery. For password recovery only
Task: Set up the Email method
Instructions
Step 1 - Type your personal, non-school email address in the "Enter email" box. Use an email address you will be able to access even if you cannot log into USNH. Click "Next".
Step 2 - You will see a screen labelled "Email" that says "We just sent a code to <your personal, non-school email address>" with a box to "Enter code".
Step 3 - Go to your personal, non-school email and find the "USNH account email verification code" message from Microsoft on behalf of USNH. Open the message to see the 6-digit code. Write down the code if necessary. Note: if you do not readily find the message, check your spam or junk mail folders.
Step 4 - Go back to the "Email" screen and type the 6-digit code into the "Enter code" box, then click "Next".
Step 5 - You will see confirmation that Email was successfully registered and this method will appear in your list of sign-in methods.
Note: For non-primary accounts the alternate email is your primary campus email address instead of a personal email address.
Outcome
You are able to register your email address.
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Passkeys
Passkeys are a secure, phishing-resistant MFA method. For MFA only
There are two types of passkeys:
- Device-bound passkeys are stored on one specific device (such as your computer, phone, tablet, or a YubiKey) and cannot be copied elsewhere. They are the most secure option.
- Syncable passkeys are backed up to your personal cloud account and are automatically available on any device you sign in to with that account. They are very convenient and still phishing resistant, though their security depends on the security of your personal account.
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Security Key
Very secure but you must purchase the security key for yourself. Good for backup in case your primary device is unavailable. USNH supports YubiKey and Kensington physical security keys. For MFA only
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Further Readings
MyAccount: Claiming your Account at USNH - for first-time account setup
MyAccount: Resources - links to articles on how to change or reset your password
Password Best Practices
USNH Password Policy
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.