Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Before You Start

• Read this whole guide first!
• This process works best using two different devices. 
  • A phone or mobile device to receive MFA prompts (steps below marked "On your phone:")
  • Another computer or device to access your account (steps below marked "On your web browser:")
• Review supported mail apps: This is an important step since most built-in mail apps don't support MFA.
  • See the App Compatibility chart below.
  • Android: Only Outlook App works.
  • iOS: Only specific versions of Mail app works, otherwise you need the Outlook App.
  • If you do not have a supported app, you will need to install one. 
• Review recommendations: 
  • Install Microsoft Outlook on your mobile phone/devices
  • Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone/devices
  • Decide what "factors" you will use during setup. 
• Other Information
  • MFA FAQ
  • MFA Troubleshooting

1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App:  

• On your phone: Install the app from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/account/authenticator

2. Visit the MFA Setup Site

• On your web browser: visit https://aka.ms/mfasetup
• Log In
• Click Next at the following prompt

3. Set Verification Options

• Chose "Mobile app" in the drop-down
• Select "Receive notifications for verification"
• Wait: The next part has a time limit (1-2 minutes), read all of part 4 below before clicking Set up. 

4. Link Your Phone

• 4.1 - On your phone: Open the Microsoft Authenticator App
  • On the Accounts screen, select (iPhone) or (Android)
  • Choose "Add account"
  • Select "Work or school account"
  • Notes:
    • Your device may prompt you that the Authenticator app is requesting access to your camera
    • Your device may prompt you that the Authenticator app is requesting to accept notifications
    • Choose ACCEPT to Both Prompts.

• 4.2 - On your web browser: Click Set up

• The Configure Mobile App screen will display a QR code and a URL.

• 4.3 - On your phone: Use the camera to scan the QR code

• 4.4 - On your phone: Select Done to close the code screen
  • Note: If your camera is not working properly, you can enter the QR code and URL manually.

5. Successfully Linked

• On your phone: Note the 6 digit number under your account name.  
  • This code will not be used at this time, but it indicates a that the app is successfully linked to your account
  • The code is on a perpetual timer that will refresh every 30 seconds
• On your web browser: Click Next
• The screen will indicate "Checking activation status"
• Click Next

6. Validate MFA for your Account

• On your web browser:  the prompt will change to indicate MFA communication with your phone
• On your phone: Respond to the "Approve sign-in" prompt

7. Add Phone Number

• On your web browser: Add the phone number for the device that runs the Microsoft Authenticator App
• Click Next

8. Add an Additional Phone

• On your web browser: 
• Under "What's your preferred option?" section, make sure "Notify me through the App" is selected.
• Enter one or more additional phone numbers: These numbers can be a landline or office phones and do not need to support mobile apps or even text messaging. 
• Click Save
  

9. MFA is Enabled on your Account

Your account is now enabled for MFA.