How to Configure Multi-Factor Authentication for the First Time

Once you start the process of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the “Back” buttons included as part of the configuration process. 

After clicking “Next” on the screen above, you will be redirected to the MFA configuration page. Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App is the default option on this page.

1. Make sure you have the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device. Once installed, click "Next."

2. In the Microsoft Authenticator App, click the icon to add new accounts.

3. In the Microsoft Authenticator App, choose the “Work or School Account” option. This will open your camera with a box highlighted in blue. You will use this to scan your computer screen in Step 6.

4. Back on your laptop or desktop, click “Next” on the “Set up your account” screen.

5. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen with the Microsoft Authenticator App. After scanning the code, the view of your camera will disappear in the Microsoft Authenticator App. Click “Next” under the QR code displayed on your computer screen.

6. A notification will be sent to your phone to confirm that the Microsoft Authenticator App was configured successfully. Click “Approve” on the notification to complete setup of the Microsoft Authenticator App.

7. When you have approved the notification on your phone and configuration is successful, the page on your computer screen will update to indicate that you approved the notification. Click “Next” to review your MFA configuration.

8. Review the information you configured and click "Done" to complete MFA configuration.

These steps will configure your account to use the "Mobile App with a Notification" option by default. If you want to use the "Mobile App with a Verification Code" option by default, please follow the instructions in How to Change the Default Multi-Factor Authentication Option. 

Once you start the process of configuring a phone number for your account, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the "Back" buttons included as part of the configuration process. 

Faculty and Staff may have an "Office Phone" configured automatically on their accounts. This is the contact number listed for your account in email and in Microsoft Teams. If your "Office Phone" is configured as a general office line that rings on several phones, use the instructions below to add your direct extension as well. 

After clicking "Next" on the screen above, you will be redirected to the MFA configuration page. Configuring your phone number for SMS texts and phone calls is not the default option.

1. Click “I want to set up a different method" to change the option to be configured.

2. In the “Choose security info” dropdown, choose “Phone” and then click “Confirm.”

3. Verify your phone number's country or region code, enter the phone number you would like to configure, and select if you want to receive SMS texts or phone calls at that number. Then click "Next."

4. Based on your choice above, you will either receive an SMS text message or a phone call to the number configured.  

• If you chose “Call me” above, answer the call you receive and follow the instructions provided in the call to verify your phone number.  
• If you chose “Text me a code”, you will receive a 6-digit code. Enter that code and click “Next”. If you do not receive the text, review the number you provided, and if it is correct, click “Resend code” to request a new message be sent.

5. When you have successfully verified your phone number, you will see a message confirming your configuration. From this page, click “Done” to proceed to review your settings.

6. Verify that your phone number is correct and click “Done” to complete the configuration.