Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (2024)

You can set up an authenticator app to send a notification to your mobile device or to send you a verification code as your security verification method. You aren't required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you can select a different app during the set up process. However, this article uses the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Important:Before you can add your account, you must download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you haven't done that yet, follow the steps in theDownload and install the apparticle.

Note:If the Mobile app option is grayed out, it's possible that your organization doesn't allow you to use an authentication app for verification. In this case, you'll need to select another method or contact your administrator for more help.

Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to send notifications

  1. On theAdditional security verification page, selectMobile appfrom theStep 1: How should we contact youarea.

  2. SelectReceive notifications for verificationfrom theHow do you want to use the mobile apparea, and then selectSet up.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (1)

    TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (2)
  3. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.

    Note:If you receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android). selectAllowso the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you don't allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app as described inManually add an account to the app.

  4. Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from theConfigure mobile appscreen on your computer, and then chooseNext.

  5. Return to your computer and theAdditional security verificationpage, make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then selectNext.The authenticator app will send a notification to your mobile device as a test.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (3)
  6. On your mobile device, selectApprove.

  7. On your computer, add your mobile device phone number to theStep 3: In case you lose access to the mobile apparea, and then selectNext. Microsoft recommends adding your mobile device phone number to act as a backup if you're unable to access or use the mobile app for any reason.

  8. From theStep 4: Keep using your existing applicationsarea, copy the provided app password and paste it somewhere safe.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (4)

    Note:For information about how to use the app password with your older apps, seeManage app passwords. You only need to use app passwords if you're continuing to use older apps that don't support two-factor verification.

  9. SelectDone.

Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to use verification codes

  1. On theAdditional security verificationpage, selectMobile appfrom Step 1: How should we contact you?.

  2. SelectUse verification codefrom theHow do you want to use the mobile apparea, and then selectSet up.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (5)

    TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (6)
  3. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.

    Note:If you receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android). selectAllowso the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you don't allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app as described inManually add an account to the app.

  4. Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from theConfigure mobile appscreen on your computer, and then chooseNext.

  5. Return to your computer and theAdditional security verificationpage, make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then selectNext.The authenticator app asks for a verification code as a test.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (7)
  6. From the Microsoft Authenticator app, scroll down to your work or school account, copy and paste the 6-digit code from the app into theStep 2: Enter the verification code from the mobile appbox on your computer, and then selectVerify.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (8)
  7. On your computer, add your mobile device phone number to theStep 3: In case you lose access to the mobile apparea, and then selectNext. Microsoft recommends adding your mobile device phone number to act as a backup if you're unable to access or use the mobile app for any reason.

  8. From theStep 4: Keep using your existing applicationsarea, copy the provided app password and paste it somewhere safe.

    Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (9)

    Note:For information about how to use the app password with your older apps, seeManage app passwords. You only need to use app passwords if you're continuing to use older apps that don't support two-factor verification.

  9. SelectDone.

Set up an authenticator app as a two-step verification method (2024)

FAQs

Can I have 2 accounts on Authenticator app? ›

And here's a fun fact! Microsoft Authenticator added support for multiple accounts after getting user feedback. People needed a simple way to manage multiple accounts in one place, and Microsoft listened. So now, managing multiple accounts with Authenticator is a breeze. Try it and make your digital life easier!

What is the difference between two step verification and two step authentication? ›

The key difference between 2-step verification vs. 2-factor authentication is that 2FA requires two independent forms of authentication from different categories. In contrast, 2SV only requires two pieces of information with no regard for whether they are from the same type of authentication category.

How does 2FA work with Authenticator app? ›

An authenticator app is a mobile application that provides an extra layer of security to your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). These passwords are used for two-factor authentication (2FA) and help protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

Can I have an Authenticator on two devices? ›

Your current smartphone with a data/internet connection. Your new device, eg iPad with a data/internet connection. Microsoft Authenticator app can be installed on a second mobile device such as an iPad or other smartphone and used when your primary smartphone is unavailable.

Can you have 2 factor authentication? ›

When you log in to your accounts online, you mostly use a simple 'username and password' combination to do so. Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your login process is a simple way of adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.

What are the disadvantages of two-step verification? ›

Drawbacks you may encounter

The most common reason for this can be the lack of a modern phone or any other gadget that would support such a feature. Problems due to loss of access to one of the authentication factors. This can make it difficult to access a personal account and take some time to solve it.

What is the safest 2-step verification? ›

Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator are generally considered more secure than SMS codes, as SMS can be vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks.

Which is more secure account key or two-step verification? ›

Security keys are a more secure second step. If you have other second steps set up, use your security key to sign in whenever possible. If a security key doesn't work on your device or browser, you might see an option to sign in with a code or prompt instead.

How to setup 2 step verification with Authenticator app? ›

Select Security info in the left menu or by using the link in the Security info pane. If you have already registered, you'll be prompted for two-factor verification. Then, select Add method in the Security info pane. On the Add a method page, select Authenticator app from the list, and then select Add.

Can you have 2 accounts on Authenticator? ›

Open the App: Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. Add an Account: Tap on the '+' icon (or it might say 'Add account') in the app. Choose the type of account you want to add. For most users, this will be a 'Work or school account' or a 'Personal account'.

How do I get my 6 digit Authenticator code? ›

Google Authenticator app generates a six-digit code for you to enter when you log in. The code changes about every minute. Once you have set up the connection with ACF's site, every time that you log out of your ACF account you will need to use Google Authenticator to regain access when you login again.

How to find setup key for Google Authenticator? ›

While setting up an authenticator app for 2FA you can view the setup key which we automatically generate as a QR code, but which can also be read in plain text by clicking on View setup key. It is sometimes also referred to as a "backup code" or "secret seed code".

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