Microsoft 365

MFA Setup Guide

Secure your account with Multi-Factor Authentication in minutes

1 Download App
2 Sign In
3 Security Settings
4 Add Account
5 Complete
Step 1 of 5

Download Microsoft Authenticator

Install the free Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone. Scan the QR code for your device or tap the link to open the store directly.

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Apple App Store

iPhone & iPad (iOS 16+)


↗ Open App Store
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Google Play Store

Android (8.0+)


↗ Open Play Store
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Scan the QR code with your phone's camera app — no special scanner needed. The camera will automatically detect the code and prompt you to open the store.

Step 2 of 5

Sign In to Microsoft 365

From your computer or browser, navigate to the Microsoft 365 security portal to begin MFA enrollment.

1

Open your browser

On your computer, go to the Microsoft My Sign-Ins page:

mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
2

Enter your work email

Type your Microsoft 365 work or school email address (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com) and click Next.

3

Enter your password

Type your current Microsoft 365 password and click Sign in.

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Make sure you're using your work or school Microsoft 365 account — not a personal Microsoft account — unless your organization uses personal accounts.

Step 3 of 5

Open Security Info Settings

Once signed in, you'll navigate to your Security Info page to add a new authentication method.

1

You're on the Security Info page

After signing in you should already be at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. If not, click the link to go there.

2

Click "+ Add sign-in method"

Look for the blue + Add sign-in method button near the top of the Security info section and click it.

3

Select "Microsoft Authenticator"

From the list, choose Microsoft Authenticator app and then click Add.

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Your IT administrator may have already started this process. If you see a prompt titled "More information required" when you sign in, click Next to be guided through the same setup flow.

Step 4 of 5

Link Your Authenticator App

Microsoft will display a QR code on your screen. Use the Authenticator app on your phone to scan it and link your account.

1

Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone

Launch the app you downloaded in Step 1. If this is your first time opening it, tap Add account.

2

Tap "Work or school account"

When asked what type of account you're adding, choose Work or school account.

3

Tap "Scan a QR code"

Allow the app to use your camera if prompted, then point it at the QR code displayed on your computer screen.

4

Approve the test notification

Microsoft will send a test push notification to your phone. Tap Approve in the app to confirm everything is working.

5

Click "Next" on your computer

Once the test is approved, click Next in your browser, then Done to complete the registration.

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Keep your phone and computer close together while scanning. The QR code expires after a few minutes — if it does, click Refresh QR code on your screen.

Step 5 of 5

MFA Setup Complete!

Your Microsoft 365 account is now protected with Multi-Factor Authentication. Here's what to expect going forward:


Helpful Links

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Manage your security methods

Add or remove MFA methods anytime at:

mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
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Microsoft Authenticator Help

Full documentation and troubleshooting at:

Microsoft Support — Authenticator App
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Getting a new phone? Before you switch, add your new device as a second authenticator method at mysignins.microsoft.com so you don't get locked out.

Go to Microsoft 365 →