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.

   

   TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.

   

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.

   

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.

   

   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.

   

   TheConfigure mobile apppage appears.

   

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.

   

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.

   

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.

   

   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.