Skip to Content Skip to Footer

How to Install Microsoft Authenticator 

Check Microsoft Authenticator Installation

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info 

2. Click on Security Info

security info

3. Check to see if Microsoft Authenticator is installed. 

Microsoft Authenticator: Installed ✅ 

Check if Microsoft Authenticator and device is listed. If if listed, no further action is needed. 

MA Installed

Microsoft Authenticator: Not Installed ❌ 

Microsoft Authenticator is not installed if the either of the following scenarios are observed.

A. Microsoft Authenticator: Not Listed under "Add sign method".

add sign method

B. Microsoft Authenticator: Listed but device is missing.

Device Missing

If Microsoft Authenticator or device is missing, please proceed with installation. 

Install Microsoft Authenticator (MA)

 
Note: if you have Microsoft Authenticator already installed on your mobile device, skip to (step 6).
 
Install the Microsoft Authenticator app directly on your mobile device.
1. Go to the Google Play or Apple Store on your mobile device or type "Microsoft Authenticator" in the search bar.
2. Click the Download, Get button or Install button to download the app.  
3. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
4. Launch Microsoft Authenticator, click allow notifications and accept.
5. Once on the sign in page, pause and go to the computer.
 

* If you have a pop-up blocker, please disable or add https://mysignins.microsoft.com/ to your safelist. 

* If your session times out, Click the Sign in button in the “Your session has timed out” window to reactivate the session. 

timed out

Computer

As we advance, you will utilize your computer and mobile device to complete the setup process. 

6. On the “Security Info” page. Click “Add sign-in method.” A popup box should appear titled: “Add a method.” 

Add sign-in method

7. Click on "Choose a method", select the Authenticator app from the dropdown window, click the Add button

choose method

authenticator app

8. Click the Next button in the “Start by getting the app” window. 

next button

9. Click the Next button in the “Set up your account” window. 

Set up your account

10. The “Scan the QR code” window will appear. With the QR code prominently on your screen, pause and go back to your mobile device

scan QR code

 

Mobile Device: Add New Account 

If prompted, allow notifications.  

11. Once installed, Click the Add Account button or Select (+) in the upper right corner. 

add account 

12. Select Work or School account. Accept any requested permission prompt.

work or school account

13. A popup box should appear titled: “Add work or school account,” click “Scan a QR code”.  

scan QR code

14. Your phone’s camera will activate QR code authenticator app reader

15. With camera still activated, point your mobile device to your computer screen and scan the QR code displayed on the screen from (step 10).  

qr camera

16. Once scanned, your new account will appear on the menu. An “Account added successfully” prompt might also appear to confirm your account was added.  

17. Now, go back to your computer

Computer: 

18. Once scan is completed, Click the Next button on the “Scan the QR code” window. 

QR code next button

19. The “Let’s try it out” window will appear.  It will send an "Approved sign-in" notification to your mobile device or generate a code.

lets try out

lets try number

20. Go to your mobile device.

 

Mobile Device: 

21a. If you see the "Approve sign-in?" window, click Approve

approve sign-in

21b. If you see the “Are you trying to sign-in?”, enter the number generated in (step 19), click Yes.

enter code

22. Go back to your computer. 

 

Computer: 

23. On your computer, the “Microsoft Authenticator” window will state “Notification approved”. Click the Next button

notification approved

24. A popup window will appear: "Microsoft Authenticator app was successfully registered." in the top right corner of your screen.

successfully registered

25. Under "Default sign-in method," click Change

change notification

26. The "Change default method" window will appear. Under "Which method would you like to use to sign in?" select "App based authentication - Notification" from the drop-down menu and click the Confirm button

change default method

"Microsoft Authenticator - notification" will appear as the sign-in option when most advisable is unavailable. Next to the change button. 

change default notification

your all set!