Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app

To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app

  1. Sign in to your work or school account and visit your My Account portal.
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  2. Select Security info in the left menu or by using the link in the Security info. If you have registered, you’ll be prompted for two-factor verification (most customers use codes sent to text messages). Then, select Add method in the Security info pane.

  3. On the Add method page, select Authenticator app from the list, and then select Add.
  4. On the Start by getting the app page, select Download now to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, and then select  For more information about how to download and install the app, see Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.

  5. Remain on the Set up your account page while you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
  6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, select allow notifications (if prompted), select Add account from the Customize and Control icon on the upper right, and then select Work or school account. Note: The first time you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might 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). In the next step, you must select Allow so the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code.
  7. Return to the Set up your account page on your computer, and then select Next. The Scan the QR code page appears.
  8. Scan the provided code with the Microsoft Authenticator app QR code reader, which appears on your mobile device after you create your work or school account. The authenticator app should successfully add your work or school account without requiring additional information.
  9. Select Next on the Scan the QR code page on your computer. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device to test your account.
  10. Approve the notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app, and then select Next. Your security info is updated to use the Microsoft Authenticator app by default to verify your identity when using two-step verification or password reset.