How to Reconfigure Multi-Factor Authentication Settings
If you have not completed Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) configuration for the first time, please see the Decisions Prior to Multi-Factor Authentication Setup article. You can only reconfigure your MFA settings if you have already set them up on your account.
If you decided to use the Microsoft Authenticator app as one of your authentication verification methods, please install the app on your mobile device prior to starting this process. The Microsoft Authenticator App is available for and .
MFA configuration should be done from a laptop or desktop. Configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App requires scanning a QR code displayed on screen. You will not be able to scan the QR code if you are configuring MFA on the same device that has the Microsoft Authenticator App installed.
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Steps to add "Mobile App with a Notification" and "Mobile App with a Verification Code" options.
Once you start the process of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the “Back” buttons included as part of the configuration process to return to the "Security info" screen.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Click on the "Add Method" button.
3. Choose "Authenticator app" in the dropdown and click "Add" to proceed to the app configuration.
4. Make sure you have the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device. Once installed, click "Next."
5. In the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device, click the icon to add new accounts.
6. In the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device, choose the “Work or School Account” option. This will open your camera with a box highlighted in blue. You will use this to scan your computer screen in Step 8.
7. Back on your laptop or desktop, click "Next" on the "Set up your account" screen.
8. Scan the QR code on your computer screen with the Microsoft Authenticator App. After scanning the code, the view of your camera will disappear in the Microsoft Authenticator App. Click “Next.”
9. A notification will be sent to your phone to confirm that the Microsoft Authenticator App was configured successfully. Click “Approve” on the notification to complete setup of the Microsoft Authenticator App.
10. When you have approved the notification on your phone and configuration is complete, the page on your computer screen will update to indicate that you approved the notification. Click “Done” to complete setup.
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Steps to add “Mobile Phone SMS Text” and “Phone Call”
Once you start the process of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the “Back” buttons included as part of the configuration process to return to the "Security info" screen.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Click on the "Add method" button.
3. Choose "Phone," then click "Add."
4. Verify your phone number’s country or region code, enter the phone number that you would like to configure, and select if you want to receive SMS texts or phone calls to that number. Then click “Next.”
5. Based on your choice above, you will either receive an SMS text message or a phone call to the number configured.
- If you chose “Call me” above, answer the call you receive and follow the instructions provided in the call to verify your phone number.
- If you chose “Text me a code,” you will receive a 6-digit code. Enter that code and click “Next.” If you do not receive the text, review the number you provided, and if it is correct, click “Resend code” to request a new message be sent.
6. If configuration succeeds, you will receive a success message. Click “Done” to finalize your configuration changes.
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Steps to remove an authentication verification option
СƬƵ recommends that you have at least two authentication verification options configured at all times. If removing an authentication verification option will leave you with only one option available, we suggest using the instructions above to configure an additional option prior to proceeding.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Find the verification option you would like to remove in the list of configured options. Click the “Delete” link next to the option you wish to remove.
3. Click "Ok" to confirm that you want to remove the verification option.
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Steps to add "Mobile App with a Notification" and "Mobile App with a Verification Code" options.
Once you start the process of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the “Back” buttons included as part of the configuration process to return to the "Security info" screen.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Click on the "Add Method" button.
3. Choose "Authenticator app" in the dropdown and click "Add" to proceed to the app configuration.
4. Make sure you have the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device. Once installed, click "Next."
5. In the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device, click the icon to add new accounts.
6. In the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device, choose the “Work or School Account” option. This will open your camera with a box highlighted in blue. You will use this to scan your computer screen in Step 8.
7. Back on your laptop or desktop, click "Next" on the "Set up your account" screen.
8. Scan the QR code on your computer screen with the Microsoft Authenticator App. After scanning the code, the view of your camera will disappear in the Microsoft Authenticator App. Click “Next.”
9. A notification will be sent to your phone to confirm that the Microsoft Authenticator App was configured successfully. Click “Approve” on the notification to complete setup of the Microsoft Authenticator App.
10. When you have approved the notification on your phone and configuration is complete, the page on your computer screen will update to indicate that you approved the notification. Click “Done” to complete setup.
-
Steps to add “Mobile Phone SMS Text” and “Phone Call”
Once you start the process of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator App, do not use your browser's "Back" button. If you need to stop configuration for any reason, use the “Back” buttons included as part of the configuration process to return to the "Security info" screen.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Click on the "Add method" button.
3. Choose "Phone," then click "Add."
4. Verify your phone number’s country or region code, enter the phone number that you would like to configure, and select if you want to receive SMS texts or phone calls to that number. Then click “Next.”
5. Based on your choice above, you will either receive an SMS text message or a phone call to the number configured.
- If you chose “Call me” above, answer the call you receive and follow the instructions provided in the call to verify your phone number.
- If you chose “Text me a code,” you will receive a 6-digit code. Enter that code and click “Next.” If you do not receive the text, review the number you provided, and if it is correct, click “Resend code” to request a new message be sent.
6. If configuration succeeds, you will receive a success message. Click “Done” to finalize your configuration changes.
-
Steps to remove an authentication verification option
СƬƵ recommends that you have at least two authentication verification options configured at all times. If removing an authentication verification option will leave you with only one option available, we suggest using the instructions above to configure an additional option prior to proceeding.
1. Navigate to the and sign in.
2. Find the verification option you would like to remove in the list of configured options. Click the “Delete” link next to the option you wish to remove.
3. Click "Ok" to confirm that you want to remove the verification option.