Configuring Microsoft Authenticator App for Office 365 Multifactor Authentication

What is Microsoft Authenticator App?

Configuring the Microsoft Authenticator app for Office 365 Multifactor Authentication will save you time and effort by eliminating the need to enter verification codes by hand when signing into St. Lawrence resources or applications that are protected by Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Additionally, you must use the Microsoft Authenticator app and set it as your default verification method in order to pass an MFA challenge for VPN.  If you already have the authenticator app configured, you can set it as your default from the Microsoft Security website.

Setup Instructions

Click on one of the choices below to view the contents.

With both a computer and your smartphone
  • First: On your computer: Visit https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info 
    1. Enter your SLU Email Address, then click Next. 
    2. When you see the St. Lawrence logo, enter your SLU email address and password. Then click Sign in.
    3. On the page that says "Verify your identity", choose to either Text or Call your mobile phone.
      • Note: If the phone number you see at this step is not your actual phone number, please submit a service request, or call the ODY Service Desk. 
    4. You will receive a six-digit code via text message or phone call. Please enter this code. Then click Verify.
    5. Click + Add Method above the boxes that show your phone number and alternative email address.
    6. In the Choose Method dropdown menu, select Authenticator app, then click Add.
    7. Click Next.
    8. Click Next.
    9. You should now see a QR Code.
  • Next: On your mobile phone:
    1. Open the App Store/Google Play Store.
    2. Search the Store for Microsoft Authenticator.
    3. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app.
    4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app after it has finished installing.
    5. On the page that says "Your privacy matters", tap I agree.
    6. On the page that says "Peace of mind for your digital life", tap Scan a QR Code.
    7. If your phone prompts you allow access to your camera, tap OK.
    8. Point your camera at the QR code that is on your computer screen.
    9. If your phone prompts you to allow the Microsoft Authenticator app to send you notifications, tap OK.
  • On your computer:
    • You should now see a box that says "Let's try it out". You will now receive a notification on your phone from the Microsoft Authenticator App.
  • On your phone:
    1. You should see a notification that reads "Approve sign-in?" and includes "St. Lawrence University" and your SLU email address. Tap Approve.
      • ​​​​​​​
    2. You may be prompted to use Face ID for Microsoft Authenticator app. You can choose whether or not you would like to use Face ID.

You now must set the Microsoft Authenticator App as your default MFA method in order to use certain applications such as the VPN.

  • On your computer:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
    1. You will now see a "Notification Approved" message. Click Next.
      • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
    2. You should now see a screen that says "Security info". Next to "Default sign-in method", click Change.
    3. In the drop-down menu, choose Microsoft Authenticator - notification.
    4. Click Confirm.

 

Congratulations! You are now fully set up to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.

With just your smartphone

Please note: If you have already completed the above method, you do not need to continue reading further.

  1. Visit https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info on your computer, entering your SLU credentials and using SMS text verification codes to log in.
  2. On your computer, Click + Add Method above the boxes that show your phone number and alternative email address.
  3. In the Choose Method drop-down menu, select Authenticator app
  4. Click through the following screens until you see the QR Code
  5. On your mobile device, download and open the official Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). There are many authenticator apps available for mobile devices with the word Authenticator in the name.  Make sure you are downloading the Microsoft Authenticator App.
  6. Select Add Work or School account
  7. Enter St. Lawrence Email Address
  8. Enter your St. Lawrence Password
  9. Select Text Message Verification
  10. Enter the verification code you receive on your mobile device
  11. Click Finish

Once setup is complete,on your computer, click Change next to Default sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator- notification for quick and easy MFA notifications and approvals.

Congratulations! You are now fully set up to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Set the Microsoft Authenticator App as your default authentication method

Please note: if you have followed either of the above sets of instructions to completion, you do not need to continue reading further.

  1. Visit https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
  2. Enter your SLU Email Address, then click Next. 
  3. When you see the St. Lawrence logo, enter your SLU email address and password. Then click Sign in.
  4. Complete the MFA challenge either via the Microsoft Authenticator App or via text message.
  5. Next to Default sign-in method, click Change.
  6. Select Microsoft Authenticator - notification from the drop-down list. 
  7. Click Confirm.

Additional Resources

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Details

Article ID: 75718
Created
Tue 4/9/19 11:38 AM
Modified
Wed 9/27/23 2:31 PM