Set Up MFA with the Authenticator App

Overview

The Microsoft Authenticator app is used as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method for signing in to any Microsoft 365 application. 

Steps

1. If you do not have the Microsoft Authenticator app downloaded on your mobile device, download it from the Apple Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Open a web browser. This is best done on a computer or device that is not the mobile device with the Authenticator app.
3. Log in to your Providence College email account.
   • If you are logging in to your Microsoft account for the first time, go to https://outlook.office.com and sign in with your Providence College Credentials. You will automatically be prompted to set up your authentication methods.
   • If you have signed in before and are currently able to access your account, go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and select Add a sign-in method.
4. You will see a message that says More information required. Click Next.
5. Enter your password, then click Sign In.
6. You will see a message saying Start by getting the app.
7. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. The app is available from Apple’s App Store for iPhones and iPads or from the Google Play store for Android devices.
8. On your browser, click Next.
9. You will see a message saying Set up your account.
   • If you are setting this up only using a mobile device, click Pair your account to the app by clicking this link. After it redirects you to the authenticator app, return to your browser and skip to step 15.
10. Click Next again. You should see a QR code.
11. Open the Authenticator app on your phone and add an account.
12. Select Work or school account.
13. Select Scan QR code. You should see a camera view in the app.
14. Use the camera in the app to scan the QR code on your browser.
    • If you are unable to scan the QR code, click Can't scan image? on your browser to see a Code and URL. Then, on the app, click Or enter code manually and enter the Code and URL provided.
15. Once the QR code has been scanned, the code and URL has been entered, or the account was paired to the app with the link, click Next on your browser and the Authenticator app will be connected to your account.
16. A message will say Let's try it out and then will display a 2-digit number. Your phone will receive a pop-up notification from Microsoft Authenticator Tap the notification to open then app, then enter the 2-digit number and tap Yes.
17. Once you have approved the sign in, on your browser, click Next.
18. A message will say Success! Click Done to continue signing in to your email.