Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication in Office365

The attached document will walk you through the process for enabling MFA on your Office365 account. Including downloading the Authenticator app on your phone.

Before we begin, download/install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone. It’s a free app you can get from any App Store. 

To activate your office account:

Go to office.com and Click Sign-In then enter your Email Address (ex: jdavis@YourCompany.com)

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Then enter your office365 password:

Next, we will setup your MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication). This is used to add an extra layer of security to your account. 

Click Next on this screen:

You will need to download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. You can get it on iPhone or Android operating systems. You can click the Download Now link that’s displayed on the screen, or you can search for it in the store.

After you have installed the App, click Next

Follow the on-screen instructions for the Microsoft Authenticator App. Eventually you will be prompted to open the Authenticator App & point your phone at the QR-Code that’s displayed on the computer. This will sync your phone to the Authenticator App.

After you scan the QR Code, it will run a test:

1. You will see a pop-up on your phone that says “Approve sign-in for yourName@yourCompany.com”
2. Click Approve
3. Your phone will ask for an authentication – This will be however you unlock your phone (Thumbprint, Face-ID, PIN or Password)
4. Then you will see:

Then Click Next

We will now setup a backup MFA method. Please enter your cell phone number in the next screen. You can choose “Text me a code” or “Call me” – I prefer text, but it’s up to you.

Click Next, and you will receive a text with a 6-digit code, enter the code on the next screen. If you did not receive a code, you put your phone number in incorrectly.

After clicking Next, you should see this screen:

Now that we have both MFA methods setup, we can test it out:

Go to office.com and enter your email address (the one with first initial / last name!) and click Sign-in:

Enter your o365 Password:

Approve the sign-in request – You will get a notification on your phone to Open the Authenticator App…

On your Phone, you will have to click “Approve” on the sign-in request, then you will need to use your default unlock method (thumbprint, Face-ID, PIN, etc.) to complete the sign-in.

If you take too long, it will ask to send another request. You can try again with the App, or have it text you a code:

After you authenticate, you have a choice. If you are on the PC you use every day, or your Personal PC, you can click Yes to stay signed-in. If you are on someone else’s PC, please click No.

Then you’re in!! You will be able to save documents and access them anywhere in the world on this page. You also can download “Office Apps” to install the Word/Excel/Outlook/Teams/etc. on your phone or personal computer. If you click on the Outlook button on the left, it will redirect you to your webmail.