How to Download and Set Up Microsoft Authenticator for MFA

Microsoft Authenticator app is a preferred and supported method to secure your account. Follow these steps to download and configure Microsoft Authenticator on your phone. Please note, Microsoft Authenticator is not supported on smart watches, but will work on Apple and Android smart phones and tablets. 

Microsoft currently allows third party authenticator apps to be used, however we have no guarantees this feature will remain in the future and providing the steps below simply to assist with alternative options that are currently supported. 

Prerequisites

  •  iOS (16.0+) or Android (8.0+) mobile device
  • Access to desktop or laptop computer

Procedure for Microsoft MFA App

  • On your computer, log on to https://aka.ms/mfasetup with your CBC email and password. If you are prompted to verify your account with a second factor (SMS or, Voice call), please do so.
  •  Once logged in, click "Add sign-in method" (see screenshot)

    Security Options page

  • Choose "Microsoft Authenticator" option:Add sign-in method, need to select Microsoft Authenticator from the list of options
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to download Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. Alternatively, open your AppStore (on iOS) or Play Store (on Android), search and download the "Microsoft Authenticator" app. Make sure to allow notification and camera permissions when prompted. Then click "Next"Message will pop-up to walk through the process, click "Next"
  • Follow the prompts to to add a "Work or school" account in your mobile app and click "Next" to get a QR codeClick "Next" to start setting up
  • In your mobile app, choose "Scan a QR code" option and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen

    Click "Scan a QR code"
    Scan the QR code on the screen from the Microsoft MFA app
  • Click "Next". The account should be added to your app now. You'll see a prompt on the computer and the push notification in your phone. Enter the number shown on your computer in your phone's prompt:

    Microsoft MFA is going to test out the app, and will prompt you to enter in a number on the screen into the app
    In the app, type in the number that is on the computer screen
  • After entering a correct number, you'll see the following on your computer, signifying the process was successful. Click "Next" to close the window.

    Will get a test was successful message
  • You should see "Microsoft Authenticator" alongside your other authentication methods (phone, password, etc)

    Microsoft Authenticator will now be listed in the options list

Using Microsoft Authenticator

You should now be able to use the Microsoft Authenticator push notification as a multi-factor authentication when logging in to your CBC account. Simply choose "Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app" when prompted:

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Then enter the 2 digit number in your mobile app to authenticate. You can also check "Don't ask again for 60 days" to not get prompted again on this device/browser for 60 days.

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Note that you will still get prompted to authenticate with a second factor if you're logging in from an unknown device/browser or if you're accessing a highly secure area in your Microsoft portal (such as managing your password/authentication methods).

  • Access to desktop or laptop computer

Procedure for Third Party MFA App

  • On your computer, log on to https://aka.ms/mfasetup with your CBC email and password. If you are prompted to verify your account with a second factor (SMS or, Voice call), please do so.
  •  Once logged in, click "Add sign-in method" (see screenshot)

    Security Options page

  • Choose "Microsoft Authenticator" option:Add sign-in method, need to select Microsoft Authenticator from the list of options
  • Follow the on-screen instructions, and click "I want to use a different authenticator app"Message will pop-up to walk through the process, click "I want to use a different authenticator app""
  • Open up the desired app, and a few examples are Okta, Google Authenticator, Apple Passwords App, and most Password Managers. We can not list out all possible apps, and if you have issues please visit Technology Services office for assistance for the specific app you are using. Open up desired app on phone, and hit "Next"
  • A QR code will appear, scan the QR code in the app, can alternatively select "Can't scan the QR code" and copy and paste the string into your MFA app. Scan the QR code in the MFA app
  • Once finished hit "Next"
  • Enter in the 6 digit code shown in the app to verify that the app is registered correctlyEnter in the 6 digit code that is being desplayed on your phone into Microsoft to ensure connection is good.

Using Third Party Authenticator

You should now be able to use the Microsoft Authenticator push notification as a multi-factor authentication when logging in to your CBC account. Simply choose "Use a verification code" when prompted:

  • Choose use a verification codeOpen up the third party authenticator app, find the 30 second 6 digit number being displayed and enter it into the boxEnter in the code being displayed in the authenticator app
     

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact tshelp@columbiabasin.edu or call 509-542-5553.

 

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