Getting started with the Microsoft Authenticator app

*As of now, Texas A&M NetID and Texas A&M System UIN logins will still use Duo, so it is important that you not delete the Duo app from your phone if you need access to those portals. Additionally, the VPN and server logins will continue to use Duo for the MFA push until we have finished moving everyone in the agency to Microsoft Authenticator. Please do not delete the Duo app from your phone after completing your new MFA registration. NIS will make an official announcement when Duo is no longer needed.

Here is a quick video walkthrough of the setup process. For more detailed instructions, see the steps below.

Below are the steps to go through the manual setup for Microsoft Authenticator on your phone:

To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app

Sign in to your work or school account and then go to your My Account portal or visit https://aka.ms/mfasetup
Select Security info in the left menu or by using the link in the Security info pane. Then, select Add method in the Security info pane.
On the Add a Method page, select Authenticator app from the list, and then select Add.

A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated

On the Start by getting the app page, select Download now to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, and then select Next. For more information about how to download and install the app, see Download and Install the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Start by getting the app page

Remain on the Set up your account page on your browser while you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, and select to allow notifications (if you do not allow notifications, you will need to manually check for MFA notifications when you log in).

Note: The first time you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS) or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android). You must select Allow so the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you don't allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app, but you'll need to add the code information manually. For information about how to add the code manually, see Manually Add an account to the app.

Return to the Set up Your Account page on your computer, and then select Next. The Scan the QR code page appears.
Scan the provided code with the Microsoft Authenticator app, which appeared on your mobile device after you created your work or school account.
Select Next on the Scan the QR code page on your browser. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, to test your account.
Approve the notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app by typing the corresponding number shown after entering your password, and then select Next.

A screenshot of a sign in formDescription automatically generated A screenshot of a phoneDescription automatically generated Your security info is now updated to use the Microsoft Authenticator app by default to verify your logins.

Success notification, connecting the app and your account

The authenticator app should successfully add your work or school account without requiring any additional information from you. However, if the QR code reader can't read the code, you can select Can't scan the QR code and manually enter the code and URL into the Microsoft Authenticator app. For more information about manually adding a code, see Manually Add an account to the app.