Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a requirement for Alumni and Retiree Email Accounts. This requirement enhances security on Auburn email and helps to protect user accounts and information.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a process where a user is prompted during sign-in for an additional form of identification, such as a phone call, text, or push notification.
With Microsoft MFA, users can choose their preferred authentication method among the following three options: 1) by receiving a push notification through the Microsoft Authenticator App, 2) by receiving a text message on their personal device, or 3) by receiving a phone call on their personal device.
This article provides frequently asked questions associated with the MFA process. For additional instructions on setting up each authentication method, please see the MFA Overview Knowledge Base Article.
To access your email, the Outlook App is recommended. The Outlook App can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store, depending on your device. Alumni and Retirees can also log into their email accounts using an internet browser to navigate to outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu.
After you have registered for Microsoft MFA, please read our Email Overview Knowledge Base Article for information on accessing your email account via the Outlook app or the web.
Microsoft MFA: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have an Auburn Alumni email account?
- If you graduated from Auburn University after 2010, you are eligible to keep your email account according to the current Auburn University Eligible User Policy. However, email accounts that are unused for one year are disabled due to inactivity. Accounts that remain disabled for one year will be deleted. For more information, please see the Email Overview Knowledge Base Article.
2. I am an Auburn Retiree, but which authentication should I be using?
- Retired Pre-DUO: Retirees who retired before any MFA implementations on campus AND are no longer employed with Auburn University will use Microsoft MFA for their email and all Office 365 applications.
- Retired Post-DUO: Retirees employed during the DUO implementation will use DUO for all other DUO-protected resources (ex: VPN), but will use Microsoft MFA for email.
- Retired, but still TES: Retirees employed through TES will notice no change. They will continue to use DUO for all DUO-protected resources. Once TES employment concludes, they will use DUO for all DUO-protected resources and transition to Microsoft MFA for email and all Office 365 applications.
3. I am signed into my Auburn email account, but I don't remember the password or how to sign in.
- Please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. Your password can be reset.
4. What if I already signed up for MFA before Auburn required it? When I sign in, it says I am already registered.
- Please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. Your MFA account can be reset, allowing you to re-register.
5. I signed up for MFA before this requirement, but I no longer have that authentication device.
- Please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. Your MFA account can be reset, allowing you to re-register and enter a new device.
6. I have an iPhone and already have my email set up on the device. What do I do?
- The Outlook app is recommended. There is no charge for this app, and it can be downloaded from the App Store.
- You will need to delete the account and re-add it.
- For instructions on re-adding your email account using the default mail app on an iPhone, please see the Email Settings for iOS Devices Knowledge Base Article.
7. I have an Android device and already have my email set up on the device. What do I do?
- The email client on some Android phones may not support MFA.
- The Outlook app is recommended. There is no charge for this app, and it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
- You will need to delete the account and re-add it.
- For instructions on re-adding your email account using the default mail app on an Android device, please see the Email Settings for Android Devices Knowledge Base Article.
8. How do I use MFA and travel internationally?
- If you have purchased (or have) an international phone plan on your cellular device, you will not need to make any changes.
- If you do not have an international plan, you must download the MFA app.
- You can use this app on your phone with a Wi-Fi connection. With your phone connected to Wi-Fi, you will be able to receive push notifications when authenticating to your email.
9. I have an up-to-date Chromebook and cannot locate the Outlook app.
- Chromebooks will no longer support the Outlook app starting November 2, 2021. Chromebook users are encouraged to view Auburn email from a web browser.
10. How often will I have to re-authenticate?
- Your device will remain authenticated for up to 90 days if used regularly on the email app and up to 7 days on your web browser before being prompted to re-authenticate.
If you are still experiencing issues with your Auburn email and MFA:
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