Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required for all Auburn University Alumni and Retiree email accounts to enhance security and protect user accounts and information. Microsoft MFA is required to access Microsoft 365 resources, both on and off campus.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by prompting users to verify their identity with an additional method (such as a phone call, text message, or app notification) during sign-in.
With Microsoft MFA, users can choose from three authentication options: 1) by receiving a notification through the Microsoft Authenticator app, 2) by receiving a text message to a personal device, or 3) by receiving a phone call to a personal device.
This article answers 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 and is available from the App Store or Google Play Store. Alumni and Retirees may also access email through a web browser at outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu.
After completing Microsoft MFA setup, please review the Email Overview Knowledge Base Article for more information on accessing your email through 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 with no login activity for a period of one year will be 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. Alumni email accounts use Microsoft MFA for authentication.
2. I am an Auburn Retiree, but which authentication should I be using?
- Retired Pre-Duo: Retirees who retired before any multi-factor authentication implementation 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, AU Access), but will use Microsoft MFA for email.
- Retired, but still working TES: Retirees employed through TES will notice no change. They will continue to use Duo for all Duo-protected resources while employed. Once TES employment concludes, they will use Duo for all Duo-protected resources (ex: VPN, AU Access) 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. The IT Service desk can assist with MFA password resets.
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. Please review the Knowledge Base article Email Using the Outlook App on Mobile Devices for step-by-step instructions.
7. I have an Android device 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 Google Play Store. Please review the Knowledge Base article Email Using the Outlook App on Mobile Devices for step-by-step instructions.
8. How do I use MFA and travel internationally?
- If you 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 Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You can use this app on your phone with a WiFi connection. With your phone connected to WiFi, you will be able to receive notifications from the Microsoft Authenticator app when accessing your email.
- If you need to register or update a phone number with Microsoft MFA, please call the IT Service Desk. Users cannot change phone numbers in Microsoft MFA when traveling internationally, but the IT Service Desk can assist with phone number updates.
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:
Related Links: