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 describes how to delete and re-add an authentication method within your Alumni or Retiree email account. Alumni and Retirees can also contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 for assistance with updating email authentication methods. For instructions on setting up each authentication method, please see the MFA Overview Knowledge Base Article.
Note: Users located internationally cannot register a Microsoft MFA method on their own. If you are located outside of the United States and need to set up or update MFA, please contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 or itservicedesk@auburn.edu.
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 outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu.
After completing Microsoft MFA setup, please review our Email Overview Knowledge Base Article for more information on accessing your email through the Outlook app or the web.
How to Manage Your Authentication Methods
1. To access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account, using an internet browser on a computer, navigate to outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu. Enter your Auburn email address and password and authenticate using your registered authentication method (Microsoft Authenticator app, text method, or call method).
2. Once signed in, click the round profile icon in the upper right corner, and click View account.
3. Under "Manage accces and security," click Change how you sign in. You can also click on the Security Info heading on the left-hand toolbar to get to the same screen.
4. From the Security Info page, you have multiple options. You can change your default sign-in method or modify/delete the phone number associated with your account authentication. You can also "Sign Out Everywhere" if you have lost a device.
5. To delete the default sign-in method, click Delete.
When prompted if you would like to delete this method, click Ok. The authentication method will then be immediately removed.
6. Once you have deleted the default method, you can add a new authentication sign-in method. Click Add sign-in method.
7. Select the method that you would like to add for authentication. In this example, we will select Phone. Click Phone.
8. Select the Country Code and enter the phone number you would like to register for authentication. You will also need to choose between "Receive a code" (via text) or "Call me." Remember, if you choose text, your phone must have SMS texting capability. Click Next.
9. In this example, we selected "Text a code". You will receive a 6-digit numerical code on your personal phone device via text. Enter the code and click Next.
10. You will see a notification that your phone was successfully registered with your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account. Click Done.
11. You will now see your authentication sign-in method on the screen, with the option to change or delete it. If you have finished making changes to your authentication method, you can sign out of your account by clicking the round profile icon in the upper right corner, and clicking Sign out.
12. Moving forward, you will continue to access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account and update your authentication sign-in method at outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu.
Should you have any questions or need assistance with deleting or re-adding your MFA Microsoft Authentication method, please contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 or itservicedesk@auburn.edu.
Related Links:
- Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Overview: Alumni and Retiree Email
- Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Microsoft Authenticator App
- Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Text Method
- Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Call Method
- Microsoft MFA: Frequently Asked Questions
- Email after Graduation or Retirement