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. Microsoft MFA is a requirement when connecting to Microsoft 365 resources from on or off campus.
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 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.
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.
How to Manage Your Authentication Methods
1. To access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account, using an internet browser, 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 icon displaying your initials (or photo) in the upper right corner, and click View account.
3. Under Security Info, click Update Info.
4. From the Security Info window, 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 "Receive 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 icon displaying your initials (or photo) 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