Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Microsoft Authenticator App


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, test, 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 set up your Alumni or Retiree email authentication method using the Microsoft Authenticator App. For instructions on setting up alternative authentication methods, 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: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Microsoft Authenticator App


1. To access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account, using an internet browser, navigate to outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu

2. Enter your Auburn email address (username@auburn.edu) and click Next. (Note: Alumni users who graduated between 2010-2017 will need to use the username@tigermail.auburn.edu email address that they have always maintained.)

Retiree and Alumni Outlook username login screen

3. Enter your Auburn password and click Sign in.

Retiree and Alumni Outlook password screen

4. Once logged into your account, you will be brought to a screen that states, "More information required." Click Next to start the MFA set-up process.

Alumni and retiree Outlook more information required screen

5. The next screen allows you to set up MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you would like to instead receive a text message or phone call to authenticate, you would select "I want to set up a different method" and follow the text or phone call instructions linked in the MFA Overview Knowledge Base Article.

To continue setting up MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you must download the Authenticator app from the App store or Google Play store on your personal phone device. 

Microsoft Authenticator App

After you have installed the app on your device, or if you have already downloaded the app on your device, click Next.

Alumni and retiree Outlook MFA Authenticator App Start Screen

6. The next screen informs you that you will want to allow notifications on your phone device. These notifications will be necessary for you to authenticate. Click Next.

Alumni and Retiree MFA Authenticator Notifications Screen

7. To activate your account, you will need to use the Microsoft Authenticator app that you've downloaded on your personal phone device to scan a QR activation code displayed on your screen.

Alumni and retiree Authenticator App QR code

8. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal phone device.

Microsoft Authenticator App

9. Tap Add Account.

Microsoft authenticator app add account screen

10. Tap Work or school account.

Microsoft authenticator app work or school account screen

11. Tap Scan QR code.

Microsoft Authenticator app scan qr code screen

12. Using your smartphone camera, scan the QR code that is displayed on your computer screen.

Microsoft authenticator app qr code scan

NOTE: If you set up your account from your smartphone, you will not have to scan a QR code. You will instead tap Pair your account to the app by clicking this link. You will then be prompted to open the Authenticator app to link your account.

Microsoft authenticator app pair your account screen

13. Once you have scanned the QR code on the computer screen (or paired your account from your phone), your account will display on your phone device within the Authenticator app.

Alumni and retiree MFA Authenticator app account screen

14. Return to the QR code screen on your computer. After you have scanned the QR code, click Next

Alumni and retiree MFA qr screen

15. Once Microsoft Authenticator is connected to your account, you will be sent a test notification on your personal phone device. Microsoft Authenticator uses two-digit "number matching" as part of their authentication process.

Alumni and Retiree Microsoft Authenticator app try it out screen

16. From your personal phone device, enter the two-digit numerical code and tap Yes.

Alumni and retiree Authenticator app numerical code

17. You will see confirmation on your computer, as well as your personal phone device, that the notification has been approved. Click Next.

Alumni and retiree Authenticator notification approval screen

18. Once the test notification has been approved, your setup for Microsoft Authenticator will be complete. Click Done to continue signing into your email account.

Alumni and retiree Authenticator app completion screen

19. Moving forward, you will continue to access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account at outlook.com/tigermail.auburn.edu. When registered for MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you will be prompted for a push notification (with numerical code) after you enter your Auburn email address and password. After approving the notification, you will be logged into your email.

Should you have any questions or need assistance with the MFA Microsoft Authentication process, please contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 or itservicedesk@auburn.edu


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