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, 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.)
3. Enter your Auburn password and click Sign in.
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.
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. The Authenticator app icon is shown below:
After you have installed the app on your device, or if you have already downloaded the app on your device, click Next.
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.
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.
8. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal phone device.
9. Tap Add Account.
10. Tap Work or school account.
11. Tap Scan QR code.
12. Using your smartphone camera, scan the QR code that is displayed on your computer screen.
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.
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.
14. Return to the QR code screen on your computer. After you have scanned the QR code, click Next.
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.
16. From your personal phone device, enter the two-digit numerical code and tap Yes.
17. You will see confirmation on your computer, as well as your personal phone device, that the notification has been approved. Click Next.
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.
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.
Related Links:
- Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Overview: Alumni and Retiree Email
- Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Text Method
- Microsoft MFA: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Call Method
- Microsoft MFA: How to Manage Your Authentication Methods
- Microsoft MFA: Frequently Asked Questions
- Email after Graduation or Retirement