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 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.
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 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: How to Set Up Authentication Using the Microsoft Authenticator App
1. To access your Alumni or Retiree Auburn email account, using an internet browser on a computer, 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, "Let's keep your account secure." Click Next to start the MFA set-up process.
5. The next screen tells you to install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your personal phone device.
After installing the app on your phone, return to the computer's current screen and click Next.
6. Click Next to set up your account using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
7. On this screen, you will use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone device to scan the QR code so that your account and app will connect.
Follow steps 8-13 below using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone device, and come back to this screen to click Next.
8. To scan the QR code, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal phone device.
9. Tap Add Account. (Note: If you already use the Microsoft Authenticator app with other accounts, click the + (plus) sign to add an 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 and not a separate computer, you will not scan a QR code from your phone. From your phone, 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 Auburn Microsoft email 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 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 Done. The screen will then redirect to your Outlook email account.
Logging in to Microsoft email 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 with an app push notification (displaying a two-digit 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