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 set up your Alumni or Retiree email authentication using the Text Method. 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 Text Method
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. If you prefer to authenticate by receiving a code sent to you via text, click I want to set up a different method, which is a small link located at the bottom of the window.
6. A window will pop up, asking you to select a method. Choose Phone.
7. From the Phone screen, select the country your phone is set for and enter your phone number. Select the Receive a code radio button, and click Next.
8. A 6-digit verification code will be sent via text to the phone number that you registered for authentication. Enter this code and click Next.
9. You will receive a notification on your screen that verification is complete, and your phone has been registered. Click Next.
10. The final notification will confirm that your MFA authentication has been successfully linked to your Alumni or Retiree email account. You will see your default sign-in method and the phone number associated with your text authentication. Click Done.
11. 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 text method, you will receive a 6-digit numerical code via text after you enter your Auburn email address and password. After entering the code, 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 Microsoft Authenticator App
- 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