This guide will help you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app and configure it as your default multi-factor authentication (MFA) method using only your mobile device.
If you are using two devices (i.e. computer screen and phone), please follow the guide here: Setup Authenticator app by two screens
- Open the browser on your mobile device, and login to Microsoft Security Info portal using your KPU credentials.
Under “Security Info” page, click on “Add sign-in method.
Select “Microsoft Authenticator” option.
Select “Download now” to go to the Microsoft Authenticator download page. Scroll down and select “Get the app” - this will open your App Store. Select “Install”. Do not open the app once the download is complete.
After the download is complete, return to your browser and go back to https://aka.ms/mfasetup. On the Start by getting the app screen, select “Next”. Then, on the Set up your account in the app screen, select “Pair your account to the app by clicking this link”, and tap “Open” to launch the authenticator app.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Privacy Notification: If you see a Microsoft Privacy Notification, select “Accept”, then “Continue” and then “Skip” in the top right corner of your screen
Your account will be added to the app. Return to your browser.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Navigation: You will need to navigate between your browser and the Microsoft Authenticator app. Read the steps below carefully before proceeding. A random two-digit number will appear, and you will need to remember it.
- On your browser, select “Next” to generate a two-digit number. Then, navigate to your Microsoft Authenticator app, enter the two-digit number and select “Yes”. You will see a notification in the app that says “Approved”.
- Navigate back to your browser, select “Next” and it will confirm your MFA enrolment.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up MFA, adding an extra layer of security to your account.
If you tap ‘Done’, Microsoft will redirect you to sign in to their user portal (https://mysignins.microsoft.com) where you can modify your MFA settings.
Update your default MFA method to Microsoft Authenticator App:
After setting up the app, you must update or verify that your default MFA method is the Authenticator App. Follow the steps below to change or verify your default MFA method:
Note: If your "Sign-in method when most advisable is unavailable" set to Authenticator App, you don't need to perform the steps below.
Go back to Microsoft Security Info portal, Click on "Change" next to "Sign-in method when most advisable is unavailable" section.
- Change your default sign-in method to "Microsoft Authenticator – App based authentication – notification”, and click “Confirm”.
