How to Use and Set up Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator allows you to sign into your Microsoft account without entering your password from any device. It can be inconvenient to remember multiple passwords for all of your online accounts, but it’s comforting to know that you can use and set up Microsoft Authenticator for everything Microsoft. Two-step verification is also available for added security, requiring you to login to your Microsoft Account via your phone using your fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN. You’ll need to get the Microsoft Authenticator app first. You can download the app directly from this link, depending on your phone.

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How to set up and use Microsoft Authenticator

You have the option of using Microsoft Authenticator for basic authentication or setting up two-step verification for added security on your Microsoft Account. If you’re using a work or school account, you’ll almost certainly be required to use two-step verification by your administrator. You’ll be asked to enter a separate passcode or PIN that you’ll receive via phone call or text message as part of two-step verification. It’s important to remember that the Microsoft Authenticator app follows the industry standard for one-time passcodes that expire after a certain amount of time.

There are three types of authentication for these one-time passcodes that are widely used in the industry:

OTP=One-time passcodes
TOTP=Timed one-time passcodes
HOTP=Hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) one-time passcodes

To begin, go to the Microsoft Authenticator app and sign in with your Microsoft account. Here are the steps you must take:

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
Select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper right as shown.
In the Add account page, choose Personal account.
Sign in to your personal account, using the appropriate email address (such as [email protected]), and then choose Next.
Enter your password, and then choose Sign in.

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The Microsoft Authenticator app now has access to your personal Microsoft account. Microsoft Authenticator can assist you in gaining access to any online account you require. The Microsoft Authenticator works in the same way that other platforms’ account authentication apps do. Microsoft Authenticator can verify your identity through notifications on your phone if you’re signing in on an unrecognized device or on an unrecognized network.

The steps for each account login available in Microsoft Authenticator are as follows:

Sign in to your account on your computer using your username and password.
From the Microsoft Authenticator approval notification sent to your mobile device, select Approve.
Use the Microsoft Authenticator app verification code sent to your mobile device to sign in to your account on your computer.

In some cases, the two-step verification code will be delivered via automated phone call or text message. You will receive a phone call with a verification code if you choose to receive one. It’s as easy as picking up the phone and following the voice prompts. If you choose to receive a text message, the verification code will be sent to you via text message. Thankfully, using Microsoft Authenticator isn’t a difficult procedure.