How to add Authenticator app for Office accounts

How to add Authenticator app for Office accounts

1. You may notice a prompt to add an Authenticator app to your phone while using or logging into your email or Office product (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) at some point. It will look similar to the image below. Click the blue "Next" button to continue. If you do not know or remember your password, you can reach out to IT for a password change.



2. You will see the choice to use your own authenticator app, or the official Microsoft Authenticator. For the purpose of this guide I will be showing you the official Microsoft Authenticator. Click "Next" on this screen.



3. Search for "Microsoft Authenticator" in your phone's app store. On the Google Play Store, the listing looks like the first image below. Select install on your phone, then click the blue "Next" button on the popup on your computer, as shown in the second image below.




4. You will be asked to scan a QR code with your phone. When you open the Authenticator app, you are given a few options. Pick Scan a QR code, allow the app access to your camera if necessary, then use the phone to scan the QR code you see on the screen, as demoed in the image below. Do not try to scan the example image I provided, it will not work. You may need to tap the "Enable" and/or "Allow" button on your phone to continue. 


5. On your computer, you will see a prompt to send a test notification to your phone. Send the notification and then accept it on your phone. Then, click Continue/Next on your computer.

6.  You will most likely need to log in again, so reenter your password and sign in. (This is shown in the image below.) Make sure you choose the option to stay signed in, if it asks.  At this point, you may be prompted to use the Authenticator. If so, simply open the app on your phone and accept the login attempt when prompted.



Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is Two-Factor Authentication? (also called 2fa, two factor, etc)
A: A more secure method of verification for account log-in. It can be easy to steal your texts and emails to get a login code or your account password, but it is much harder to hack a phone to click the button in an Authenticator app. This one step makes account and information theft a huge undertaking that is not worth the effort compared to insecure accounts that only have a password.

Q: Why do we have to add this now?
A: Microsoft is enforcing Two-Factor Authentication for all accounts, this is out of our control.

Q: Will this become a thing I have to use every day?
A: For most users, you will only have to log in one time using the Authenticator. For others, it is possible you may need to use the app somewhat frequently. Luckily, it is as simple as a one-tap authentication.

Q: Why not show pictures of the app so we know what it's supposed to look like?
A: Android allows apps to run in a private mode which blocks all screen mirroring, recording, and screenshot functions for privacy reasons. Authenticator apps usually use this mode, so I cannot take screenshots.


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