Introduction

To protect your account, multifactor authentication is, or soon will be, enforced on your 365 account. You will need access to a work computer and your mobile phone.

If you see a login screen, like the below, on your phone during any stage of this process, press Cancel and double check you are adhering to this guide.

PC preparation

You will first need to log in to 365 with your normal email address and password via https://office.com

If this is your first time logging in, you should be prompted to choose a new password first.

The next screen will prompt you to secure your account, press Next:

You will be advised to download and install Microsoft Authenticator. We will do that shortly, for now just press Next:

You will be shown a QR code as below. Leave your computer on this screen and open the App Store on your phone.

App install

Search for Microsoft Authenticator and tap it. The official app should like something like this:

Once on the app's page, again double check it is Microsoft Authenticator. Press the GET button and confirm you wish to install it when prompted:

Once downloaded and installed, tap the OPEN button:

App preparation

If you have to back-track or have used the app before, the steps may change slightly. Skip to the Alternate app preparation section if this section doesn't match your app.

When the app opens, you will be prompted to agree to privacy terms:

You'll then be given several options for adding security details. Do not sign in with your work email and password, instead tap Scan a QR code:

The app may request permission to use the camera:

You can now skip to the Adding the account section.

Alternate app preparation

If you've had to back-track, or have used the app before, you may end up on the screen. If so, tap Add account:

Then tap Work or school account:

Then tap Scan QR code:

The app may request permission to use the camera:

Adding the account

Stay within the app, and point your phone's camera at the computer screen. You should see it on the phone's screen. Move your phone so that the QR code is roughly framed within the highlighted area, similar to this:

Once successful, you may be prompted to allow notifications from the app. Allowing notifications will greatly simplify the login process:

You should then see an entry for your account, similar to this:

Testing

On your computer press Next. You will be shown the following page:

A test notification should appear on your phone. Press Approve:

The phone should show a small confirmation when the app is open:

The computer should confirm the authentication was successful. Press Next to finish logging in:

Your phone may prompt you to use biometric authentication as an extra layer of security:

Reminder

Access to your account via an unfamiliar device will now require your email address, password and confirmation via Microsoft Authenticator. Ensure you have access to it when logging in.

If you receive an unexpected login confirmation, do not confirm it. Instead, contact us immediately, as someone may be attempting to access your account.