***Note: This article uses two devices to setup the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you are only using a mobile device, go to How to Set Up Microsoft Authenticator App from a Mobile Device
To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app
1. Open the web browser on your device and go to https://myprofile.microsoft.com/.
2. On the My Profile page
a. Select Security info from the left navigation pane
3. On the Security info page
a. Select Add method
4. On the Add a method page
a. Click the drop-down list arrow
b. Select Authenticator app
5. On the Add a method page
a. Click Add
6. Dependent on your mobile devices operating system, install the Microsoft Authenticator app (on a mobile device):
Google Android. On your Android device, go to Google Play to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app
Apple iOS. On your Apple iOS device, go to the App Store to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app
If you're not currently on your mobile device, you can still get the Microsoft Authenticator app by sending yourself a download link from the Microsoft Authenticator page
7. On the Start by getting the app page
Note: You must have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device at this time
a. Click Next
8. On your desktop you will see the Set up your account page
a. Remain on the Set up your account page
9. Using your mobile device
Note: the first time you're setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might receive a prompt asking
(iOS) allow the app to access your camera or
(Android) allow the app to take pictures and record video
You must select Allow so the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step
a. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device
b. Select Add account.
c. Select Work or school account
10. On your desktop on the Set up your account page
a. Click Next
11. From your mobile device
a. Scan the QR code
12. From your Desktop computer
a. Click Next (this may take a moment to authenticate)
If you get an error message click Back and rescan the QR code
13. From your desktop you will see
a. Let's try it out
14. From your mobile device
a. You will need to click approve
15. From your desktop
a. You will see Notification approved
16. On the Approve Notification page
a. Click Next to finish
17. On the Security info page you should see
a. Microsoft Authenticator
The default method used for sign-in changes to the Microsoft Authenticator app