Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security step that requires you to prove your identity in more than one way when you’re logging into an account, like providing both your password and a code that is sent to your phone. MFA helps prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive data, and reduce the chance of security breaches.

When your company requires Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for Office 365, you will be prompted to complete the MFA setup process the next time you log in to Office apps or your Office 365 account. If you are already signed in to Office 365 apps in Blue Border, you won’t see any immediate changes. The next time you need to log in to Office apps or your Office 365 account—whether later this week or in the coming weeks—you’ll be prompted to complete the MFA setup process.

Multifactor Authentication Options

• Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended): We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app, which is a free app in the Apple App Store and Google Play that you download on your phone. It generates secure, time-based codes that you use to verify your identity when signing in to Office 365. Using the app is faster and more secure than receiving codes via SMS, and it works even when your phone is offline.
• Text Message (SMS) Code: You may choose to use text message (SMS) codes as an alternative to using an authenticator app.
• Another Authenticator app: If you have another authenticator app that you’d prefer to use (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy, LastPass), you can use that app instead of the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Set Up MFA Using the Microsoft Authenticator App (Recommended)

Follow the steps below to set up MFA for Office using the Microsoft Authenticator app:

1. After inputting your email address and password, you’ll see a prompt similar to the screenshot below. Click Next.

   

2. Click Next again.

   

3. If you don’t have the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, follow the steps below to install, open it, and begin adding an account. 
   1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play on your phone and search for “Microsoft Authenticator.” Tap Get or Install to install the app.
   2. Once the app has finished installing, tap Open to open the app.
   3. Tap Accept and Continue to set up the app. If prompted, allow notifications.
   4. Tap Add a work or school account and choose Scan QR code.

4. If you do have the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, follow the steps below to open it and begin adding an account. 

   1. Tap the Microsoft Authenticator app icon to open it.

   2. Tap Add Account or the + plus icon in the top right corner of the screen.

      

   3. Tap Work or school account and choose Scan QR code.

   

5. Go back to the Microsoft setup page on your computer.
6. Scan the QR code that appears on your computer screen with the Authenticator app on your phone.
   • Be sure to scan the QR code using the Authenticator app, not your phone’s built-in camera app or another QR scanner.
7. Your work account will automatically populate in the Authenticator app on your phone.
8. On the Microsoft setup page on your computer, click Next.
9. Complete the test sign-in process by inputting the code that appears onscreen in your Authenticator app.
10. Once the test-sign is successful, click Next on the Microsoft setup page on your computer.
11. Then, click Done.

Going forward, when you log in to Office apps or your Office 365 account, after you input your email address and password, a code will appear onscreen that you will need to input in your Authenticator app to verify the sign-in.

Set Up MFA Using Text Message (SMS)

Follow the steps below to set up MFA for Office using text message (SMS) codes:

1. After inputting your email address and password, you’ll see a prompt similar to the screenshot below. Click Next.

   

2. Click I want to set up a different method.

   

3. Choose Phone from the options provided.
4. Input your mobile phone number and click Next.
5. You will receive a code via text message (SMS) on your phone.
6. Go back to the Microsoft setup page on your computer, input the code, and click Next.
7. Then, click Done.

Going forward, when you log in to Office apps or your Office 365 account, after you input your email address and password, you will need to verify the sign-in with a code sent to you via text message (SMS).

Set Up MFA Using Another Authenticator App

Follow the steps below to set up MFA for Office using another authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy, LastPass):

1. After inputting your email address and password, you’ll see a prompt similar to the screenshot below. Click Next.

   

2. Click I want to use a different authenticator app.

   

3. Open your preferred Authenticator app and tap to add a new account.
4. If available, add the new account by using your Authenticator app to scan the QR code on the Microsoft setup page on your computer.
   • Be sure to scan the QR code using the Authenticator app, not your phone’s built-in camera app or another QR scanner.
   • If you don’t have the option to scan the QR code to set up your account, click Can’t scan image? on the Microsoft setup page on your computer and complete the alternative setup steps.
5. Your work account will populate in the Authenticator app on your phone.
6. On the Microsoft setup page on your computer, click Next.
7. Complete the test sign-in process.
8. Once the test-sign is successful, click Next on the Microsoft setup page on your computer.
9. Then, click Done.

Going forward, when you log in to Office apps or your Office 365 account, after you input your email address and password, you will need to verify the sign-in with your Authenticator app.