MFA: Set up O365 Multi-factor Authentication

What is Multi-Factor Authentication for O365?

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), in some instances referred to as 2-Factor authentication, is a form of authentication which provides an added layer of protection, beyond just your password. This added authentication verification helps verify that a person logging in to an account is authorized to access that account.

MFA Setup Instructions

Step 1) Review O365 MFA Verification Options:

• Reviewing the MFA verification options first will help you determine which of the three options will be most convenient for you.
• Keep in mind you will need to have immediate access to the phone you will select for the verification option whenever you log into O365 applications.
• Provided you have a smartphone (an iPhone or Android phone), it is highly recommended to use the Microsoft Authenticator app with approval notification.
• If you have a cell phone without smart capabilities or a cell phone with call-only capability use Authentication phone.

Verification Options:

• Option 1) Microsoft Authenticator Mobile App (iPhone, Android smartphones):
• This option with use of approval notification for verification is highly recommended.
• TIP: Watch this short video: Multi-factor Enrollment - Automatic
  • Contact Method Choices:
    • Receive notification for verification: Receive approval notification for verification sent to your smartphone.
      • Recommended smartphone choice, offering convenient one tap approval verification from your smartphone.
    • User verification code: Receive verification code sent to your smartphone
      • This option continually generates a verification code sent to your smartphone which requires you to accurately enter the code for verification.
• Option 2) Authentication Phone: Recommended option for phones with call-only capability and cell phones that do not have smartphone capabilities.
  • Contact Method Choices:
    • Phone Call: Robo call to your phone which requires you to tap “#” on your phone for verification
    • Phone Text:  6-digit code text sent to your cell phone which requires you to accurately enter the code for verification

Step 2) Complete MFA Setup Instructions:

Tip: Before you begin set up it will be helpful to take a moment to review the instructions, provided in the links below, for the option you would like to set up.

What you will need before you begin MFA set up:

1. Immediate access to the Phone Device you will select for the verification option
2. A Computer with Internet connectivity

Select the instructions for the verification option you would like to set up:

• Option 1) iPhone or Android Microsoft Authenticator App for Smartphones
• Option 2) Authentication Phone (for phones with call-only capability and cell phones without Smartphone capabilities)

Additional Resources

• MFA: Set Up Alternate Sign-in, Add or Make Changes
• MFA: New Phone or Number Change
• MFA: Select an Alternate Sign-In Verification Option
• MFA Supported Applications