Overview
This article is for users who already have multi-factor authentication set up with call or text methods and need to switch to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
What is Microsoft Authenticator?
Microsoft Authenticator is an app available on the App Store or Google Play that allows you to verify sign-ins to your University account. Microsoft is ending support for text and call multi-factor authentication options on February 1, 2027 and the Microsoft Authenticator app will be the default authentication method. If you currently use text or call, follow the instructions below to switch to the app. Read more about this transition
How-To
Note: You'll need your computer and your mobile device handy for the easiest set-up experience.
1. On your computer, open your Microsoft 365 authentication settings. Sign in with either starid@minnstate.edu (employees) or starid@go.minnstate.edu (students) and your StarID password. Once signed in, you'll be able to view your authentication options.
If "Text Message is the only Multi-Factor Authentication option on your account, your screen will show "Phone" as your authentication option.
2. Click “Add sign-in method” to start the process of setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app for your multi-factor authentication.
3. From the drop down menu, choose Microsoft Authenticator. If you haven’t already downloaded Microsoft authenticator to your mobile device, download and install Microsoft Authenticator now from the App Store or Google Play.
4. Once installed on your mobile device, click Next on your computer.
5. Click Next on the next window.
6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. Tap the + button in the upper right corner.
7. On the Add Account screen, tap Work or School Account.
8. Tap Scan QR Code on the next window.
9. A camera screen will pop-up. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen, then click Next on your computer.
10. A number will appear in a new window on your computer screen. This number will be the number you enter on your mobile device.
11. If the number matches and setup was successful, you will see “Notification approved” on your computer screen.
12. Return to your computer screen and click “Change” next to Default sign-in method.
13. On the Change default method window, choose “App based authentication – notification” from the drop down menu. Click Confirm.
Now you're all set up to use the Microsoft Authenticator app to authenticate Microsoft 365 sign-ins!
Outcome
This article should help users to change Multi-Factor Authentication Verification Method to Microsoft Authenticator App.
Still need help?
Visit the IT Solutions Center page to view current hours, locations, and contact information.