Microsoft Authenticator App (Multi-Factor) installation for Android

Overview

To keep your accounts and data secure, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required on many MSU systems. MFA requires an additional authenication method besides StarID and Password. Microsoft Authenticator is strongly recommended for MFA which is an app installed on a smartphone.

When first setting up multi-factor authentication on an Android device whether for the first time or just on a new device, there is a certain process to follow to set it up correctly. 

How-To

Follow the steps below to set up MFA on an Android device

  1. On your Android smartphone, navigate to the Google Play Store App
  2. In the search bar, type Microsoft Authenticator (NOTE: ensure that the app appears as below since there are multiple 'Authenticator' apps)

 

Microsoft Authenticator App on Google Play Store

  1. Click Install or Open

Note: You may need to enter your Google password if prompted.

  1. Click to follow the link to self-enrollment
  • Complete the ‘additional security verification’ before enabling MFA by selecting the ‘additional security verification’ link

              Image displaying option for additional questions

  1. Log in using your StarID credentials.
    • Students: [StarID]@go.minnstate.edu
    • Faculty/Staff: [StarID]@minnstate.edu
  2. Once signed in, you will be prompted to provide more security information to your account. Click Next

                 Screenshot for security questions

  1. Verify your backup verification methods:
  2. Verify your Authentication Phone. Type a phone number that is different from the listed Office Phone
  3. Verify Office Phone. If this is not your office phone, do not select this option
  4. Verify Alternate authentication phone. This is a backup phone number if you cannot be reached at the Authentication Phone number
  5. Verify Authenticator app or Token

 

 

Configure Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Click the Delete button next to your Authenticator App smart phone
  2. Click the Setup Authenticator app button
  3. On the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Add Accounts and then Work or School account.
  4. The app will ask for permission to use your camera, click Allow. Then, open your camera app from your phone and scan the QR code below using your camera app

         Mobile App configuration photo

  1. Click Next
  2. Click Save
  3. Close Browser Tab to return to the Multi Factor Authentication Request browser tab
  4. Close the Multi Factor Authentication Request browser tab

Outcome

Once the steps above are completed, multi-factor authentication should be fully set up on the Android device to use. 

Known Issues

If your phone puts the Microsoft Authenticator app into Battery save mode, (that means it won’t be running in the background) the app may not prompt you for an ‘approve’ or ‘deny’ access. You may need to have the app open to receive the prompts or open the app and click on the code. (This is applicable on both iPhone and Android)

Still Need Help?

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About Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a security tool that requires multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account. Our campus uses multi-factor authentication on Microsoft 365 accounts for extra security to protect your information and keep the University safe.