Prerequisites

(Apologies for the quality of some of the images in this article, due to the nature of the application, screen recording is forbidden, so I've had to record using my webcam)

You’ll need both your work laptop/desktop and a mobile device to complete this process.

You will need to download this app for either iPhone/iPad or Android device before starting (links below).

Microsoft Authenticator – Apps on Google Play

Microsoft Authenticator on the App Store (apple.com)

(Note: If you have a Trust/School/DfE iPad this can be used as well, you should be able to find Microsoft Authenticator under the Self Service app)

Video Guide Available

Full video of the process can be viewed here:

MFA - Manage MFA - Microsoft Authenticator

Step by Step Setup

1. Start by going to your laptop/desktop, and navigating to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in if prompted with your normal account details. You'll be presented with the below screen. Select "Add sign-in method".

2. Under "Add a method" select "Authenticator App" (or any other preferred method)

3. Select "Add"

4. Select "Next" to start the process - Note at this point if you haven't already, please ensure you've downloaded the Microsoft Authenticator onto your device.

5. Follow the on screen instructions, and select "Next"

6. You’ll then be given a QR code. At this point, open the Authenticator app on your mobile device…

7. Open the Authenticator app. If you’ve never used it before, you’ll be presented the “Ready to add your first account?” screen, if not, select the little “+” icon in the top right corner. If you do have this screen, select “Add account”.

8. Select “Continue”

9. Select “Work or school account” > Scan QR Code.

10. Scan the QR code with the camera (Note: If using an iPad, I’ve found it easiest to scan the QR code with the iPad in portrait mode, otherwise left, right, up and down seem to get confused as there’s a bug in the app that doesn’t like the iPad in landscape mode at this step.)