How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for Microsoft 365 Account with Microsoft Authenticator or DUO App

Learn how to better protect your Microsoft 365 account with our step-by-step guide on setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) using Microsoft Authenticator or DUO App. We'll show you how to enable this powerful security feature and provide helpful tips to make the process easy and hassle-free. Don't miss out on this opportunity to safeguard your valuable information with an extra layer of security.

Table of Contents:

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App
2. Download the DUO Authenticator App
3. Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with the Microsoft Authenticator App
4. Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with the DUO App
5. Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with Text Message (SMS)

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To get started, you'll need to make sure you have a few things in place first.

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For starters, you'll need to install the "Microsoft Authenticator" or the DUO app on your mobile smart device, here's how -

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Download the Microsoft Authenticator App:

To get the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile smart device, simply use the links provided below:

• Google Play Store (for Android-based devices) - Download it here‍
• App Store (for Apple-based devices) - Download it here

Download the DUA Authenticator App:

To get the DUO Authenticator app on your mobile smart device, simply use the links provided below:

• Google Play Store (for Android-based devices) - Download it here‍
• App Store (for Apple-based devices) - Download it here

Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with the Microsoft Authenticator App:

1. First, go to https://aka.ms/MFASetup and log in with your primary email address and Microsoft 365 password.
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2. Once you're logged in, you'll be asked to continue to secure your account. Click "Next" to proceed.

3. From the "What's your preferred option?" drop-down menu, select "Notify me through app."

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4. Then, check "Authentication phone" and enter your mobile number.

5. Finally, select "Authenticator app or Token" and click the "Set up Authenticator app" button to start the setup process.

6. You'll be given a QR code and instructions to add the account to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
    Open the app on your phone and follow the steps provided.

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7. Next, test the account verification by clicking "Next" twice in the web browser.
   This will send a notification to your phone, which you should approve to verify your account.

8. Once you've set up the Authenticator app, click "Save" if you've made any further changes.
    Otherwise, click "Cancel" to leave the page.
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From now on, the Microsoft Authenticator app will verify your identity, providing an extra layer of security for your Microsoft 365 account.

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Additional Notes:‍

1. After enabling multi-factor authentication, you may need to restart Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 apps or sign in again.
   (If you've chosen the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary method, your phone will prompt you to approve the sign-in.)
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2. If you have other devices configured with your email, such as phones or tablets, you'll also need to log in again on those devices.
   (If you experience any issues, especially on older devices, it's best to remove your email account entirely and then re-add it.)
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3. Generally, you'll only need the additional verification method the first time you sign into a new app or device or after you've changed your password.
   You probably won't be asked for the additional verification code on a daily basis unless your organisation requires it.

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Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with the DUO App:

1. First, go to https://aka.ms/MFASetup and log in with your primary email address and Microsoft 365 password.

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2. Once you're logged in, you'll be asked to continue to secure your account. Click "Next" to proceed.

3. From the "What's your preferred option?" drop-down menu, select "Notify me through app."

4. Then, check "Authentication phone" and enter your mobile number.

5. Finally, select "Authenticator app or Token" and click the "Set up Authenticator app" button to start the setup process.

6. When prompted to set up MFA, select "DUO Mobile" as your authentication method.

7. Launch the DUO Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet, and tap the "+" button to add a new account.

8. Use your smartphone or tablet's camera to scan the QR code displayed on the website or application.
    Alternatively, you can manually enter the code displayed on the screen into the DUO Mobile app.
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Once you have added the account, the DUO Mobile app will generate a one-time code that you can use to authenticate your login attempts.
(This code will refresh every 30 seconds.)

Test your MFA setup by logging out of the application or website, and then logging back in. You will be prompted to enter the one-time code generated by the DUO Mobile app. Once you've verified that MFA is working correctly, you're all set!

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Additional Notes:

1. Depending on the application or website, the exact steps for setting up MFA with DUO Mobile may vary slightly. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the website or application.
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2. Generally, you'll only need the additional verification method the first time you sign into a new app or device or after you've changed your password.
   You probably won't be asked for the additional verification code on a daily basis unless your organisation requires it.

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Set up MFA for Microsoft 365 with Text Message (SMS):

1. First, go to https://aka.ms/MFASetup and log in with your primary email address and Microsoft 365 password.

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2. Once you're logged in, you'll be asked to continue to secure your account. Click "Next" to proceed.

3. Change the dropdown option from "Mobile app" to "Authentication phone".

4. Choose Australia as the country and enter your mobile phone number.

5. Select "Send me a code by text message" and click Next.

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6. Input the code you received via text and click "Verify".

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7. Click "Done" to finish the registration proces

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From this point on, Microsoft will verify your identity through a system that is separate from your work computer's environment, providing an additional layer of security for Microsoft 365.

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Additional Notes:

1. After setting up Multi-Factor Authentication, it's possible that Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 apps may stop working or prompt you to sign in again. Simply restart the applications and sign in as required.
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2. Following the successful entry of your password, you'll be asked to authenticate using your Primary MFA method.
   (If you've chosen the authentication via text option, you'll receive a text message with a verification code to enter.)
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3. Generally, you'll only need the additional verification method the first time you sign into a new app or device or after you've changed your password.
   You probably won't be asked for the additional verification code on a daily basis unless your organisation requires it.