Microsoft Authenticator - change from getting text messages to using the app

Microsoft is removing the ability for users to use text messages/SMS as their login verification option in February 2027.  Anyone using text messages as their login verification option should change to using the free Microsoft Authenticator app before February 2027.

Here are steps in how to make this change:

  1. Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
     
  2. Click Add sign in method near the top.

    Screenshot of the Security Info page, with the "Add sign in method" button shown and an existing phone for text messaging shown (but with all but the area code redacted).

     
  3. Choose Microsoft Authenticator and click Add

    Screenshot of the "Add a sign-in method" page with the Microsoft Authenticator option highlighted.

     
  4. The following steps are to set up the app on your phone.
    • On the "Installing the Microsoft Authenticator app" screen, click the appropriate link for your device (either Get it on Google Play for Android users, or Download on the App Store for iPhone/iPad users) then click Next.

      Screenshot of the first step on the Microsoft site where it says "install Microsoft Authenticator" with links to the Google Play and Apple App Store apps, along with the Next button.
       
    • You will be prompted to "Set up your account in app".  Click Next on this screen.Screenshot of the "Set up your account in app" screen
       
    • You should be shown a QR code.  Leave this up on the screen and go to the Microsoft Authenticator app in your smartphone.
    • In the app, click the plus icon (+) at the top right to add an account.
    • Choose Work or School as the account type
    • Choose "Scan a QR code" for the setup method.  You may be asked to authorize the app to use your camera.  You can choose "Only this time" on Android, or the equivalent on iPhone, to allow the camera permission only temporarily
    • Scan the code on your screen with the app..
    • The app will take a moment to process the QR code.  When done, click Next on the screen.
    • You'll receive a prompt on your phone asking you to enter the two digit code shown on the screen.  Do so.
       
  5. When done - and back on the "Security info" screen, look for the "Default Sign-in method" (you may need to reload the page if the "Change" button doesn't show up next to Default Sign in Method), and set it to "Microsoft Authenticator".

    Screenshot back at the Security Info page, but with the Default Sign-In Method section, and the Change button for that section, highlighted.
     
  6. Choose App based authentication - notification for the default option and click Confirm.

    Uploaded image

You're all set!

If you run into any issues, please reach out to our Service Desk (servicedesk@newpaltz.edu, or in-person at Humanities 103).

Print Article