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

For ease of use and security - we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app (instead of getting text messages with a code when you are logging in).  Unfortunately - Microsoft makes the text based option default - so if you already set that up and would want to change - here's how.

 

  1. Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
     
  2. Click Add sign in method.
     
  3. Choose Authenticator app and click Add
     
  4. Follow the prompts on the screen which include:
    • Download the free Microsoft Authenticator app (from the Google Play or Apple App stores) 
    • Once the app is downloaded - click the menu icon at the top right and choose "Add account"
    • Choose Work or School as the account type
    • Choose "Scan a QR code" for the setup method
    • Scan the code on your screen - then click next.
       
  5. When done - and back on the "Security info" screen, look for the "Default Sign-in method" land set it to "Microsoft Authenticator".
     
  6. Click Save when done.