How to add MFA to a 365 account

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your Microsoft 365 account by asking for something in addition to your password, like a quick approval on your phone. This guide will walk you through setting it up. We’ll be using the Microsoft Authenticator app, but other 3rd party MFA apps can also work.

If you’ve already set up your account with MFA and recently got a new phone, your IT team may need to help you re-enable MFA

Seeing “Let’s keep your account secure”?

This screen usually appears when MFA setup is required but hasn’t been completed yet.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Click Next

After clicking “Next,” you’ll be guided through the MFA setup process. Microsoft will now prepare to link your account with a phone app.

Once you see the screen below and the QR code appears, pause there. Now it’s time to get your phone ready.

Step 2: Install the Microsoft Authenticator app

On your smartphone, go to the app store and search for Microsoft Authenticator. Or scan the following QR code.

Step 3: Set Up the Microsoft Authenticator App

• Open the app and tap the “+” icon to add a new account
• Choose “Work or school account”
• Select “Scan a QR code”, then use your phone to scan the QR code on your computer screen from step 1 (not the one above in this guide)

Step 4: Approve the test notification sent to your phone

Microsoft will send a quick test notification to your phone. Approve it to finish the setup.

Your computer should now show the following to indicate the Notification was approved.

You’ve now successfully set up MFA! Going forward, you’ll receive prompts on your phone to confirm logins to your Microsoft 365 account.

Already signed in, but want to set up MFA?

No problem. You can add MFA at any time using the security settings page:

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info

2. Click “+ Add sign-in method”

3. Select Authenticator app, then follow the same steps above to scan the QR code and approve the test