How to Set Up Microsoft Authenticator on iPhone

Microsoft Authenticator is a powerful tool that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, including those tied to Microsoft 365 and other services. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to set up Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone, ensuring that your accounts are protected from unauthorised access.

Before diving into the setup process, let's briefly discuss why using the Microsoft Authenticator app is a good idea. With cyber threats on the rise, simply relying on passwords is no longer enough. The Microsoft Authenticator app adds an additional verification step, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access to your accounts. This app generates time-based, one-time passwords that expire after a short period, providing a secure and convenient way to authenticate your identity.

The first step in setting up Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone is to download the app from the App Store. Follow these steps:

1. Open your App Store.
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator
3. Locate and Download the Authenticator App.

Once the app is installed, you’ll need to set up your Microsoft account within the Microsoft Authenticator app. Here’s how:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft Account here.
2. Select Security Info from the left menu, then select Add method in the Security Info pane.
3. On the Add a method drop down menu, select Authenticator and select add.
4. On your Mobile Device, open the Microsoft Authenticator App. Select to allow notifications, and select add account (+) in the top right menu. Then Select Work or School Account.
5. Return to your computer and select Next. Then scan the QR code.
6. Scan the code with the Microsoft authenticator app on your phone.
7. The authenticator app should successfully add your work or school account without requiring any additional information from you.
   1. However, if the QR code reader can't read the code, you can select Can't scan the QR code and manually enter the code and URL into the Microsoft Authenticator app.
8. Select Next on your PC. A notification should be sent to your phone to test you have set up correctly.
9. Approve the notification in your app, then select Next.

Now that your account is set up, you can use Microsoft Authenticator to verify your identity when signing in to your accounts.

1. Whenever you log in to your Microsoft account, you'll be prompted to enter a verification code.
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iPhone.
3. The app will display a six-digit code that you can enter as the second step of your verification process. Remember, the code refreshes every 30 seconds, so you’ll always have a fresh code when you need it.
4. Simply enter the code to complete your sign-in.

Setting up Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone is a simple yet crucial step in protecting your online accounts. By enabling two-step verification and using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you’re significantly enhancing the security of your digital life. Whether you're securing personal or business accounts, following these steps will help you stay protected from unauthorised access.

For more detailed guides on using the Microsoft Authenticator app or other IT-related queries, feel free to reach out to our IT Support Services team. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and ensure your digital infrastructure remains secure.