Setting up 2-Factor Authentication for Microsoft 365

Alternatively follow along with this Microsoft video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8OzabuNwHI

1. Open a browser on your computer and go to portal.office.com.

2. Sign in to Microsoft 365 with your work or school account with your password like you normally do. After you choose Sign in, you'll be prompted for more information. Choose Next.
   
   
   
3. The default (and strongly recommended) authentication method is to use the free Microsoft Authenticator mobile app. Make sure "Receive notifications for verifications" is selected. Click Set up.

4. You should see a window on your computer that looks like this.

   
   
   

5.   Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smart phone from your phone's app store:
   
   Android (Google Play Store):

   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en&gl=US
   iPhone (Apple App Store):
   https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458

6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

   Tap the + > Work or school account.

   Use your phone to scan the QR square that is on your computer screen.

   Notes:
   

   iPhone users may have to enable the camera in Settings in order to scan.

   If you can't use your phone camera, you'll have to manually enter the 9 digit code and the URL.

   Your account will be added automatically to the app and will display a six-digit code.

   
7. Switch back to your computer and click Done.
8. Now wait for the Checking activation status text to finish configuring your phone.
9. When it's complete, you'll be able to click the Contact me button on the right.
   Note: If configuration fails, just retry the previous steps again.
   
10. Switch back to your phone and you'll see a notification for a new sign in.

    Go to the Microsoft Authenticator app.

    Tap Approve to allow it.
    

    Note: Depending on the options chosen you may instead be prompted to enter a code generated by the app.

11. Back on the computer, follow any prompts that you might see such as adding a mobile number as a backup authentication method.

From now on, whenever you have a new sign in (from a different computer or location) or add your Microsoft 365 work or school account to an app, you'll open the Authenticator app on your phone and tap Approve.