Getting Started:
Please close any open Office365 apps, like Outlook, Excel, Word and Microsoft Teams before you begin. This will make it easier for you.
The first time MFA is enabled for you some additional information is needed. When you go to login to any of the Office365 apps you're going to see the following message:
Click Next to get started and you'll be presented with the setup screen. This only happens the first time, or if you ever need to have it reset.
Initial Setup
You have 3 options to choose from: 1. Mobile Phone (Authentication Phone), 2. Deskphone (Office Phone) and 3. The Authenticator mobile app (Mobile app) which can run on ios, android or even Windows.
Choose the option best suited for you needs. Option 1 is the easiest to setup and use. You only have to use 1 option. You do not need to set them all up. So pick one from the list as shown here:
Option 1: Authentication phone (Mobile Phone)
If you chose Authentication phone, you can get either a phone call, where a computer voice will tell you a special code, or a text message with a special code, which you choose is fine. We'll need that code shortly to enter to authenticate ourselves however these codes only work one time so there's no need to save them. You'll need to provide a phone number that you'll have available whenever you might have to authenticate. I've used my company cell phone and the option to send me a text message, as shown here:
Iu just want them to call you instead, simply click the "Call me" option instead of the "Send me a code by text message."
Once you've filled out the form click Next.
Option 2: Office phone (Desk Phone)
If you chose Office phone this method will call you on a normal phone line and the robot voice will tell you the code verbally that you'll need to enter. These codes only work one time so there's no need to save them. I've used the main company line and my extension, as shown below, but you can use a direct line or a home phone depending on what you have available. Just remember, you may need to authenticate on the go if you travel or move around. This option is best for folks that work exclusively at the same desk on a desktop computer.
Option 3: Mobile App (Microsoft Authenticator)
The last method requires that you install an app on your phone or tablet and has a few extra setup steps. You can choose to receive a code in the app or have a code that cycles every 30 seconds that you can open and look at. I used the second option as it doesn't' require me to wait for a code to be sent.
You'll notice at this time you can't click the Next button because it's grayed out. That means setup isn't complete but once it is the button will turn blue and you'll be able to click it. But let's get the app installed first.
On your mobile device, go to the app store and find the app named "Microsoft Authenticator App" and install it. You'll need your apple ID for this step. Once you've installed the app, you need to login, and add your work account. So open the app and let's add our info.
On the first screen click "I agree".
Then click "Add account" on the next screen:
Then choose "Work or school account" on the next screen.
When asked choose "Scan QR code"
Now on your computer screen click the "Set Up" button.
Then use the mobile phone to scan the QR Code box on the screen. This will add the account to authenticator and you can select it to see your code:
Click Willoway to see the code and other optons.
Now, on your computer screen click next to return to Setup page, and since you have the code you're ready to click Next here as well.
And now it will ask you for the code. In the future all the other steps will be completed and you'll start here. So just get the code from the app and enter it here:
Once entered hit Verify.
If it works you'll be asked to provide a back up number just incase the app has issues:
Click Next. As an added measure we can enable app passwords. For now we're just going to leave this be. So just click done on the final screen.
That should be all folks. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.