How to Register for Multifactor Authentication (MFA) in Microsoft 365

Audience:

• End users whose admin has enabled MFA or Security Defaults
• A smartphone with App Store/Google Play access
• The Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended) or the ability to receive SMS/calls
• Your work/school Microsoft 365 account credentials

1. Prep your phone

1. Open App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator and install it.
3. Make sure mobile data/Wi-Fi and notifications are enabled for the app.

2. Open the Security info portal

1. In a browser, go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info (short link: aka.ms/mfasetup).
2. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 email and password. If you see “More information required”, click Next.

3. Add your primary sign-in method

1. Click Add method → Microsoft Authenticator → Add.

   

2. In the “Set up your account” window, click Next to display a QR code.

   

3. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator:

• ︙ → Add account → Work or school account
• Scan the QR code on your screen.

1. After scanning, click Next in the browser; you’ll get a push notification.
2. Approve the notification on your phone. The browser will confirm Notification approved.

4. Add a backup method

To avoid lockouts if you replace or lose your phone:

1. Still on Security info, click Add method.

2. Choose Phone (SMS or call) or Email (if allowed by policy) and complete the code verification.

   

   

Tip: Keep at least two active authentication methods.

5. Test your sign-in

1. Sign out of Microsoft 365, then sign back in.
2. After entering your password, approve the Authenticator push or enter the SMS/phone code.
3. Successful sign-in confirms MFA is set up correctly.

6. Replacing or losing a phone

1. From a trusted PC, go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Delete the old Authenticator entry (**Delete**), then add your new phone using the same steps as above.

7. Optional: Go passwordless with passkeys

Microsoft is rolling out passkeys in Microsoft Authenticator. If your organization allows it, choose Add method → Passkey, then follow the prompts to register a biometric/PIN-protected key.

That’s it! Your account is now protected with multifactor authentication. If you hit any issues, contact PRONKO IT support.