The following are the steps to take to activate MFA for your Office 365 or Microsoft 365 account.
The Sign-in Page
Go to your O365 account from a web browser to https://office.com
Click the Sign In button and you’ll be prompted for you O365 credentials, which are the same as your Windows credentials and email address, Type your email address and Click Next
*Note – If you have used your corporate email address to create a Personal account, you’ll first be prompted for either Work or school account or Personal account as below. Choose Work or school account
Type your password and Click Next
*Note – This is the password for your Office 365 account, which should be the same password you use to login to your work or school computer
You’ll get a notification requiring more information. This is the prompt to activate your MFA methods. Click Next
Methods of MFA
At this point you’ll be able to select the authentication method you will use to verify your identity. There are 3 default choices, depending on what your organization has chosen to allow:
Authentication Phone
This method allows you to use your mobile phone and you can choose to either get a text message or phone call.
If choosing this method, type your mobile number, then click Next
You’ll either receive an SMS message with a code, or you’ll receive a call with a code. Enter the code in the box, then click Verify
Office Phone
This method allows you to use your office or desk phone.
If choosing this method, type your office number and extension, if applicable, and click Next
You’ll then get a phone call at the number you specify. Follow the voice prompts to verify
Mobile App
This method requires that you download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the application store of your device. You can choose.
- Receive notifications for verification. This will send a push notification on the device to deny or approve.
- Use verification code. This will show a code in the app that you can enter for any prompts.
If choosing this method, select how you would prefer for the app to notify you, then click Set up…
…and then follow the steps to install the Microsoft Authenticator app, add the account, and either scan the QR code or enter the code into the app, then click Next
Then, click Next again
You’ll receive a prompt from the application on your mobile device. Either approve the request on your device, or open the application, select the account, then enter the code and click Verify.
After choosing one of the methods, you’ll then be taken to the app password page. App passwords are used for older or unsupported applications that need to use a password or other authentication method. If you have one of these legacy apps, make sure to make note of the app password. Office 2013 and greater don’t require an app password.
Click Done
What Happens Next After Activation
You will now return to your online Office 365 account home page.
Your account is now enabled for MFA and there’s nothing more to do. If you open the Outlook application, the Outlook Web Application, try to activate a mobile device with your services, or any other login to Office 365 services, you’ll receive a prompt with the authentication method you setup as above.
Follow the steps to verify your sign in and you’re sign in to your services is active.
Depending on your organizations settings, the device is remembered for a period of time. Once the time period expires, such as 120 days, at that point a new prompt for the authentication method above will occur.
If you have trouble with any future verifications, ask your organization administrator for assistance in either retrieving your settings, or resetting your settings.