Set up the Microsoft Authenticator App

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Before You Start

Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This article will only provide detailed instructions on setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app

You will need to download the FREE Microsoft Authenticator app from your respective app store:

Warning: Be sure you select the Microsoft Authenticator app icon"Microsoft Authenticator" app provided by the Microsoft Corporation for FREE.  Several other apps with similar names have similar icons but are not the trusted, free Microsoft app.

Instructions

Using a mobile phone/device only
  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and select the plus icon  on the top menu bar.

  2. Tap Work or school account and select Sign in. You will login using your ULID@louisiana.edu email credentials.

  3. Once authenticated you will be prompted to continue in a web browser, click Open Browser.
    Finish setting up on a web browser

  4. You will then need to further verify your account, click the Next button.
    Let's keep your account secure example

  5. You will need to Allow the Microsoft Authenticator to send Notifications on your mobile device being used to MFA.
    Allow Authenticator to send notifications

  6. Select Pair your account to the app by clicking this link to connect the Authenticator to your account.
    Pair the authenticator with your account

  7. Once you have installed the app, followed the on-screen instructions to add an account and paired the app to your account, you will receive a two digit code that will need to be input in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone.
    Example of the number to be entered to approve the sign-in

  8. Once verified on the mobile app dialog window, click the Done button.

  9. You have successfully configured the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA! To review your settings, change your default options, or remove/add devices, you may navigate here: https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo


Using two devices

Navigate to https://webmail.louisiana.edu and login using your ULID@louisiana.edu email credentials.

  1. Once authenticated you will be prompted to further verify your account, click the Next button.
    Let's keep your account secure example

  2. Click the Next button after installing the Microsoft Authenticator from either the Apple or Android mobile store on your mobile device being used to MFA.
    Install the Microsoft Authentical app if needed

  3. Click the Next button after enabling notifications, if prompted.
    Set up your account in the app example

  4. Follow the instructions in the Configure mobile app dialog window scanning the QR Code. Access to the mobile device's camera may be requested to allow scanning of the QR Code.
    Example of the QR code you will need to scan

  5. Once you have installed the app, followed the on-screen instructions to add an account and scanned the QR code, you will receive a two digit code that will need to be input in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone.
    Example of the number to be entered to approve the sign-in

  6. Once verified on the mobile app dialog window, click the Done button.
    Authenticator added confirmation

  7. You have successfully configured the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA! To review your settings, change your default options, or remove/add devices, you may navigate here: https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.


App Lock Disabling

When the Authenticator app is installed App Lock is enabled by default.

  • App Lock being enabled means you’ll also have to provide your device's PIN or biometric unlock method before successfully authenticating.
  • To disable this feature you will need to access the Settings in the Authenticator app.
    • Android versions have three vertically stacked dots on the right side of the home screen of the Authenticator app to access Settings.
    • iOS versions have thee vertically stacked lines on the left side of the home screen of the Authenticator app to access Settings.
  • Once in Settings, scroll down to the Security section to disabled / turn-off App Lock. 
  • Close the Authenticator app.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 20399
Created
Mon 7/27/26 4:48 PM
Modified
Wed 7/29/26 1:08 PM