Alumni: Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator App

This article covers how alumni can set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to use for two-step verification (2FA).

You will need to log in to your CSUF Microsoft account on a computer/laptop as well as have your smart phone available to install the app.

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. On a computer or laptop, go to the Microsoft Office portal.

3. Enter your campus email address (if not already populated). Then click Next.

Microsoft sign-in screen
  1. Enter your campus email address (e.g., [email protected]).
  2. Then click Next.

4. Enter your campus password. Then click Sign In.

CSUF Microsoft authentication screen
  1. Enter your campus password. This is the same password that you use to log on to the campus portal.
  2. Then click Sign In.

5. Enter the code that you received via text message. Then click Verify.

Microsoft authenticator code
  1. Enter the code you received via text message on your phone.
  2. Click Verify.
  3. Didn't get the text message? Click Sign in another way to have Microsoft Authenticator call your phone.

6. If you are on a device that you use frequently, click Yes to stay signed in.

stay signed in

7. Click on the profile picture at the top right of the screen.

Office 365 portal

8. Click View account.

profile menu

9. Select Security info on the left menu.

My account screen

10. Click Add method.

Security info screen

11. Choose Authenticator app and then click Add.

add a method

12. A Microsoft Authenticator mini-wizard pops up. You will be going back and forth between this mini-wizard and the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. Click Next.

get the app

13. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. If you see the "peace of mind" screen, tap Skip.

If you are prompted to allow notifications, tap Allow.

peace of mind screen

14. Tap Add account or the plus sign icon at the top right.

add account

15. Tap Work or school account.

add account choices

16. On your computer/laptop, click Next in the Microsoft Authenticator mini-wizard.

set up your account

17. A QR code will pop up on your computer/laptop screen.

scan the qr code screen

18. On your mobile device, choose Scan QR code.

You may need to allow Microsoft Authenticator to access your mobile device's camera.

add work or school account prompt

19. Hold your mobile device up to the computer/laptop screen to scan the QR code.

scan qr code on mobile device

20. Your account will now show up in Authenticator.

authenticator with account added

21. On your computer/laptop, click Next.

scan the qr code screen

22. Microsoft Authenticator will now send a test notification to your mobile device.

authenticator sending test notification

23. On your mobile device, tap Approve on the pop-up message in Microsoft Authenticator.

approve sign in on mobile device

24. On your computer/laptop, click Next.

notification approved

25. You're done! If you want to make Microsoft Authenticator your default sign-in method, click Change and then select Microsoft Authenticator.

It's optional to make Microsoft Authenticator your default sign-in method, but changing this option will allow you to get automatic push notifications from Microsoft Authenticator when you need to authenticate your CSUF account.

security info screen updated

Need More Help?

Contact the Student IT Help Desk at [email protected] or 657-278-8888.