This article walks you through setting up your multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods for your Missouri State account.
Before you begin
We recommend you register two authentication methods: one on your phone (Microsoft Authenticator) and one on your computer (Passkey). Having both means you can always sign in, even if one device isn't available.
Set up takes about 10 minutes. Have your phone and the computer you use most often with you before you begin.
Step 1: Add Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone
Follow the guides below for your phones operating system to download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
Apple Devices
- From your iOS device, access the App Store and search for “Microsoft Authenticator."
- Select Get to download the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Once the download is complete, select Open to get started.
- Select the Add Account button to set up your Missouri State Account.
- On iOS devices, the Microsoft Authenticator app can be backed up to iCloud. If you have previously used the Microsoft Authenticator app with another iOS device, select Begin Recovery. If not, select Continue on the pop-up menu.
- To add your Missouri State Account, select Work or school account.
- The QR scanner will open.
- On a computer, navigate to your Security Info page and sign in with your Missouri State account.
- Click Add sign-in method and select Authenticator app from the menu.
- Click Add to proceed. Click through the instructions for downloading the app and adding your account, then the Scan QR code screen will appear.
- With your iOS device, scan the QR code with the Microsoft Authenticator app (the images below are blacked out for security).
Please Note: If the QR scanner is not working, you can click the
Can't scan image? button. You will need to enter the listed code and URL in your app instead of the QR code.
- On your iOS device, you will then see your Missouri State Account listed with a six-digit code under it in your Authenticator app.
- Return to the Scan QR code screen (as shown in step 11 above) on your computer and select Next. The system will then send a request to your authenticator app asking you to verify your sign-in. Click Next once you have approved the notification on your iOS device as shown below.
- You will be prompted to Approve the sign-in on your iOS device. If your Microsoft Authenticator app is still open, you will see the below screen. Select Approve.
- Return to the Microsoft Authenticator setup screen on your computer, you will see that your notification was approved and the iOS device has been added as an approved authentication device. Click Next to finish the setup.
One more step: Your phone shouldn't be your only way to sign in. Continue to the steps below to add a passkey on your computer, so you can still sign in when your phone isn't available.
Step 2: Add Passkey on Your Computer
A passkey lets you securely sign in using your device’s built-in sign-in method, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Follow the steps below on the computer and browser you use most often. You can then repeat on any other devices you use often.
Windows Hello
This set up allows you to use your device's PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition on your Windows computer.
Windows Hello passkeys are device-bound. They are tied to this specific computer and will not be available on other devices. We recommend also setting up a back-up sign-in method on a different device, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
Employees, if you have already
set up Windows Hello for Business on an MSU-managed (Entra joined) Windows computer, it is added to your account as an MFA method automatically, so you do not need to follow the steps below.
- Navigate to your Security Info page and sign in with your Missouri State account.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey. Make sure to select Passkey and not Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator. You can set that up on your phone later if you'd like.
- Click Next.
- Select Continue to save your passkey to the suggested location.
- In the "Enter your PIN" box, enter your Windows Hello PIN
- Provide a name for your passkey so you can identify it, for example "My PC" or "Office laptop", then click Next to complete setup.
- On the Passkey created confirmation box, click Done.
9. Your passkey is now ready to use, and you should now see Passkey (Device bound) listed under your sign-in methods.
Google Chrome
This set up walks you through adding a passkey to your Missouri State account using Google Password Manager in Chrome. Once set up, you can sign in using your fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN on any device signed in to the same Google account.
We recommend setting up at least two sign-in methods on two different devices, such as this passkey on your computer plus the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, so you are not locked out if you lose access to one device.
- Navigate to your Security Info page and sign in with your Missouri State account.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey. Make sure to select Passkey and not Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator. You can set that up on your phone later if you'd like.
- Click Next.
- Select Continue to save your passkey to Google Password Manager. You will be prompted to confirm by providing a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, depending on your device settings.
- Provide a name for your passkey so you can identify it, for example "Chrome" or "Work laptop," then click Next to complete setup.
- In the "Passkey created" confirmation box, click Done.
- You should now see Passkey (Synced) listed under your sign-in methods.
MacOS
This set up walks you through adding a passkey to your Missouri State account using a Mac. Once set up, you can sign in using your fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN on any device signed in to the same Google account.
We recommend setting up at least two sign-in methods on two different devices, such as this passkey on your computer plus the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, so you are not locked out if you lose access to one device.
- On your Mac, open Safari and navigate to your Security Info page and sign in with your Missouri State account.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey. Make sure to select Passkey and not Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator. You can set that up on your phone later if you'd like.
- Click Next.
- In the "Setting up your passkey" dialog, click Next.
- In the "Save a passkey?" box, select Passwords, then click Continue.
- When prompted, enter your Mac device login (not your Missouri State) password to unlock. If you are prompted for Touch ID instead, that also completes this step.
- In the "Let's name your passkey" box, enter a name for your passkey, for example "Work MacBook" or "iMac," then click Next.
- In the "Passkey created" confirmation box, click Done.
- You should now see Passkey (Synced) listed under your sign-in methods.
Optional: Add Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone
Before proceeding, download the Microsoft Authenticator app if you haven’t already. Then follow the steps below.
Add Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone
- Navigate to your Security Info page and sign in with your Missouri State account.
- Click Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- Click Next to advance the screen.
- Open your Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Open your authenticator app, and select your Missouri State Account.
- Select Create a Passkey.
- Select Sign In to continue.
- Follow the prompts to complete your sign in. When complete, you will recieve a confirmation that your passkey has been created and is ready to use.
FAQs
Why is MFA important?
Your Missouri State Account gives you access to everything from course materials and grades to financial and identity information. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection to help prevent account theft and impersonation.
Why should I set up more than one authentication methods?
Setting up a second sign-in method helps prevent you from being locked out of your account. Your phone may be your primary method, but it may not always be available if it is lost, replaced, damaged, or left at home. A backup method gives you another way to sign in without contacting the IT Help Desk. Without one, you may need to wait until the IT Help Desk is open before you can regain access, including during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Are there other options?
The phone and computer setup above is the standard option. If you do not have reliable access to a smartphone, or need another way to sign in, you can Request Help.
Use Request Help or Chat With Us for further assistance.