How to Set Up the Microsoft Authenticator App

security account microsoft Multi-factor-authentication MFA log-in sign-in

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The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign-in to your accounts as second means of authentication.

Step-by-Step Guide

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 MissouriState.edu/Account and select "Check or Set Up Security Information".
Once you are signed in to the Security info page, click Add method at the top of the page 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.
To avoid login pitfalls, set up these two additional Security methods:
- Non-Missouri State Email
- Phone
Your Microsoft Authenticator app is now set up.

Android Devices

From your Android device, access the Play Store and search for “Microsoft Authenticator."
Select Install to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Once the download is complete, select Open to get started.
Select the + button to set up your Missouri State Account.
To add your Missouri State Account, select Work or school account.
The QR scanner will open.
On a computer, navigate to MissouriState.edu/Account and select "Check or Set Up Security Information".
Once you are signed in to the Security info page, click Add method at the top of the page 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 Android 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 Android 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 Android device as shown below.
You will be prompted to Approve the sign-in on your Android 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 Android device has been added as an approved authentication device. Click Next to finish the setup.
To avoid login pitfalls, set up these two additional Security methods:
- Non-Missouri State Email
- Phone
Your Microsoft Authenticator app is now set up.