← Resources

Setting Up MFA on Microsoft 365 (iPhone & Android)

A step-by-step walkthrough for setting up multi-factor authentication on your Microsoft 365 account using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Created September 5, 2026

Setting Up MFA on Microsoft 365 (iPhone & Android)

MFA is required on every Microsoft 365 account we manage (see How Microsoft 365 Works with Triumphant). This walks through setting it up using the Microsoft Authenticator app, the method we recommend over text-message codes.

Heads up: Microsoft is retiring its own SMS and voice call authentication starting February 1, 2027. If you're still using text or phone call codes for MFA anywhere, now's the time to switch to the Authenticator app, before that decision gets made for you. Details from Microsoft. Once you're set up here, consider going a step further with a passkey, no code to type, nothing to phish.

Before You Start

You'll need:

  • Your Microsoft 365 email address and password
  • A smartphone (iPhone or Android) with a few minutes to spare
  • A few feet away from your computer, so you can use your phone's camera to scan a QR code on screen

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator

iPhone:

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
  3. Tap Get, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
  3. Tap Install.

Once it's installed, open the app and allow it to send notifications when prompted, approvals come through as push notifications.

Step 2: Start Setup on Your Computer

  1. Go to office.com and sign in with your Microsoft 365 email and password.
  2. If MFA hasn't been set up yet, you'll land on a "More information is required" screen. Click Next.
  3. On the "Keep your account secure" screen, make sure Microsoft Authenticator is the selected method, then click Next. (If it's not selected, click "I want to set up a different method" and choose Microsoft Authenticator.)

Step 3: Add Your Account in the App

  1. Your computer screen will now show a QR code.
  2. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator.
  3. Tap the + in the top corner, then choose Work or school account.
  4. Choose Scan a QR code, allow camera access if asked, and point your phone's camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
  5. Click Next on your computer once the account appears in the app.

Step 4: Approve the Test Notification

  1. Your computer will display a number.
  2. Your phone will show a notification asking you to approve a sign-in. Tap it.
  3. Enter the number shown on your computer into the app, then tap Approve.
  4. Your computer will confirm setup is complete. Click Done.

What to Expect Going Forward

From now on, when you sign in to Microsoft 365 from a new device or browser, you'll get a push notification on your phone. Open it and approve the sign-in, that's it.

  • If you don't recognize a sign-in prompt, tap "Deny" and submit a ticket immediately. That's often the first sign someone else has your password.
  • Keep the Authenticator app updated and make sure notifications stay enabled, an MFA prompt you never see is one you can't approve.

Lost or Replaced Your Phone?

Don't try to work around it or share a code with someone else to sign in on your behalf. Submit a ticket and we'll get your MFA method reset properly so you can get back into your account on your new device.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues, reach out to the Triumphant support team: