Microsoft Authenticator App Setup Walkthrough

Purpose: This document provides step-by-step instructions for downloading, installing, and configuring the Microsoft Authenticator app on a mobile device for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Audience: All employees and remote users accessing company M365 and cloud resources.

Support Email: support@freeholdcartage.com

Prerequisites & Requirements

An active Apple iOS (iPhone) or Android smartphone with a working camera.
Access to a computer or secondary screen to open the security setup page.
Your work email address and initial login credentials.

Overview of Setup Steps

Phase	Location / Device	Primary Action
Phase 1	Mobile Phone	Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Phase 2	Computer Screen	Navigate to the Microsoft Security Info portal to initiate MFA enrollment.
Phase 3	Mobile Phone	Add your work account and scan the generated QR code using the Authenticator app.
Phase 4	Computer & Phone	Complete the verification prompt to confirm successful registration.

Phase 1: Download the Microsoft Authenticator App

On your mobile device, open the official app store:

iOS / iPhone: Open the Apple App Store.
Android: Open the Google Play Store.

Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
Verify the publisher is listed as Microsoft Corporation.
Tap Get or Install to download the application to your mobile device.

Important Note: Ensure you download the official app published by Microsoft Corporation. Do not download third-party authenticator applications unless explicitly instructed by IT support.

Phase 2: Initiate Account Registration on Computer

On your desktop or laptop computer, open a web browser and navigate to:
https://aka.ms/mfasetup (or https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info).
Sign in using your work email address and password.
If prompted to add more information, click Next.
In the Security info section, click + Add sign-in method.
Select Authenticator app from the dropdown list and click Add.
The portal will prompt you to download the app on your phone. Since you completed this in Phase 1, click Next.
Click Next again to display the unique QR Code on your computer screen.

Phase 3: Pair the Authenticator App to Your Account

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.
If prompted, accept the privacy notifications and permissions (allow camera access for QR scanning and notifications for sign-in prompts).
Tap the + (Plus icon) in the upper right corner, or tap Add Account.
Select Work or school account.
Select Scan a QR code.
Point your phone camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen in Phase 2.
The app will automatically scan the code and configure your account. You should see your work email listed inside the app.

Phase 4: Verify and Complete Setup

On your computer screen, click Next after scanning the QR code.
Microsoft will send a test notification to your mobile phone.
Look at your smartphone for a prompt displaying a two-digit number.
Enter the matching two-digit number on your smartphone screen and tap Yes / Approve.
Once the computer screen displays "Notification approved", click Next and then Done.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter any issues during setup or need assistance registering your device, please reach out to the IT Helpdesk at:

Email: support@freeholdcartage.com