How do I switch to using the Authenticator app instead of receiving a phone call?

Overview

You can adjust your MFA settings at any time from within your MSU Denver Office 365 account, including what method(s) you use as your second authentication factor. If you have multiple authenticators, you can also select which one you are normally prompted for when logging in.  

Before you begin...

Make sure you have a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet that is connected to a Wi-fi or cellular data service. You will install the Microsoft Authenticator app on this mobile device.

Instructions

1. Navigate to email.msudenver.edu.
2. Log in using your MSU Denver email address and password.
3. Click the bubble in the top-right corner of the window where either your picture or your initials are displayed.
4. From the menu that opens, click View Account.
   
    
5. On the next page, find the Security info panel and click Update info.
   
    
6. On the next screen, below "Default sign-in method", select Add method.
   
    
7. Select the Authenticator app from the drop-down menu box, then click Add.
   
    
8. The next screens will allow you to configure the mobile app. Follow them closely as you work between your computer screen and mobile device. On your mobile device, go to your app store, then search for and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. Once installed, return to your computer screen and click Next.
   
    
9. On your mobile device, allow the app to have the required permissions when prompted and choose the "Work or school account" or "Scan QR code" option when prompted to add an account.
   
    
10. In the app, use your camera to scan the QR code from your computer screen.  Leave this screen open while you set up the app on your device. Once your MSU Denver account appears in the app, you can click on your account and see there is a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. 
    
     
11. Return you your computer and Click Next, and a notification will be sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app.
    
     
12. On the notification on your device, enter the number provided on your computer, then tap YES.
    
     
13. Return you your computer and you will see that the notification has been approved. Click Next
    
     
14. Click Change next to your Default sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator - notification from the Change default method window list of options. Then, Click Confirm.
    

Result

You will see that the Microsoft Authenticator has been set as your default sign-in method for MFA. From now on, whenever you log in, a notification will automatically be sent to your device.