MFA First Time Setup Guide

Owned by Debangi Choudhuri (Deactivated), created
Last updated: Feb 26, 2024 by David Abney
5 min read

Please follow the steps below to learn how to setup your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) methods during the first-time registration.

Instructions

  1. When signing into a Microsoft Application, you may be prompted for your SeattleU email address, and if MFA is enabled, you’ll see the following page requiring more information.  

  2. Choose Next.

  3. You will be asked to setup a second method of authentication.  The default method is the Microsoft Authenticator app. You may also choose a different method by clicking the link named I want to set up a different method. The additional options are the “Authenticator App” for a third party authenticator apps, and “Phone” for sending text messages and phone calls to your cell phone. Email authentication is not supported.

    1. All options are broken out in the steps below. Note: that ITS recommends using Microsoft’s or a third party authenticator app because the app will still work if you plan to travel internationally without cell phone coverage and the passcode generated in the mobile app still works if your phone doesn’t have access to Wi-Fi or a mobile network. 

       

Microsoft Authenticator

Follow the instructions below or watch Microsoft’s How to register for Azure Multi-Factor Authentication. 

Note: If you use a phone lock on your device you may be asked during the set up process to enter your phone lock authentication( pin, fingerprint, etc.) and every time MFA needs to be authenticated via the app. 

  1. Please install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smart phone.

    1. If you have the MFA setup page open on your smart phone, then you can click the Download Now link to install the Microsoft Authenticator app to your device.

    2. If you have the MFA setup page open on a desktop or laptop computer, then you can use these links to install the app on your smart phone:

      1. Android Installation Link

      2. iPhone Installation Link

      3. Android example:

  2. Once the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed on your smart phone, click the Next button.

  3. On the Microsoft Authenticator app click the plus + icon to add an account and click Work or School Account. In the popup window select Scan a QR code.

  4. On the set up your account page, click Next to receive a QR code.

  5. The QR code will popup on the screen and you can scan it with your phone.

    1. If you can’t scan the QR code, please select Can’t scan image and enter the secret key information.

    2. Click the Next button.

  6. After adding the account, Microsoft will send you an approval notification to confirm the authenticator app configuration.

    1. Click the Approve button on the popup that appears on your device. (This is what will be seen each time you authenticate with MFA)

  7. Once the approval is successfully verified, please click the Done button to continue logging into your application.

Authenticator App

  1. To use a third-party authenticator app, you must click the I want to setup a different method link and choose Authenticator app from the drop down list.

  2. Open the third party authenticator app you would like to use on your smart phone, such as Google Authenticator, and add an account to it. When the screen that pops up to scan a QR code pops up, click Next.

  3. The QR code will popup on the screen and you can scan it with your phone.

    1. If you can’t scan the QR code, please select Can’t scan image and enter the secret key information.

    2. Click the Next button.

  4. You will see a 6 digit code appear for your SU account on the authenticator app. Use this 6 digit code to complete the verification process with Microsoft. This code will refresh ever 30 to 60 seconds. Once the code is entered, click Next.

  5. After the code is successfully entered and Microsoft has verified the authenticator app, click Done to continue logging into the application.

Phone 

  1. To use text messages or phone calls, you must click the I want to setup a different method link and choose Phone from the drop down list.  

  2. You will be asked to pick a country and enter a phone number.

    1. Warning: if you take this phone to a country not selected in the drop down, Microsoft will not send you text messages or phone calls. If you plan to travel abroad, ITS recommends you setup an authenticator app.

  3. Please enter the phone number of your device and select Text me a code to receive text message verification codes or Call me to receive phone calls. Then, click Next.

  4. If you have selected Text me a code, then you will receive a text message. Please enter the code and click Next to complete the verification process.

  5. If you have selected Call me, then you will receive a phone call from 206-296-5571. 

    1. When you answer the phone, an automated voice message will say, "thank you for using the Microsoft sign-in verification system, please press the pound key to finish your verification". 

    2. If you press the pound key and are successfully authenticated, then you will receive this message, "your sign-in was successfully verified". 

  6. After successfully verifying your phone number with Microsoft, click Done to continue logging into the application.

 

 

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