Set up Microsoft Authenticator by 1 February 2027

What to do: set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. It takes about 5 minutes.

Why: today we text a code to your phone when you sign in. Microsoft is ending those texts for work accounts on 1 February 2027.

If you do nothing: after that date the text will not arrive, and you will not be able to sign in until IT helps you.

One guide, two ways to follow it

Watch the 3-minute video, or follow the same steps written out below.

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator
The Microsoft Authenticator page in the app store, with Install marked

Search for Microsoft Authenticator in the Play Store or App Store. Check that it says Microsoft Corporation.

Step 2: Open the app and tap the plus
The top of the Authenticator app, with the plus marked

Tap the plus at the top. If this is your first time in the app, tap Add work or school account instead.

Step 3: Tap Work or school account
The Add account list, with Work or school account marked

Choose Work or school account from the list.

Step 4: Tap Sign in
The choice between Scan a QR code and Sign in, with Sign in marked

Choose Sign in. You do not need a QR code.

Step 5: Type your work email, then tap Next
The sign-in page with an email typed, with Next marked

Use the same email address you sign in to work with.

Step 6: Type your password, then tap Sign in
The Enter password page, with Sign in marked

This is your normal work password.

Step 7: Tap Text to get a code
The Verify your identity page, with Text marked

We text a code to the phone number already on your account.

Step 8: Type the code, then tap Verify
The Enter code page, with Verify marked

This is the last time you will need a text code.

Step 9: Tap Continue
The Let's create your passkey screen, with Continue marked

This creates your passkey. It takes less than a minute.

Step 10: Confirm with your face, fingerprint or PIN

Your phone asks the same way it does when you unlock it.

Step 11: Tap Done
The Account added screen, with Done marked

You will see Account added. Your passkey is ready.

The Use your saved passkey prompt, with Continue marked

From now on

When you sign in, your phone offers your saved passkey. Tap Continue, then confirm with your face, fingerprint or PIN.

There is no code to wait for.

What is not changing

Your email address and your password stay the same.

Your other apps are not affected.

You only set this up once per phone.

Need help?

Contact your IT help desk and say you are setting up Microsoft Authenticator.