Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app
A step-by-step walkthrough for connecting the Microsoft Authenticator app to your Titley Scientific Microsoft 365 account, so every sign-in is protected by a second layer of security.
What you'll need on hand
Gather these three things before you start — you'll move between your computer and your phone a few times.
A computer
To sign in to Microsoft 365 in a web browser and display the QR code.
Your smartphone
An iPhone or Android phone with a working camera and an internet connection.
Your work login
Your Titley Scientific email address and current account password.
Wherever you see the details below, you'll see your own name and email address instead.
Sign in to Microsoft 365
On your computer, open a web browser and go to office.com (or portal.office.com) and select Sign in. Enter your Titley Scientific email address and choose Next.
On the next screen, type your password and choose Sign in.
Begin securing your account
After signing in, Microsoft will let you know that more information is needed to keep your account secure. Select Next to begin.
The "Keep your account secure" wizard opens. Microsoft Authenticator is the recommended method. Leave this screen open on your computer — you'll come back to it shortly. First, install the app on your phone (Step 3), then select Next here.
Microsoft Authenticator
Start by getting the app On your phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. Download nowAfter you install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, choose "Next".
Install the Authenticator app
You'll need the free Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone before you continue. The quickest and safest way to get it is to scan one of the QR codes below with your phone's camera — each links straight to the official app. You can also open the store and search for it by name.
Open your phone's camera and point it at a code — then tap the link that pops up.
If you'd rather search the store manually, the genuine listing looks like the screen below — check it against what you see before tapping Get or Install.
Search
Microsoft Authenticator
Protects your online identity
Microsoft Corporation
Add your work account in the app
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app. If it asks permission to send you notifications, tap Allow — this is needed for sign-in approvals. Tap the + in the top corner (or Add account), then choose Work or school account.
Add work or school account
Choose how you'd like to add this account
When asked how you'd like to add the account, tap Scan a QR code. If the app requests permission to use your camera, tap Allow. Now switch back to your computer.
Scan the QR code
Back on your computer, select Next through the "Set up your account" prompt until a QR code appears. Hold your phone up to the screen and point the camera at the code — the app captures it automatically and links your account.
Your account provider will display a QR code
Once the code is captured, your account appears in the app and the computer moves to the next screen automatically. Select Next on your computer.
Approve the test sign-in
Microsoft now sends a test notification to confirm everything is connected. Your computer displays a two-digit number. Open the notification on your phone, type that exact number, and tap Yes.
Enter the number shown to sign in.
Your computer confirms with a green tick: "Notification approved." Select Next.
Finish up
That's it — your account is now protected. The final screen confirms that Microsoft Authenticator is set as your default sign-in method. Select Done to finish.
What signing in looks like day-to-day
Each time you sign in to a Microsoft 365 service — Outlook, Teams, SharePoint or office.com — on a new device or browser, you'll be asked to confirm it's really you.
When prompted, simply open the notification (or the Authenticator app), enter the number shown on your screen, and approve. On devices you use regularly you may be asked less often. You can review or add backup methods anytime at mysignins.microsoft.com.
Troubleshooting
Common hiccups during setup and how to fix them.
?The QR code won't scan
Make sure the whole code is inside the camera frame and your screen brightness is up. If it still won't read, select Can't scan image? on the computer — a code and URL will appear. In the app, tap Or enter code manually and type both in.
Also check the app has permission to use your camera in your phone's Settings.
?I didn't receive the test notification
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app manually rather than waiting for the pop-up. Pull down to refresh, and confirm your phone has an internet connection.
Check that notifications are switched on for the app in your phone's Settings. Then select Back on the computer and try again.
?I don't see "Work or school account"
Update the Microsoft Authenticator app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play, then reopen it. The three account types appear after you tap the + button.
?The number I typed was rejected
The number must match exactly what's shown on your computer at that moment. If it expired, select Back on the computer to generate a fresh number and try again.
?I've replaced or lost my phone
If you still have access to another verification method, sign in at mysignins.microsoft.com, remove the old Authenticator entry and add it again on your new phone.
If you're locked out completely, contact your Titley Scientific IT administrator — they can reset your verification methods so you can register again.
?Can I set up a backup method?
Yes, and it's recommended. At mysignins.microsoft.com choose Add sign-in method to add a phone number for SMS codes as a fallback, in case you don't have your phone with you.