Set up Microsoft Authenticator App - Apple/iOS Devices

Summary

Instructions on how to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft on an iPhone/iOS device. 

Information Applies to

Faculty, Staff, Current Students, New Students, Alumnus, Retirees

iPhone - Set up Microsoft Authenticator app

Steps to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iPhone.

You will need both your iPhone and a computer to complete the setup.

1. On your iPhone, go to the App Store to download, install, and open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   • Accept the Privacy Statement, Continue past "Help us improve Microsoft Authenticator."

2. If asked to "Sign in with Microsoft" select Skip at the top right of the app.

3. At the Authenticator home screen, select "Add Account" at the bottom or the "+" symbol at the top right.

4. Select "Work or school account" and then select "Scan QR code."
   • Select OK if prompted "'Authenticator' Would Like to Access the Camera"

  

5. Switch to your computer
   • Browse to the Microsoft Security Info page at https://aka.ms/mfasetup
     • You can also go to your Winona State email.
   • Sign in with your username and StarID password.
     • Student username: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
     • Employee username: StarID@minnstate.edu
   • Select Next on the prompt "More information required."

6. On the Keep your account secure page.
   • Under "Start by getting the app," Select Next.

• Under "Set up your account," Select Next.

• You will now be at the "Scan the QR code" page, which shows the QR code.

7. Switch to your iPhone
   • Using the Microsoft Authenticator app, scan the QR code shown on the computer.
   • After scanning the QR code, you will see an account named Minnesota State with your StarID@go.minnstate.edu (students) or your StarID@minnstate.edu (employees).

8. Switch to your computer
   • After scanning the code with your Microsoft Authenticator app. Select Next, on the "Scan the QR code" page.
   • The next page will say "Microsoft Authenticator. Let's try it out" and show a 2-digit number.
   • A notification will be sent to your iPhone/Apple device.

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9. Switch to your iPhone
   • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app or select/tap on the notification received.
   • You will be asked "Are you trying to sign in?" and prompted to enter the 2-digit number shown on the computer.
   • Enter the number and select Yes.

10. Switch to your computer
    • You will see "Notification Approved." Select Next.

• You will see "Success" and a list of your MFA sign-in methods. Select Done.

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11. You may see a prompt to "Stay signed in?" on the computer. If you are a personal computer that you have an account on, that only you use, select Yes. If not, select No. 

12. You have finished setting up MFA on your iPhone.

Security Information

What should I do when I get a verification request I don’t recognize?

If you receive approval requests for access to your Microsoft 365 (M365) and you are not actively signing in to Minnesota State M365 connected applications, in other words you did not just attempt to log in to your M365 account using your Minnesota State M365 log in credentials then you will not have a number to enter into the app. 

Stay Vigilant:

• You will not be prompted by MFA without your attempt to log in. MFA verification will never prompt you first. Do not approve or take action on any prompts if you are not logging into your account.
• No one, including Winona State Tech Support and Minnesota State, or other entities which may appear to be related, will ever contact or prompt you to ask you to “approve” an MFA notification or ask for a verification code with you initiating the log in.   
• Do not press # key for verification or enter verification code if you receive a voice call on your mobile device, office, or alternate phone. Ensure your spouse or trusted family doesn’t automatically enter the key(s) without checking with you first.

Related Articles

What is: Multifactor Authentication

Microsoft 365 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Set up Microsoft Authenticator App - Android Device

Set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) with a Phone Number

Updating Multi-Factor Authentication Settings for Microsoft 365

Learn More

Need additional information or assistance? Contact WSU Tech Support by email or call 507.457.5240, option 1.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact WSU TLT by email, phone (507.457.5240, option 3), or Zoom.

Need additional information or assistance? Visit the Digital Learning Commons in Library 105.