This article will show you how to set up and use MFA.
Before you start
To set up MFA quickly and easily you’ll need:
a mobile phone that has internet access and can run apps (this can be a work or personal phone)
a second device with a web browser, preferably a computer, to display the web pages on which you will set up MFA
to ensure the date and time are set correctly on each device
It’s possible to set up MFA using only one device but we don’t recommend it.
Set up MFA
💻 On your computer
1. Open a web browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.
2. Once signed in, choose Add sign-in method
3. Select Choose a method and choose Authenticator app
💻 On your computer, open a web browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.
Once signed in, choose Add sign-in method
Select Choose a method and choose Authenticator app
Once selected, choose Add.
You’ll see the message below. Keep this message open on your screen - don’t close it.
📱 On your phone, go to your app store and search for Microsoft Authenticator. Download and install the app.
Open the app. Choose Add Account and then choose Work or school account
Choose Scan a QR code.
💻 On your computer, choose Next.
Choose Next again.
📱 On your phone, scan the QR code shown on your computer screen. If you can’t scan the code, choose Can’t scan image? and enter the 9-digit code manually. Your phone should accept the code and display your Microsoft account.
💻 On your computer, choose Next.
📱 On your phone, your Authenticator app will ask you to enter a number. Enter the number shown on your computer screen and choose Yes.
💻 On your computer, you’ll see the message below if successful. Choose Next.
You have successfully set up MFA and you should see a notification in the top-right of the screen.
Add a backup authentication method
We strongly recommend you add more than one authentication method so you aren't reliant on a single device.
Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.
Choose Add sign-in method
Choose your preferred backup authentication method.
Remove an authentication method
Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.
Select the Delete option, next to the method you want to remove.
If you delete your default sign-in method, the next available method will automatically become your default method.
Help and troubleshooting
I don’t have my phone with me
If you don’t have your primary authentication method with you and you do not have an alternative method, please contact the IT Helpdesk.
I have received a sign-in request that wasn't me
If you receive a sign-in request that wasn't you, please contact the IT Helpdesk immediately.
I have a new phone and I want to add it
You'll need to set up MFA each time you get a new device. The quickest way to do this is to:
Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.
Choose Add method and then follow the instructions onscreen to add a new device.
Once you've added your new device, Delete the old device from your list of methods.