Set up MFA (multifactor authentication)

Owned by Richard Leslie Talbot
Last updated: Mar 13, 2024 by Dan Jolly
3 min read

This article will show you how to set up MFA when using it for the first time.

1 Set up MFA | 2 Add a backup authentication method | 3 Remove an authentication method | 4 Troubleshooting | 5

Before you start

  • We recommended you follow these instructions on a computer , using your mobile phone or tablet when indicated. It’s possible to set up MFA using only one device but we don’t recommend it.

  • Please ensure the date and time are set correctly on each device.

  • Please use the Authenticator app for your default sign-in method. Phone call and text message are not recommended as they are less secure.

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

add-sign-in-method.png

  1. Select Choose a method and choose Authenticator app

authenticator-app.png

  1. Once selected, choose Add.

  1. You’ll see the message below. Keep this message open on your screen - don’t close it.

On Your Phone

  1. Go to your app store and search for Microsoft Authenticator. Download and install the app.

  1. Open the app. Choose Add Account and then choose Work or school account

  1. Choose Scan a QR code.

On Your Computer

  1. Choose Next.

  1. Choose Next again.

On Your Phone

  1. 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

  1. Choose Next.

On Your Phone

  1. Your Authenticator app will ask you to enter a number. Enter the number shown on your computer screen and choose Yes.

On Your Computer

  1. You’ll see the message below if successful. Choose Next.

  1. 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 sign-in method.

  1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.

  2. Choose Add sign-in method

  3. Choose your preferred backup authentication method.

Remove an authentication method

  1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Essex email address and password.

  2. Select the Delete option, next to the method you want to remove.

Troubleshooting

See Help and troubleshooting MFA