Microsoft Authenticator - First-time setup

Use this guide when Eastern Connecticut State University asks you to register Microsoft Authenticator immediately after you sign in. This article covers prompt-based MFA approvals.

Screenshot note: These Eastern-branded screenshots use a test account and example numbers. Your account and numbers will be different. The QR code is intentionally blacked out. Never use or share values from this guide.

Before you start

• Have your Eastern username and password ready.
• Use a computer and your iPhone or Android phone together.
• Install Microsoft Authenticator from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Allow Authenticator notifications and camera access.
• Keep the computer setup window open while using your phone.

1. Start the enrollment

1. Open the Eastern Microsoft 365 sign-in page.
2. Sign in with your Eastern account.
3. At Let’s keep your account secure or More information required, select Next.

2. Install Authenticator

1. On your phone, install Microsoft Authenticator from the official app store.
2. Return to the computer and select Next.

3. Add your Eastern account

On your phone:

1. Open Authenticator.
2. Allow notifications if prompted.
3. Select + or Add account.
4. Select Work or school account.

If Authenticator opens a sign-in form, cancel it and restart from + → Add account → Work or school account.

4. Scan the QR code

1. On the computer, continue until Scan the QR code appears.
2. In Authenticator, select Scan a QR Code or Scan QR code.
3. Allow camera access if prompted.
4. Scan the code displayed on the computer.

If scanning fails, use the Microsoft Authenticator troubleshooting article.

5. Approve the enrollment test

The computer displays a number. In Authenticator, verify the account, enter the matching number, and select Yes or Approve.

For notification or number-matching problems, use the Microsoft Authenticator troubleshooting article.

6. Finish registration

On the computer, select Done when setup succeeds. Open Authenticator and confirm that your Eastern account appears.

Confirm your first MFA approval

Sign in to Microsoft 365 or another Eastern service once more:

1. Select Send notification if prompted.
2. Verify the account and number on the computer.
3. Verify the account, application, location, and number on the phone.
4. Enter the matching number and select Yes or Approve.

Never approve a request you did not initiate. Deny unexpected requests and contact the Eastern help desk if they continue.

References

• Microsoft: How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft: Set up Security info from a sign-in page
• Microsoft: Download Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft: Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator

Screenshots are Eastern-provided captures for internal documentation. Recheck the Eastern help-desk contact, Microsoft links, button labels, and tenant behavior when maintaining this article.