Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): How do I get the Authenticator App on my new phone?
Intended Population:
Students and Employees
Purpose:
The Microsoft Authenticator app is one possible verification method used for multi-factor authentication (MFA) in Microsoft 365. If you previously setup the Microsoft Authenticator app as your default MFA method and later get a new device, you may need to permanently remove your lost, stolen, or old device from your account and register the new device unless you have backed up the account credentials.
*If you have access to your old device, we highly encourage you to back up and recover account credentials in the Authenticator app.*
This article walks through the process to remove an old device and register a new device for the Authenticator App MFA method in Microsoft 365, if backup/recovery was not possible.
Microsoft Office 365
1. Visit https://mysignins.microsoft.com/ and login with your credentials
2. If prompted for MFA, select an alternative method to gain access
*If you do not have any alternative methods set up, you will need to submit a ticket for assistance
3. On the Security info page, identify your old device associated with Microsoft Authenticator and click "Delete"
4. Once deleted, click "Add sign-in method" and select the method to add from the dropdown
5. If you select the option for the Authenicator app, you will be prompted to enroll in MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app
6. Once set up, you may wish to confirm that the Default sign-in method is Microsoft Authenticator
Please see Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Microsoft Office 365 Enrollment "OPTION 4: Set up the Microsoft Authenticator smartphone app as your verification method" for additional details on enrolling.