Microsoft Authenticator

Use Microsoft Authenticator for easy, secure sign-ins for all your online accounts using multi-factor authentication, passwordless, or password autofill. You also have additional account management options for your Microsoft personal, work or school accounts.

Getting started with multi-factor authentication
Multi factor authentication (MFA) or two factor authentication (2FA) provides a second layer of security. When logging in with multi-factor authentication, you’ll enter your password, and then you’ll be asked for an additional way to prove it’s really you. Either approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator, or enter the one-time password (OTP) generated by the app. The one-time passwords (OTP codes) have a 30 second timer counting down. This timer is so you never have to use the same time-based one-time password (TOTP) twice and you don’t have to remember the number. The one-time password (OTP) doesn’t require you to be connected to a network, and it won’t drain your battery. You can add multiple accounts to your app, including non-Microsoft accounts like Facebook, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, GitHub, and more.

Getting started with passwordless
Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. Just enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two-step verification process. After you’ve signed in with two factor authentication (2FA), you’ll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more.

Getting started with autofill
Microsoft Authenticator app can also autofill passwords for you. Sign-in on the Passwords tab inside the Authenticator app with your personal Microsoft account to start syncing passwords, including the passwords saved in Microsoft Edge. Make Microsoft Authenticator the default autofill provider and start autofilling passwords on apps and sites you visit on your mobile. Your passwords are protected with multi-factor authentication in the app. You will need to prove yourself with your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN to access and autofill passwords on your mobile. You can also import passwords from Google Chrome and other password managers.

Microsoft personal, work or school accounts
Sometimes your work or school might ask you to install the Microsoft Authenticator when accessing certain files, emails, or apps. You will need to register your device to your organization through the app and add your work or school account. Microsoft Authenticator also supports cert-based authentication by issuing a certificate on your device. This will let your organization know that the sign-in request is coming from a trusted device and help you seamlessly and securely access additional Microsoft apps and services without needing to log into each. Because Microsoft Authenticator supports single sign-on, once you have proven your identity once, you will not need to log in again to other Microsoft apps on your device.

Optional Access permissions:
Microsoft Authenticator includes the following optional access permissions. All these require user consent. If you choose to not grant these optional access permissions, you can still use Microsoft Authenticator for other services that do not require such permission. For more information see https://aka.ms/authappfaq
Accessibility Service: Used to optionally support Autofill on more apps and sites.
Location: Sometimes your organization wants to know your location before allowing you to access certain resources. The app will request this permission only if your organization has a policy requiring location.
Camera: Used to scan QR codes when you add a work, school, or non-Microsoft account.
Read the contents of your storage: This permission is only used when you report a technical problem through the app settings. Some information from your storage is collected to diagnose the issue.

Microsoft Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) app developed by Microsoft that provides an additional layer of security to your online accounts. It generates unique one-time passwords (OTPs) or push notifications to your device, which you must use along with your password to sign in to your accounts. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts, even if they have your password.

Key Features

* Multi-Factor Authentication: Microsoft Authenticator supports various MFA methods, including OTPs, push notifications, and biometrics (such as fingerprint or facial recognition).

* Account Management: You can easily add and manage multiple accounts from different providers, including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and others.

* Cross-Platform Support: The app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, ensuring compatibility with most smartphones and tablets.

* Seamless Integration: Microsoft Authenticator integrates with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and other identity providers, allowing for a streamlined authentication experience across various applications and services.

* Enhanced Security: The app uses industry-standard encryption algorithms to protect your authentication data, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your sensitive information.

Benefits of Using Microsoft Authenticator

* Increased Account Security: MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access, protecting your personal data and online assets.

* Convenience and Flexibility: The app offers multiple authentication methods, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

* Improved User Experience: The push notification-based authentication method provides a seamless and intuitive sign-in experience, eliminating the need to enter OTPs manually.

* Cross-Platform Compatibility: You can use the app on any of your devices, ensuring consistent security protection across all your accounts.

* Cost-Effectiveness: Microsoft Authenticator is free to download and use, making it an accessible security solution for both individuals and organizations.

How to Use Microsoft Authenticator

1. Download the App: Install Microsoft Authenticator from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Microsoft Store, depending on your device's operating system.

2. Add Accounts: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your accounts. You can scan a QR code or enter the account details manually.

3. Enable MFA: Once your accounts are added, enable MFA for each account by following the specific instructions provided by the account provider.

4. Use the App for Authentication: When you sign in to your accounts, you will be prompted to provide an OTP or approve a push notification through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

5. Manage Settings: You can customize the app's settings to change authentication methods, enable biometrics, and more.

Conclusion

Microsoft Authenticator is an essential tool for enhancing the security of your online accounts. Its user-friendly interface, cross-platform support, and robust security features make it an ideal solution for both personal and business use. By implementing MFA with Microsoft Authenticator, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized account access and protect your sensitive data from cyber threats.