Microsoft Authenticator App Permissions

Essential Permissions

• Camera: Used to scan QR codes when adding work, school, or non-Microsoft accounts to the app.
• Draw over other apps: Allows verification notifications to appear over other apps you might be using, ensuring you don't miss important security prompts.
• Internet access: Required to send and receive authentication notifications and verify your identity securely.
• Run at startup: Ensures you continue to receive verification notifications even after restarting your device.

Optional and Convenience Permissions

• Contacts and phone: When signing in with a personal Microsoft account, this helps find existing accounts you use on your phone to simplify the process.
• SMS: During initial setup with a personal Microsoft account, the app can automatically read verification codes sent via text message instead of requiring you to manually enter them.
• Vibration control: Allows the app to vibrate your device when you receive a verification notification, providing an additional alert method.
• Fingerprint hardware: Enables you to use your fingerprint instead of entering a PIN when verifying your identity (for accounts that require an additional PIN).
• Prevent phone from sleeping: May be required if your organization has specific device policies enabled.

Troubleshooting Permissions

• Storage access: Only used when reporting technical problems through the app settings. Information from your storage may be collected to diagnose issues.
• View network connections: Required when adding Microsoft accounts to ensure proper connectivity.

Privacy and Security

Microsoft Authenticator is designed with your privacy and security in mind. The permissions requested are limited to those necessary for the app to function properly and provide a seamless authentication experience.

If you have concerns about specific permissions, you can manage app permissions in your device settings. However, restricting essential permissions may limit the app's functionality.

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