Account Access - Switching from Text Messages to Microsoft Authenticator

Step 1: Check Microsoft Authenticator on Your Phone

Look for the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to determine your next steps.

If Microsoft Authenticator is installed:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Look for your SIUE work or school account.
3. If your SIUE account is listed, continue to Step 2.

If Microsoft Authenticator is not installed:

Reinstall it from your phone's app store.

1. Open the App Store on an iPhone or Google Play Store on an Android device.
2. Search for "Microsoft Authenticator".
3. Make sure the app is published by Microsoft Corporation.
4. Install and open the app.
5. Allow notifications if prompted.

Note: Reinstalling the app does not necessarily reconnect it to your SIUE account. Continue to Step 2 to verify your authentication methods.

Step 2: Check Your SIUE Authentication Methods

On a computer or another device:

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE email address and password. (If asked to verify your identity, you can use your current text message/SMS method).
3. Navigate to My Account > Security info.
4. Look for "Microsoft Authenticator" or "Authenticator app".

If Microsoft Authenticator is listed and working:

If the Authenticator app on your phone contains your SIUE account and can receive SIUE sign-in requests, continue to Step 3.

If Microsoft Authenticator is missing or no longer works:

This can happen if you deleted the app, replaced your phone, or previously set up Authenticator on another device. Delete the old Authenticator method if necessary, and then add it again:

1. On the Security info page, click Add sign-in method.
2. Select Authenticator app.
3. Click Add (or Next).
4. Follow the instructions until a QR code appears.
5. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator.
6. Select the + button.
7. Select Work or school account.
8. Select Scan QR code.
9. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
10. Return to your computer and click Next.
11. Follow the prompts to complete the test authentication request. Once the test is successful, Microsoft Authenticator is ready to use.

Step 3: Change Your Preferred Authentication Method

Now that you know Microsoft Authenticator is working, make it your preferred authentication method.

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE email address and password.
3. Navigate to My Account > Security info.
4. Find the small text at the top of the page that reads "Default Sign-in method: Phone...".
5. Click Change.
6. Select Microsoft Authenticator - notification.
7. Click Confirm.

Microsoft Authenticator should now be used instead of text messages when secondary authentication is required.

Step 4: Test Microsoft Authenticator

Before you are finished, test your new authentication method.

1. Open a private or incognito browser window, or sign out of your SIUE Microsoft account.
2. Sign in to an SIUE Microsoft service such as office.com.
3. Enter your SIUE email address and password.
4. When additional authentication is required, you should be prompted to use Microsoft Authenticator instead of receiving a text message.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen and approve the request using Microsoft Authenticator.

If you can successfully sign in, your preferred authentication method has been changed. Important: Do not approve an Authenticator request you did not initiate. If you receive an unexpected authentication request, deny it.

Recommended: Future-Proof Your Account with a Passkey

Now is also a good time to add a passkey to your SIUE account. Passkeys provide a phishing-resistant sign-in method and can allow you to sign in using your phone or device's Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN. Having both Microsoft Authenticator and a passkey gives you multiple secure ways to access your SIUE account.

For instructions, see: Account Access - Setting Up and Signing In with a Passkey

Note: Microsoft Authenticator is still recommended even if you set up a passkey. Authenticator is especially useful when signing in from shared devices such as campus computers, computer labs, kiosks, and classroom podiums.

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Do I Need to Remove My Phone Number?

No. You do not need to remove your phone number from your account. The important step is changing your preferred authentication method from SMS/text messages to Microsoft Authenticator.

If You Have Trouble with Microsoft Authenticator

If Microsoft Authenticator is listed in your Security info but you are not receiving authentication requests, the registration may be associated with an old phone or previous installation of the app. If you can still authenticate using SMS:

1. Sign in to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE email address and password.
3. Navigate to My Account > Security info.
4. Remove the old Microsoft Authenticator registration.
5. Click Add sign-in method.
6. Set up Microsoft Authenticator again using the instructions in Step 2 above.

If you cannot authenticate using any of your registered methods, contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!