Account Access - Set Up Microsoft Authenticator for Your SIUE Account
Microsoft Authenticator is the recommended sign-in method for your SIUE account. Once it is set up, you approve a push notification on your phone instead of entering a code from a text message.
Already have Authenticator installed with your SIUE account listed in the app? You do not need to reinstall or reconfigure it. Your next required step is to register a passkey or FIDO2 security key, Account Access - Register a Passkey for Your SIUE Account
No smartphone? Authenticator requires a phone. If you do not have one, a FIDO2 hardware security key is the required alternative, see Account Access - Set Up a FIDO2 Security Key for Your SIUE Account
Step 1: Install the App
Download Microsoft Authenticator from your phone's app store:
- iPhone: Open the App Store, search for Microsoft Authenticator, and select Get.
- Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for Microsoft Authenticator, and select Install.
Step 2: Add Your SIUE Account
- On your computer, open a browser and go to
https://aka.ms/mfasetup. Sign in with your SIUE email address and password. - Select Microsoft Authenticator as the method to add and select Next. A QR code appears on the screen.
- On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator.
- Select the + icon or Add account, then select Work or school account.
- Point your phone's camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
- Your SIUE account is added to the app. The screen on your computer prompts you to approve a test notification, approve it to finish.
If your phone asks for permission to show notifications from Microsoft Authenticator, select Allow so sign-in approvals can reach you.
Step 3: Approve a Sign-In Request
Once Authenticator is set up, this is how you sign in:
- Enter your SIUE email address and password on the sign-in screen. A two-digit number appears on the screen.
- A notification from Microsoft Authenticator appears on your phone. Open it — the app shows the same two-digit number with Approve and Deny options.
- Confirm the number matches what is on your computer screen, then select Approve.
Sign-in completes automatically after you approve.
Next Step: Register a Passkey (Required)
Setting up Authenticator alone does not fully satisfy Microsoft's February 1, 2027 requirement. Every SIUE account must also have a passkey or FIDO2 security key registered, even if you continue signing in with Authenticator push notifications every day.
Confirm Your Setup
To verify Authenticator is registered on your account:
- Go to
https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-infoand sign in. - Confirm Microsoft Authenticator appears in the list of registered methods.
If it does not appear, return to Step 2 and add your account again.
Troubleshooting
Setting Up Authenticator on a New Phone
When you replace your phone, install the app and restore or re-add your account.
My old phone's backup was enabled — restore from backup
- Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.
- Open the app and sign in with the personal Microsoft account (or Google account on Android) used for backup on your old phone. This is not your SIUE account.
- Select Recover when the app offers to restore your accounts from backup. Your SIUE account reappears in the app.
- On a computer, go to
https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-infoand remove the old phone from your registered methods so it no longer receives your sign-in notifications.
My old phone's backup was not enabled — re-add manually
- Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.
- Follow the steps in Step 1 and Step 2 above to add your SIUE account again from scratch.
- On a computer, go to
https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-infoand remove the old phone from your registered methods.
Cannot Receive Push Notifications or No Internet Connection?
If the sign-in notification does not appear on your phone, or if your phone has no internet connection, you can bypass the push notification using a verification code or troubleshoot your device settings.
Sign In Using a Verification Code (Works Offline)
- Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and select your SIUE account. A six-digit code is displayed that refreshes every 30 seconds.
- On the sign-in screen, select Sign in another way, then select the option to enter a verification code.
- Enter the current six-digit code and select Verify.
Troubleshoot Push Notification Settings
- Check your internet connection: Confirm your phone has an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
- Check notification permissions:
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Authenticator > Notifications and confirm notifications are enabled.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications > Microsoft Authenticator and confirm notifications are enabled.
- Verify your account: Open the Microsoft Authenticator app to confirm your SIUE account is still listed.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, remove your SIUE account from the app and add it again using Step 2 above.
Need Additional Support?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit: Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.
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!