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How to Set Up Microsoft Login with Authenticator (Android)

These instructions are intended for participants of the Microsoft Authenticator Pilot Program only.

Use the Microsoft Authenticator app for an easy and secure way to protect your Stanford Microsoft account. Instead of typing a password, you'll approve a sign-in request from your phone. 

Walk through the steps below to set up Microsoft Authenticator app as your verification method for Stanford Microsoft. You'll then be able to log in to your Microsoft account using Authenticator. 

Before you begin

  • Grab your computer and your mobile device. The process involves logging in on your computer and using your phone's Authenticator app to scan a QR code.
  • You'll need to open an incognito or private browser window. If you're unsure how, view the instructions here. This important step enables Authenticator's passwordless login to work alongside Cardinal Key.  
  • Remember to sign in with your Stanford email in the format: <your SUNetID>@stanford.edu. Your SUNet ID alone will no longer be valid for Microsoft logins.

Ready to set it up?

Click on each step below to view step-by-step instructions that you'll complete on your mobile phone or computer.

Step 1: On your mobile phone, download and install the "Microsoft Authenticator" app.

 If you don’t already have it, download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your phone’s app store. The mobile app is free.

Step 2: On your computer, add the Microsoft Authenticator app as a new sign-in method.

  1. Open a new incognito window or private browser session and go to: https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
    (Learn how to open an incognito window in your browser.)

    Note: This page times out after five minutes of inactivity. Should your session expire, you'll be logged out and need to restart.

  2. Sign in with your university email in the format: <your sunetid>@stanford.edu and select Next. You'll be prompted through the familiar Stanford login process via Shibboleth.
    go to your microsoft account
     
  3. On the "Security info" tab, select +Add sign-in method.
    add account
  4. Under "Add a sign-in method," choose Microsoft Authenticator.
    add authenticator
  5. Click Next to proceed through the prompts until a QR code is displayed.
    move through prompts
  6. A unique QR code will be generated for you. You'll need to open the Authenticator app and scan it with your phone. 
    unique qr code displays
  7. Keep this window open. You'll need it for the next step. 


     

Step 3: Open the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

Note: If prompted to allow notifications, tap Go to Settings and enable them. 
allow notifications

  1. Point your smartphone camera to the QR code displayed on your computer screen. The app will automatically detect it and add your sunetID@stanford.edu account to Microsoft Authenticator.
  2. Tap your sunetid@stanford.edu account in Authenticator.
  3. Your account should be displayed with a one-time password code that changes every 30 seconds. 
    one time passcode
  4. On the screen, select the option to Set up passwordless sign-in requests. (You may need to scroll down the screen).
    set up passwordless
  5. Complete the indicated steps. If prompted to register the device, follow the on-screen steps to complete setup.
  6. When completed, your account in Microsoft Authenticator should look similar to the image below. 
    final screen
  7. Once you've completed these steps, the system will within 48 hours and your login will be available to you. You'll know the process is complete when you see the Microsoft login instead of the Stanford login. 
     

Step 4: On your computer, verify Microsoft Authenticator is working.

  1. Navigate to https://outlook.office.com
  2. Enter your username in the format: <your SUNetid>@stanford.edu.
  3. When prompted with a two-digit number (for example: 73) follow the authentication steps as instructed.
    approve sign in
     
  4. Go to your Microsoft Authenticator app and when prompted for the numbers enter them there.
    approve in-app


     

What happens next?

From now on, when you sign into your Stanford Microsoft account you will use the new login process.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • QR code won't scan? Make sure your computer screen is bright enough and your phone's camera lens is clean. If it still fails, look for a link on your computer screen that says "Can't scan image?" and follow the steps to enter the code manually.
  • Didn't get the notification? Check that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. Also, ensure you have allowed notifications for the Authenticator app in your phone's settings.
  • Get help. Submit a Help request if you have questions or require assistance. 

More options

The Microsoft Authenticator app supports both passkeys and YubiKeys as an option.  After you complete the steps to set up passwordless login with the app, you can choose to set up either option based on your security and convenience needs. 

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