Microsoft Authenticator Setup
Follow our step-by-step guide to set up Microsoft Authenticator on your device for secure two-factor authentication.
Microsoft Authenticator Setup Instructions
Choose Your Platform
Android Setup Guide
Scan to Download
Microsoft Authenticator on Google Play Store
Download Microsoft Authenticator
Install Microsoft Authenticator from Google Play Store by scanning the QR code or using the direct link.
Open the app and add your account
Launch Microsoft Authenticator and tap the + button to add a new account.
Choose account type
Select 'Work or school account' for our clients. Do NOT select the 'Personal account' option.
Scan QR code
When logging into your Microsoft account on a computer, choose to use the authenticator app and scan the displayed QR code with your phone.
Confirm setup
Approve the notification that appears on your phone to complete the setup process.
IMPORTANT: Always select "Work or school account" when setting up Microsoft Authenticator for our clients. The personal account option will not work with our systems.
Why Microsoft Authenticator is the Ideal Companion for Microsoft 365
Microsoft Authenticator was engineered for Microsoft 365 and Azure AD environments, giving your team a frictionless sign-in experience while layering on the conditional access signals that Microsoft Secure Score rewards. Because the app communicates directly with Entra ID, you gain device posture insights, sign-in risk evaluation, and automated policy enforcement without relying on third-party plugins.
Stronger Two-Factor Authentication, Less Friction
Modern two-factor authentication (2FA) stops the majority of credential theft attempts, and Authenticator’s number matching and biometric confirmations make phishing-resistant approvals easy. Employees can approve prompts on their mobile device, Apple Watch, or in the Authenticator desktop extension without juggling passwords.
Microsoft’s MFA Requirements Are Here
Microsoft security defaults now require multifactor authentication for every tenant, and newly created tenants enforce MFA for administrators on day one. Conditional Access templates extend those requirements to privileged roles, legacy protocols, and external collaboration. Authenticator provides compliance-ready methods that satisfy Microsoft’s Secure Score recommendations without slowing down legitimate work.
- Meet baseline security defaults that demand MFA for administrators and high-risk sign-ins.
- Mix and match Authentication Strength policies that require phishing-resistant factors for sensitive apps.
- Collect Secure Score points for enabling passwordless phone sign-in and number matching prompts.
Why SMS One-Time Codes Are No Longer Enough
SMS text messages were a first step toward MFA, but they are increasingly vulnerable to SIM-swapping, interception, and social engineering. Authenticator uses encrypted push notifications, device enrollment, and biometric verification so attackers cannot reuse credentials even if they hijack a phone number.
Plan Your Path to Passwordless
NTS helps organizations roll out passwordless authentication with Microsoft Authenticator phone sign-in, Windows Hello for Business, Temporary Access Pass, and FIDO2 security keys. We build Conditional Access and Authentication Context policies that balance security with usability while driving Secure Score improvements.
From pilot design to executive reporting, we guide your team through Microsoft’s enforcement options so you can retire legacy passwords, protect privileged identities, and deliver a consistent sign-in experience across the Microsoft suite.
Schedule Your Secure Score Strategy Session
Meet with an NTS identity specialist to map out how Microsoft Authenticator, Conditional Access, and passwordless technologies can raise your Microsoft Secure Score and satisfy compliance mandates.
Partner with NTS to Lift Your Microsoft Secure Score
If you're ready to modernize authentication with Microsoft Authenticator and passwordless sign-in, our team can design the policies, user rollout, and reporting plan that raise your Secure Score with minimal disruption.
Or share a few details below and our Microsoft identity team will schedule time to map your path to higher Secure Scores.