This article outlines how to install and set up the Microsoft Authenticator app. Follow these instructions to get ready to use Microsoft Authenticator push notifications, passkeys stored in Microsoft Authenticator, or one-time password codes to log in.  
More about MFA and other authentication methods you can use 

There are two ways to set up the Microsoft Authenticator App.

Option 1. Sign In With QR Code

This approach requires a computer and a smartphone with an internet connection.  

1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
   Note: If you search your device's app store, the first result may be an ad.
   You can also scan the QR code below to get the app.
   
   
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and follow any prompts to allow notifications, turn off battery optimization, and/or accept terms.
   Note: You do not need to check the box agreeing to share your app usage data.
3. Select Add work or school account.
   If you do not see this option, tap the plus icon in the upper right corner, and then tap Work or School account.
4. Select Scan QR code when prompted to scan a QR code or sign in.
5. On your computer, go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your UMass Amherst account.
6. Click Add sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator.
7. On the Install Microsoft Authenticator screen, click Next.
8. On the Set up your account in app screen, click Next.
9. Once the Scan the QR code screen is displayed, scan the QR code using the Microsoft authenticator app on your mobile device.
10. After you have scanned the QR code, click Next on your computer.
11. Once you see the Let’s try it out screen, check for a notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device and type the number you see on your computer.
12. On the Authenticator Added screen, click Done.  

 

 

Option 2. Sign In Directly Using Only Smartphone

This is the best approach if you only have a smartphone with you (no second computer). This process will automatically set up Microsoft Authenticator push notification, passkey, and one-time password (OTP) authentication methods.

If you don’t want to use a passkey stored in Microsoft Authenticator, you can delete the passkey from the app after you finish signing in, or manage your authentication methods at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.

1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
   Note: If you search your device's app store, the first result may be an ad.
   You can also scan the QR code below to get the app.
   
   
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and follow any prompts to allow notifications, turn off battery optimization, and/or accept terms.
   Note: You do not need to check the box agreeing to share your app usage data.
3. Select Add work or school account.
   If you do not see this option, tap the plus icon in the upper right corner, and then tap Work or School account.
4. Select Sign in when prompted to scan a QR code or sign in.
5. Enter your UMass Amherst [netID]@umass.edu, and tap Next.
6. Enter your UMass Amherst IT account password and tap Sign in.