Before You Travel

First, configure the Microsoft Authenticator App on the phone you will be using.

For Android mobile devices and iPhones/iPads, download the Microsoft Authenticator App.
Then, by using both your mobile device and a computer, finish the configuration by following these steps.
- If you do not have a computer available, visit the Learning Commons at the W.E.B. Du Bois library lower level

Then, consider which devices you will be bringing with you while traveling abroad.

Look into your connection options for that device.

Will your device have an international cell plan allowing you to receive calls or texts?
Will your device have a separate SIM card for the international plan?
Will you have a separate device while you’re abroad?

When using Microsoft Authenticator, opt out of SMS-only alerts, and select a different security option.

The SMS is based on your phone number, and if you switch SIM cards or have a separate device entirely, you will not receive the SMS connected to your original phone number.

Go into Microsoft Authenticator and:
- Delete text as an option for authentication and/or change your number for text messaging, especially helpful if you’re using a different phone or different SIM card
- Choose a phone call and enter a specific number as an option for authentication, again helpful if you’re using a different phone or different SIM card
- Choose a verification code for when you’re connected to Wi-Fi
- Choose sign-in with your phone through the Microsoft Authenticator app for when you’re connected to Wi-Fi

Some considerations:

If you have access to Wi-Fi from your U.S. phone and an international phone:
Add both phone numbers to Microsoft Authenticator. and change the security options, as mentioned above, all while using Wi-Fi.

If you swap out SIM cards as you arrive at a different location:

Add the international number connected to the SIM card before you leave.
Activate your phone once you arrive abroad and load up Microsoft Authenticator.

If you have an international plan on your U.S. phone:

Continue using Microsoft Authenticator as usual but know that there could be extra charges to your phone account due to being outside of the country.
- For more information on possible charges, contact your cellular service provider.

For more detailed instructions on multi-factor authentication while traveling, visit the Microsoft Support Site

As You Travel

If you have Internet access of any variety (cellular or Wi-Fi):
You can receive a multi-factor authentication push via the Microsoft Authenticator App

If you do not Internet access of any variety (cellular or Wi-Fi):
The Microsoft Authenticator App can serve as a fob/token and generate a security code to get you access to your account.

When You Return to the U.S.

Follow the same steps but switch your U.S. number to be your preferred contact for calls or texts.

Starting February 1, 2027, Microsoft will no longer be offering SMS (text message) and phone calls as multi-factor authentication (MFA) options. To prepare for this vendor-driven change, UMass IT has removed SMS and phone calls as available MFA options for new accounts as of Friday, August 14, 2026. Users are highly encouraged to transition to one of the other secure options prior to Microsoft’s retirement of SMS and phone call MFA options on February 1, 2027.