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How to add your account to Microsoft Authenticator

 

How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator -Microsoft Support

Applies to: Employees, Students, Microsoft Authenticator

Be sure to have the Microsoft Authenticator application installed on your mobile device. If you have not downloaded the app, please see: Microsoft Authenticator Download & Install Guide

The icon should look like the one below:

Icon.png

Information

Important for Android Users:
Some Android devices may not successfully complete account setup when using Method 1. If the sign-in loop or verification error occurs, please use Method 2 (QR Code Setup) instead.

Method 1: Adding your SMU account 
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  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone
  2. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner
    mceclip0.png
  3.  Select Work or school account
    mceclip1.png
  4. Tap Sign in
    1750802183884-257.png
  5. Enter your SMU email address
    1750804586033-741.png
  6. Enter your SMU password, then follow any on-screen instructions
    1750804708034-338.png
  7. Once signed in, your SMU account will be added and protected by Multifactor authentication (MFA)

Note: If you have a personal VPN enabled on your phone, you must disable temporarily to complete MFA registration.

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Method 2: Add Your SMU Account by Scanning a QR Code from a Computer

  1. On your computer, open a browser and go to https://smu.edu/mfasetup
  2. Sign in using your SMU email address and password
  3. After signing in, you’ll see a message that says:
    "More information required"
    → Click Next to continue

  4. You’ll now see the Keep your account secure screen

    4a. If you haven’t already, install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone4b. After installing the app, open it and click "Next" on your computer.
    1750965160399-594.34.26 PM.png1750820337472-445.png

    ​​​​​

  5. A QR code will appear on your computer screen 
    1750820269256-150.png
  6. On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app

  7. Tap the + (plus) icon
    mceclip0.png

    7a. Select Work or school account7b. Tap Scan QR code
    mceclip1.png1750820155146-499.png

    ​​​​​

  8. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on your computer screen

  9. Back on your computer, click Next

    • A 2-digit number will appear on your screen
    • On your phone, the Authenticator app will prompt you to enter that number
    • Type the number into the app and tap Yes
      Computer ViewPhone View
      1750820752694-990.png1750820771077-799.png

       

  10. After approval, you’ll see a message confirming that your account and Microsoft Authenticator app are now linked
    Microsoft Authenticator notification approved screen

    • On your computer, click Next, then click Done to complete your MFA registration
Success

Your SMU account is now secured and ready to use with Microsoft Authenticator.

Note: If you have a personal VPN enabled on your phone, you must disable temporarily to complete MFA registration.

🎥 Need a Visual Walkthrough?
​​​​​

Watch this short video from Microsoft that walks you through setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app using a QR code:

▶️ Watch: Set up the Microsoft Authenticator App (2:26)

Video by Microsoft Support – includes scanning the QR code and approving the sign-in request.

 

Other resources

Success

 

📌 Need help?

smu.edu/help  | 214.768.HELP |  help@smu.edu