Securing Your Account with MFA
This guide explains how to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which allows access to multiple ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ services and Office 365 (email, calendar, and OneDrive) by sending an alert to a smartphone or tablet, much like online banking. This is used to secure your account alongside your password
The same MFA methods you set up can be used to reset your password as an extra verification step.
The authentication methods preferred by IT are the Authentication app (push notification) or a 6-digit code generated by the app, which refreshes within the app every 30 seconds.
What do I need to set up MFA?
- An internet-connected smartphone (or tablet) - This is the device on which you will install the Microsoft Authenticator app, allowing you to perform MFA. Please have it nearby when you wish to access ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ systems or reset your password.
- An internet-connected computer - You will use your laptop or PC to follow on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
Begin From Your Computer
Step 1
Go to the and sign in with your university email address and password as requested.
You will be prompted to provide additional information. Select Next to continue.
You will be redirected to a new webpage. Here you can choose your MFA methods. In this guide, we will configure the Authenticator App as the primary method.
Before pressing βNextβ on this screen, get your smartphone or tablet and install the Authenticator App.
Step 2
From Your Smartphone
Install and open the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store (iOS) or the Play Store (Android).
Allow the app to send you notifications if asked.
Skip all other initial messages.
Return to Your Computer
Press Next to continue
Step 3
A page will display prompting you to set up your account.
From Your Smartphone or Tablet
In the newly installed Microsoft Authenticator app, add an account.
Select Work or School Account.
Allow the app to access your camera.
The camera will open from within the app.
Step 4
From your Computer
Select Next to proceed to the next page. A page prompting you to scan a QR code will now be displayed.
Scan the QR Code shown on the computer screen using your open camera.
The Microsoft Authenticator will scan it and automatically add the account to the app.
Select Next to continue.
Step 5
A page prompting you to enter a numerical code will display on your laptop or computer, and a notification will be sent to your smartphone. Follow the on-screen steps and enter the 2-digit code into your app when prompted.
Approve the notification that was sent to you on the Authenticator app.
From Your Computer
Once the notification has been approved, select Next to continue.
A page indicating the success of this setup should then display.
You can select Done to close this window.
You will now receive real-time alerts to approve your account login quickly. If you receive an alert and are not logged in at any time, please contact the Helpdesk (helpdesk@qmu.ac.uk) to change your password, as someone may be trying to access your account.
Alternate Approval Methods
If you are happy to keep the Authenticator App (either push notifications or using a 6-digit code generated by the app) as your primary method, you donβt need to take any further steps. We recommend adding a secondary method in case of an outage or device loss.
To set this up, visit and log in with your email address and password as before. You may receive an authenticator alert. Complete this to access the main page of your account.
You can add as many methods as you like to your account. For more information or technical help setting your account up, please email the Helpdesk (helpdesk@qmu.ac.uk).
