Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

I lost my phone/got a new phone. Now what?

Back up your Microsoft Authenticator settings

I reinstalled Microsoft Authenticator but it doesn't work

I signed into the Authenticator app but it is asking for a code

How do I set up MFA?

MFA will be required the first time you log into your account. You will need a cell phone and a computer as this is the easiest way to configure MFA.

Step 1: Use a computer to log into mail.southwestern.edu with your Southwestern email address and password. You'll see this prompt. Click Next to continue.

Step 2: Download the Microsoft Authenticator app for your phone from either the App Store(iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed on your phone, click Next to continue.

Step 3: Open the app on your phone and tap the + button to add an account.

Step 4: Back on your computer, click Next. Then tap Work or school account on your phone display.

Step 5: Tap Scan a QR code on your phone. The camera will open on your phone. Scan the QR code you will see on your computer screen. Please do not scan this screenshot!

Step 6: After scanning the QR code, your phone will be connected to your account as a MFA device. Microsoft will immediately send a test notification to your phone. Tap Approve. Once the notification has been approved on your phone, you will see a screen like the one above, telling you that your test notification was approved. Click Next.

If you've followed the instructions above, you will receive a success message. Congratulations! You're all set with MFA and your account is now more secure!

Do I need a backup method for MFA?

The short answer is "YES"! If you lose your phone, the Microsoft Authenticator app stops working or you have to reinstall the app, you need a backup way to get into your account.

To configure a backup method of MFA, go to aka.ms/mysecurityinfo and click Add sign-in method. In the drop-down choose Phone and enter your phone number. Easy, right??

I lost my phone/got a new phone. Now what?

If you already setup a backup method for MFA (see above), you can follow the instructions below to get back into your account.

Log into aka.ms/mysecurityinfo with your email address and password. When it shows the Approve sign in request screen(seen below), click on I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.

Choose Text to have a code sent to your phone. Enter the code on screen and voila, you're in!

If you did not configure a backup method for MFA, you will need to call the Tech Deck @ 512.819.7333 - so that we can issue you a temporary access pass to get you back into your account.

Back up your Microsoft Authenticator settings

Follow this link to guide you through setting up the backup process.
Note: you'll need a personal Microsoft account to backup Android or an iCloud account to backup iOS devices.

I reinstalled Microsoft Authenticator but it doesn't work

Unfortunately, just reinstalling the app does not create the necessary tokens to reconnect the app to your account. You'll need to go back through the process above to authorize the authenticator app to your account again.

I signed into the Authenticator app but it is asking for a code

This typically means that you never configured backup for the authenticator app.
You'll need to call the Tech Deck @ 512.819.7333 so that we can help
add the Authenticator app back to your account.

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