Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator is replacing DUO as Bethel’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) platform. Below are steps to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app method. If any issues occur during the steps that are not covered below, please contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.
Steps for the secondary method of authenticating with Microsoft Authenticator via a phone call/text can be found here: Microsoft Authenticator Phone Call/Text
Step 1 - Access the MFA Setup Portal
Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device (computer is recommended if possible) and navigate to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
A Microsoft login screen will prompt for your Bethel email address (username@bethel.edu) and Bethel account password.
Note: If you use an email alias, formatted such as firstinitial-lastname@bethel.edu, the sign-in here will require the active email address of your Bethel account. Enter your alias email address if that is your active email address.
Step 2 - Add the Microsoft Authenticator App
Once you are logged in, the webpage should open to the Security info tab.
Click Add Sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator from the list of options.
Step 3 - Install Microsoft Authenticator
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device (skip this step if you have already downloaded the app). The app is available in both the App Store and Google Play store titled Microsoft Authenticator with the app icon resembling the same padlock icon shown below.
Step 4 - Add Account in App and Scan QR Code
After clicking Next in the Install Microsoft Authenticator step, you will be prompted to set up your account in the app.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone and tap the “+” icon in the top-right of the screen.
In the Add account screen, select Work or school account.
A smaller window will present two options: Scan a QR code and Sign in. Select Scan a QR code.
Point your phone camera at the screen to scan the code. If the scan is successful, your phone will close its camera and show a message, “Account added successfully”. An entry for bethel.edu should appear in the Authenticator mobile app.
On the screen with the QR code, click Next to proceed to the next step.
Step 4a - Option to Enter Code Manually
If your phone is unable to scan the code, another option is to tap the Enter code manually button at the bottom of the screen. This will present text boxes for Code and URL.
On the screen with the QR code, select Can’t scan the QR code? This will present both a code and URL to enter on the mobile app.
Type the code and URL in the boxes on the mobile app and tap Next.
On the screen with the code and URL (which previously had the QR code), click Next to proceed to the next step.
Step 5 - Approve the Test Notification
Microsoft will send a test notification to your Microsoft Authenticator mobile app. Open the app (or a notification may appear to open the app).
A pop-up window should ask Are you trying to sign in? The window will also prompt you to Enter the number shown to sign in.
The screen you are setting up MFA on will show a number (pictured below). Enter the corresponding number in the Microsoft Authenticator app’s prompt on your phone (pictured above) and click Yes.
If the code is successfully entered, the screen you are setting up MFA on will display an Authenticator Added message. Click Done to complete the setup.
The Security info webpage should now display a row for Microsoft Authenticator in the list of sign in methods. Authenticator app setup is complete.