Use Microsoft Authenticator for easy, secure sign-ins for all your online accounts using multi-factor authentication, passwordless, or password autofill. You also have additional account management options for your Microsoft personal, work or school accounts.

Getting started with multi-factor authentication
Multi factor authentication (MFA) or two factor authentication (2FA) provides a second layer of security. When logging in with multi-factor authentication, you’ll enter your password, and then you’ll be asked for an additional way to prove it’s really you. Either approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator, or enter the one-time password (OTP) generated by the app. The one-time passwords (OTP codes) have a 30 second timer counting down. This timer is so you never have to use the same time-based one-time password (TOTP) twice and you don’t have to remember the number. The one-time password (OTP) doesn’t require you to be connected to a network, and it won’t drain your battery. You can add multiple accounts to your app, including non-Microsoft accounts like Facebook, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, GitHub, and more.

Getting started with passwordless
Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. Just enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two-step verification process. After you’ve signed in with two factor authentication (2FA), you’ll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more.

Getting started with autofill
Microsoft Authenticator app can also autofill passwords for you. Sign-in on the Passwords tab inside the Authenticator app with your personal Microsoft account to start syncing passwords, including the passwords saved in Microsoft Edge. Make Microsoft Authenticator the default autofill provider and start autofilling passwords on apps and sites you visit on your mobile. Your passwords are protected with multi-factor authentication in the app. You will need to prove yourself with your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN to access and autofill passwords on your mobile. You can also import passwords from Google Chrome and other password managers.

Microsoft personal, work or school accounts
Sometimes your work or school might ask you to install the Microsoft Authenticator when accessing certain files, emails, or apps. You will need to register your device to your organization through the app and add your work or school account. Microsoft Authenticator also supports cert-based authentication by issuing a certificate on your device. This will let your organization know that the sign-in request is coming from a trusted device and help you seamlessly and securely access additional Microsoft apps and services without needing to log into each. Because Microsoft Authenticator supports single sign-on, once you have proven your identity once, you will not need to log in again to other Microsoft apps on your device.

Optional Access permissions:
Microsoft Authenticator includes the following optional access permissions. All these require user consent. If you choose to not grant these optional access permissions, you can still use Microsoft Authenticator for other services that do not require such permission. For more information see https://aka.ms/authappfaq
Accessibility Service: Used to optionally support Autofill on more apps and sites.
Location: Sometimes your organization wants to know your location before allowing you to access certain resources. The app will request this permission only if your organization has a policy requiring location.
Camera: Used to scan QR codes when you add a work, school, or non-Microsoft account.
Read the contents of your storage: This permission is only used when you report a technical problem through the app settings. Some information from your storage is collected to diagnose the issue.

Microsoft Authenticator is a robust and versatile application designed to safeguard your online accounts and streamline the authentication process. It provides an additional layer of security by leveraging multi-factor authentication (MFA), offering enhanced protection against unauthorized access.

Multi-Factor Authentication for Enhanced Security

Microsoft Authenticator utilizes MFA to provide an extra layer of protection beyond traditional password-based authentication. When logging into your account, you'll be prompted to provide a verification code in addition to your password. This code is generated by the app and changes frequently, making it significantly more challenging for attackers to compromise your account.

Convenient Authentication Methods

The app offers a range of authentication methods to suit your preferences and needs. You can choose from push notifications, one-time passcodes, or biometric verification using your device's fingerprint or facial recognition capabilities. These methods provide a convenient and secure way to authenticate your identity without the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.

Seamless Integration with Microsoft Services

Microsoft Authenticator seamlessly integrates with various Microsoft services, including Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, and Xbox Live. This integration enables you to easily manage your accounts, sign in to applications, and access resources with just a few taps.

Additional Security Features

Beyond MFA, Microsoft Authenticator offers additional security features to enhance your online protection. These features include:

* Passwordless Sign-in: Eliminate the need for passwords and rely solely on biometric verification for secure account access.

* Emergency Access Codes: Generate backup codes to use in case you lose your device or are unable to access the app.

* Account Recovery: Assist in recovering your Microsoft account if you forget your password or lose access to your primary authentication method.

Conclusion

Microsoft Authenticator is an essential tool for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance the security of their online accounts. Its multi-factor authentication capabilities, convenient authentication methods, and integration with Microsoft services provide a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for safeguarding your digital presence. By adopting Microsoft Authenticator, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, protect your sensitive information, and streamline the authentication process.