The Microsoft Authenticator app is Microsoft's recommended authentication method. It is not required to use MFA, but it is easy to configure and use, and is preferable to SMS text-based authentication. This app provides a number of methods you can use with MFA, including providing codes for verification use when you do not have cellular or wireless access.
The icon for the app looks exactly like this:
The official listed name is Microsoft Authenticator, NOT any variation.
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For detailed step-by-step instructions to set up the authenticator for the first time, see our article Multi-Factor Authentication and Self-Service Password Reset - Setup Guide.
You may find it helpful to watch a short video (2.26 min) to see how the setup process looks with a mobile device. Otherwise, refer to Microsoft's guides for full details about installing the app and adding your account:
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Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
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If this is your first time logging in to your account, skip to step 3. If you have already configured MFA and want to add a new method...
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Add your work or school account using a QR code.
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If the initial setup is unsuccessful when configuring the Authenticator App on iOS, click Resend notification.
- If your account is ever listed as something other than Middlebury College — for example, it may show Microsoft Entra ID, Azure AD, or Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium — this means that your account is no longer properly configured, and you need to delete your account from the app and re-add the account.
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The QR code displays, but cannot be used:
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If it says "no usable data found", you are likely using your phone camera—you need scan the QR code from within the app.
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You may have already scanned the QR code, and it didn't work—if so, do not try to reuse this same QR code! Refresh the QR code and start over with adding the account in the Authenticator app. One or both sides of the equation may have expired.
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Error "Cannot create QR code nor set up phone":
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This is sometimes seen when connected from China.
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Reach out to the Helpdesk—they can verify your identity and update your alternate MFA methods. Once your account has two registered MFA methods, you can update them at go/mfasetup/.
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Visit the Microsoft Authenticator FAQ site for more information on other specific issues.
For all devices, you must first remove the account from within the app itself:
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iOS - From the main screen, tap to select the account to be removed, then tap the gear icon in the top right. Tap Remove Account, then "Yes, this app only".
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Android - From the main screen, select the menu button, then Edit accounts. Tap the X next to the account name.
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Windows Phone - From the main screen, select the menu button, then Edit accounts. Tap the X next to the account name.
After you remove the account from the app, you then need to remove it from your listed methods at go/mfasetup/.
For instructions for using the app for MFA once you have finished setting it up, see the Microsoft Authenticator section of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Verification Methods.