Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2024)

If your camera is unable to capture the QR code, you can manually add your account information to the Microsoft Authenticator app for two-factor verification. This works for work or school accounts and non-Microsoft accounts.

The codes provided for your accounts aren't case-sensitive and don't require spaces when added into the Authenticator app.

Important:Before you can add your account, you have to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you haven't done that yet, follow the steps in theDownload and install the apparticle.

Add your work or school account

  1. On your computer, note theCodeandUrlinformation on theConfigure mobile apppage. Keep this page open so you can see the code and URL.

    Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (1)
  2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.

  3. SelectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

    Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2)
  4. Enter theCodeandURLfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Add your Google account

  1. On your computer, selectCAN'T SCAN ITfrom theSet up Authenticatorpage with the QR code.

  2. TheCan't scan barcodepage appears with the secret code. Keep this page open so you can see the secret code.

  3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Google) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. On theSet up Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Google account, and then selectVerify.

  6. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note:For more information about two-factor verification and your Google account, seeTurn on 2-Step VerificationandLearn more about 2-Step Verification.

Add your Facebook account

  1. On theSet up via Third Party Authenticatorpage, which includes the QR code, and a code written out for entry into your app. Keep this page open so you can see the code.

  2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  3. Enter anAccount name(for example, Facebook) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  4. On theTwo-Factor Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Facebook account, and then selectVerify.

  5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note

For more information about two-factor verification and your Facebook account, seeWhat is two-factor authentication and how does it work?.

Add your Amazon account

You can add your Amazon account by turning on two-factor verification and then adding the account to the app.

  1. On your computer, selectCan't scan the barcodefrom theChoose how you'll receive codespage with the QR code.

  2. TheCan't scan the barcodemessage appears with the secret code. Keep this message open so you can see the secret code.

  3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Amazon) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. Complete the rest of the sign-up process, including adding a backup verification method such as a text message, and then selectSend code.

  6. On theAdd a backup verification methodpage on your computer, type the verification code provided by your backup verification method for your Amazon account, and then selectVerify code and continue.

  7. On the Almost done page, decide whether to make your computer a trusted device, and then selectGot it. Turn on Two-Step Verification.

  8. TheAdvanced Security Settingspage appears, showing your updated two-factor verification details.

Note:For more information about two-factor verification and your Amazon account, seeAbout Two-Step VerificationandSigning in with Two-Step Verification.

Next steps

  • After you add your accounts to the app, you can sign in using the Authenticator app on your device. For more information, seeSign in using the app.

  • If you're having trouble getting your verification code for your personal Microsoft account, see theTroubleshooting verification code issuessection of thearticle.

  • For devices running iOS, you can also back up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. For more information, seeBackup and recover with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2024)

FAQs

How do I add an account to Microsoft Authenticator manually? ›

Open the Authenticator app, select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper-right, and then select Work or school account. Select OR ENTER CODE MANUALLY. Enter the Code and URL from Step 1, and then select Finish.

Why can't i add an account to Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Unable to add the account

Please verify that the activation code is correct and push notifications are enabled on your device for this app. Steps to Replicate: Install Microsoft Authenticator on Android 10. Add account using the Scan QR code option.

How do I add a second account in Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Open the App: Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. Add an Account: Tap on the '+' icon (or it might say 'Add account') in the app. Choose the type of account you want to add. For most users, this will be a 'Work or school account' or a 'Personal account'.

How do I import an account into Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

Import passwords using Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Transfer the exported password file from step 1 above to your Android or iOS phone. ...
  2. Download the shared password file to your mobile.
  3. Open Authenticator and tap Passwords.
  4. Tap then Settings.
  5. Scroll down to Import Passwords and choose how you want to import.

How do I manually add authenticator? ›

To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app
  1. Sign in to your work or school account and then go to your My Account portal.
  2. Select Security info in the left menu or by using the link in the Security info pane. ...
  3. On the Add a method page, select Authenticator app from the list, and then select Add.

Where do I find the QR code for Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Step-by-step guide to generating a QR code for Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Install the app from either the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open it.
  2. Tap “Add Account” and choose either “Work or school account” or “Personal account”.
  3. Position your device's camera over the QR code displayed.

Why is my Microsoft Authenticator app not letting me authenticate? ›

Make sure your device is up to date, and that any other security apps (such as Microsoft Defender and Intune Company Portal) are also up to date. Make sure the device's Date & time are correct too. If you're using VPN, try disconnecting to see if the issue persists.

How do I re-add my account to the authenticator app? ›

The crucial step is restoring your accounts in the app. Open the authenticator app and tap the menu icon in the top-left corner. Select “Add account,” followed by “Work or school account” or “Personal account,” depending on the type of account. Enter the info and complete the setup.

What is the secret key for Microsoft Authenticator? ›

The secret key is like a secondary password shared between the authenticator app on your device and your Knowledge Hub account. If you have multiple devices, they must all share the same secret key. If you feel that the secret key has been compromised, you should regenerate and save a new secret key.

How do I reset my Microsoft Authenticator account? ›

Basically, to reset your Authenticator app, you need to follow these steps with the admin credentials:
  1. Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and sign in with your admin credentials.
  2. Click on Users > Active users.
  3. Select your user account and click on Reset multi-factor authentication under More settings.
Apr 15, 2024

How do I add a second Microsoft account to my to do? ›

To add an account, tap your username and then Add account. Then just follow the prompts to add another account. Once added, you'll be able to see all of your accounts by tapping your username. To switch to a different account, you can simply tap to select it.

How do I add Microsoft Authenticator to my new phone? ›

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  2. Tap the "+" button to add a new account.
  3. Select "Scan a QR code" or use the method indicated in the previous step.
  4. Scan the QR code displayed on your old phone.
Jun 24, 2024

How to connect Microsoft account to Authenticator app? ›

Add account to Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
  2. Tap the + > Work or school account.
  3. Use your phone to scan the QR square that is on your computer screen. Notes: ...
  4. Your account will be added automatically to the app and will display a six-digit code.

How do I manually install Microsoft Authenticator? ›

If you have any issues with the installation, please reach out to the help desk. 1) Open the Play Store app on your Android phone. 2) Select “Search” on the field at the top of your screen, then type “Microsoft Authenticator” in the search bar. 3) Click on “Install” to install the Microsoft Authenticator App.

How do I add a Microsoft account? ›

You can use the Settings app to add an account.
  1. In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Email & accounts or use the following shortcut: ...
  2. To add an account used by email. ...
  3. For other apps, select Add a Microsoft account or Add a work or school account.
  4. Follow the prompts to add the account.

How do I reset my Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Resetting Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your device.
  2. In the “Settings” menu, usually found at the top right corner of the screen, scroll down and select “Accounts”.
  3. Choose the account you want to reset by tapping it.
  4. Then tap “Remove account” or a similar option.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm.

How do I add an account to my authenticator extension? ›

Add an Account Manually

Click the plus button at the top right corner of the window. Select Manual Entry. Input the name of the website that this account is associated with in Issuer field, the account secret given to you in the Secret field, and finally click Ok.

How to transfer Microsoft Authenticator without old phone? ›

Method 1: Recovering through your Microsoft account. To recover your Microsoft Authenticator without your old phone, follow the steps in this method focused on using your Microsoft account. Access the recovery options, verify your identity, remove the old phone from the app, and set up the Authenticator on a new phone.

References

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