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You will need to enter a security code into your computer to use university IT systems. This is called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and it helps to keep your account secure.

 

Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Choose one of the following authentication methods: 

Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone (recommended)

With the Microsoft Authenticator app, you can choose to enter a security code, pin number, fingerprint or use facial recognition to access university systems. Always keep your phone with you to ensure you have access.

Watch the video to see how Microsoft Authenticator works:  
 

 

 Follow these steps to set up Microsoft Authenticator:

  1. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile phone:
     
    Google Play (Android) Apple App Store (iOS) 
  2. Go to the Security Info page. If you are prompted, log in using your university email address and password. You will see ‘More information required’
  3. Click 'Next'
  4. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile. If prompted, allow notifications Then select 'Add account (+)' on the Accounts screen and select 'Work or school account'
  5. Then select the 'Scan QR code' option
    Note: You may be prompted to allow the app to access the camera. Please choose allow (or similar). If your camera isn't working properly, you can enter the QR code and web link manually
  6. On your computer, click 'Next', a QR code will be displayed on-screen, scan it with the app and click 'Next'
  7. An approval notification will be sent to your mobile phone, approve this by entering the number shown on-screen into the app and select 'Yes'
  8. Once approved, click 'Next'. Click 'Done'
  9. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone, then click on your email address
  10. Select ‘Set up phone sign-in’
  11. Follow the instructions in the app to finish registering your account for phone sign-in
 

Using Passkeys in the Microsoft Authenticator app

As an alternative to receiving a security code, Passkeys enables you to use a pin number, fingerprint or facial recognition using the Microsoft Authenticator app. Passkeys is a secure phishing resistant method of multi-factor authentication. You will need to enable Bluetooth on your laptop and mobile phone for Passkey authentication.

After completing the steps above, follow these steps to start using Passkeys (start at where you need to click on ‘Create a Passkey’): 

Steps for Android phone Steps for iPhone 

 

 

 

Receive security codes on your laptop/computer

Install an authenticator application on your laptop/computer. You do not need to be connected to the internet to receive a security code. Select this method if you do not have a mobile phone.

Choose one of the following authenticator applications:

WinAuth (for Windows only)

Follow these steps to install WinAuth 
 

KeePassXC (for Windows or Mac)

  1. Download and install KeePassXC here 
  2. Go to the Security Info page and log in using your university email address and password. If you haven't set up MFA previously, you will see "More information required"
  3. Click 'Next'. This will take you directly to the Microsoft My Sign-Ins webpage
  4. Click 'I want to use a different authenticator app'
  5. In the menu that appears, click the 'Authenticator app' option in the list
  6. Click 'Confirm'
  7. Now open KeePassXC and select Add / Add Account
  8. Click 'Next' on the computer and a QR code will be displayed
  9. Using your authenticator app, scan the QR code
    Note: If you cannot use a camera to scan the code, click the 'Can't scan image?' button. This will display the Account name and Secret key text, use this information to set up the authenticator app
  10. Once scanned QR code or entered the Secret key, click 'Next'
  11. Now enter the six-digit code shown in the authenticator and click 'Next'
  12. Click 'Done' to finish
  13. We recommend you set up another method of approval, for example phone or email - you can do this anytime on the Security Info page 
  14. Sign into portal.office.com to access your university Microsoft 365 account. Enter the six-digit code displayed in the authenticator app on your device and click 'Verify' to sign in
 
 
 

Receive security codes on your mobile phone

You will receive security codes as text or WhatsApp messages on your mobile phone. Always keep your phone with you to ensure you can enter security codes when you are prompted.

If you have a mobile phone number from China, you will not be able to use this authentication method - use the options listed above.

Steps to follow:

  1. Go to the Security Info page. If you are prompted, log in using your university email address and password. If you haven't set up MFA previously, you will see "More information required"
  2. Click 'Next', then 'I want to set up a different method'
  3. Click 'Phone' in the list, then 'Confirm'
  4. Choose your phone country code (e.g., +44 for UK) and enter your phone number
  5. Click 'Next'
  6. A six-digit code will be sent to your phone, enter this, then click 'Next'
  7. Click 'Next'
  8. Select 'I want to set up a different method'
  9. From the menu select another option, for example 'Email' and click 'Next'
  10. Enter a secondary email address and click 'Next'
  11. Enter the code that was sent to your email, click 'Next', then 'Done'
  12. Go to portal.office.com. You will be sent a security code to your phone. Enter the code and click 'Verify' to sign in
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I change the device I use for MFA?

If you cannot access method of authentication that you previously set up, contact IT support.

Follow these steps if you still have access to the method of authentication that you previously set up:

  1. Go to the Security Info page. If you are prompted, log in using your university email address and password
  2. You may be prompted to carry out MFA. At this point, either use the default preferred method you have set up, or select ‘I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now’ or ‘Sign in another way’, then select the method you have access to
  3. On the ‘My Sign-Ins’ page, continue to set up MFA for your new method using the relevant guidance above.
  4. When your new MFA method is set up, remove any unwanted MFA method by clicking ‘Delete’ next to it
 
I cannot use my chosen authentication device right now, what should I do?
  • If you are prompted for authentication and you cannot use your default authentication method, click ‘I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now’ or another similar option that appears.
  • This will give you other authentication options to choose from.
  • If you cannot authenticate, request IT support.