Multi-Factor Authentication

Ideally you will need access to a computer and a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) to set up MFA.

If you have accounts with other universities, we recommend you use an InPrivate or Incognito browser window on your computer.

1. When you first try to log into one of the MFA-enabled systems or services you will be prompted to provide more information, or alternatively click this link to start the process on your computer.
2. Click Next
3. On your mobile device, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can download this from Google Play or the Apple app store.
4. On the computer, click Next
5. On your mobile device, once installed launch the Authenticator app and skip through the wizard if required.
   Then, tap on Add account (the + symbol) in the Authenticator app
   Select Work or school account and accept the app permissions.
6. Click Next on the computer
7. On your mobile, select Scan a QR code in the Authenticator app
8. Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on your computer
   
   Or
   If you are doing the whole process on your phone, switch to the keeping your account secure page, click Can’t scan image? and note down the 9-digit code and the URL and enter it manually into the authenticator phone app.
   
   Please note:
   iPhone users may have to enable the camera, in Settings in order to scan the QR code.
   If you can't use your phone camera, you'll have to manually enter the 9-digit code and the URL.
   Your account will be added automatically to the app and will display a six-digit code.
   
   
9. Click Next on your computer.
10. It will now test the app. On your phone, go to the Microsoft Authenticator app and enter the number shown on your computer, then tap Yes.
    Your mobile device may ask you to confirm your device's pin, or use your registered fingerprint or biometrics to continue.
11. Click Next on your computer
    
    Now add your alternative security contacts – this is an important step which we can use to authenticate who you are, in case the app stops working. You can also add an international/alternative telephone number.
    
    
12. Click on Security info or go to https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo
13. Click Add method
14. Select Phone
15. Add your mobile number and click Next
16. Your phone will ring to verify it, once your answer it press the # (hash/pound) to confirm.
17. Click Add method to add an additional alternative phone, this can be a landline or alternative mobile and verify it again.
18. Click Add method and select email, if you haven’t already registered one for password resets.
19. Add an alternative email address (not your university one) and click Next
20. Go to that email address and find and copy the verification code, paste it into the box to confirm
21. Click Next
22. You are now set up!

Please read the set-up documents below for full instructions including screenshots

You can add multiple ways to MFA by installing the Microsoft Authentication app on multiple phones/devices or by setting up more authentication options, including additional devices or phones, or adding a telephone number for it to ring. 

If you have got a new phone, you will need to set up your new phone before you get rid of your old phone number or device.

Changing your MFA options

Log in to My Account – Security info page with your university credentials on a computer or tablet.

If you are unable to authenticate at all, please contact us for assistance

• For students, please use our comprehensive help guides available on Student help

• For staff, please log a ticket with Unity

To add a new mobile phone, or additional devices to use the Microsoft Authenticator app

Watch this video on how to add a new phone (please note: we do not have text method verification).

• Click + Add method.
• Select Authenticator app.
• Follow the instructions on configure mobile app pop up.
• (steps 3-15 in the MFA Microsoft Authenticator app set up above)

If you are doing the whole process on your phone you can switch to the configure mobile app page and note down the 9-digit code and the URL and enter it manually into the set up rather than scanning the QR code)

To add an additional phone call option

• Click + Add method.
• Select Phone or Alternative phone and enter your telephone details
  (steps 16-20 in the MFA Microsoft Authenticator app set up above)

To change the Default sign-in method

• By Default sign-in method:, click Change

• Set to Microsoft Authenticator – notification
• Click Confirm

Remember to click Delete alongside your existing old telephone numbers, or authentication apps.

If you are on a shared computer, remember to sign out (click on your email address at the top right and click Sign out) before leaving.

If you try to log in but and you don’t have your preferred device available, or you don’t have signal or internet connection, depending on your MFA preferences, you can select  Sign in another way.

Then choose another method to authenticate depending on what you have set up.

No signal or internet connection?

If your phone lacks a signal, internet connection, or you are abroad, and you have the app installed select Use a verification code from my mobile app.

• Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone select the account you are trying to access
• Make a note of the one-time password code
• Enter this into your computer when prompted to sign in.

Please note: the Authenticator app generates a new code every 30 seconds.