Question
How do I set up the Microsoft Authenicator App for use with WesternU Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Before You Start
More information on MFA can be found here. This article will only provide detailed instructions on setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app
Please download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device from the respective app store:
Setting Up the App
Using a desktop or laptop computer, open a web browser and navigate to https://go.westernu.edu/mfasetup. Please login using your WesternU credentials.
- First time sign in, you will be prompted to further verify your account, click the Next button. Then skip to Step 5
- If updating from SMS (Text Message), authentication will be required.
- Once authenticated, you will be able to select Add sign-in method.
- Then select Microsoft Authenticator.
- Click the Next button after installing the Microsoft Authenticator from either the Apple or Android mobile store on your mobile device being used to MFA.
- Click the Next button after enabling notifications, if prompted.
- Follow the instructions in the Configure mobile app dialog window scanning the QR Code. Access to the mobile device's camera may be requested to allow scanning of the QR Code.
- Once you have installed the app, follow the on-screen instructions to add an account and scan the QR code, a two digit code will appear on the computer screen that will need to be input in the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device.
- Once verified on the mobile app dialog window, click the Done button on the computer.
- You have successfully configured the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA! To review your settings, change your default options, or remove/add devices, you may navigate here: https://go.westernu.edu/MFASetup
App Lock Disabling
When the Authenticator app is installed App Lock is enabled by default.
- App Lock being enabled means you’ll also have to provide your device's PIN or biometric unlock method before successfully authenticating.
- To disable this feature you will need to access the Settings in the Authenticator app.
- Android versions have three vertically stacked dots on the right side of the home screen of the Authenticator app to access Settings.
- iOS versions have thee vertically stacked lines on the left side of the home screen of the Authenticator app to access Settings.
- Once in Settings, scroll down to the Security section to disabled / turn-off App Lock.
- Close the Authenticator app.
New Mobile Device
When a new mobile device is acquired, the previous device will be required to access https://go.westernu.edu/mfasetup to set up the new Microsoft Authenticator app on the new mobile device.
- If access to the previous device is not possible, please contact TechSupport for assistance