Setting Up the Microsoft Authentication App

How do I set up the Microsoft Authenicator App for use with WesternU Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

More information on MFA can be found here. This article will only provide detailed instructions on setting up the authentication app

You will need to download the Microsoft Authenticator app from your respective app store:

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator
• iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458 

If you are visiting from the Multi-Factor Authentication Article or you are modifying your current MFA settings, skip to step 4

1. Navigate to https://go.westernu.edu and login using your WesternU credentials.
2. Once authenticated you will be prompted to further verify your account.

   

3. Click the Set it up now button.
4. If you are modifying previous MFA settings navigate to: https://go.westernu.edu/mfasetup. On the Additional security verification screen under step 1, change the first dropdown box to Mobile App, and select the first radio button for Receive notifications for verification.

   

5. Click the Set up button
6. Follow the instructions in the Configure mobile app dialog window, installing the Microsoft Authenticator from either the Apple or Android mobile store.
7. Once you have installed the app, and followed the on-screen instructions to add an account and scan the QR code, you will see that the account has been added to your mobile app.

   

8. On the Configure mobile app dialog window, click the next button.
9. Now that the mobile app has been configured, on your computer you can select Next on the Additional security verification window for Step 1.
10. In Step 2, your mobile app will be tested to verify that the configuration is working. You will be sent a push notification to the Microsoft Authenticator app, in the dialog box click Approve on your mobile device.

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11. In Step 3, now that the mobile app has been configured and tested, you will be prompted for your mobile phone number in case you lose access to the mobile app. In the dropdown box, select United States (+1) and then enter your mobile number in the adjacent text field. Click the Next button
12. In Step 4, you will be asked to save an “app password”. This is not required at this time and new app passwords can be generated later as needed for applications that do not support Multi-factor authentication. You can click the Done button.
13. You have successfully configured MFA! To review your settings, change your default options, or generate additional app passwords you can 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.