Changing your default authentication method with Azure MFA (app, phone call, SMS)

Description

You can authenticate with Azure MFA through the Microsoft Authenticator app, a phone call, a text message, or a hardware token. The Authenticator app is the recommended authentication method. 

Environment

PC, Mac, mobile device

Solution

• Navigate to myaccount.microsoft.com and log in using your OHIO email address. 

• Select Update info > under Security Info. 

• At the top of the screen, select Change next to Default sign-in method. 

• Select your preferred authentication method. 

  • Phone - call: 

    • Receive a phone call to authenticate. 

    • Answer and then press then pound key (#) to log in.

  • Phone - text

    • Receive a passcode via text message (SMS) to authenticate.

    • Note - You cannot connect to campus VPN with this method. 

  • App based authentication - notification

    • Use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone/tablet to authenticate. 

    • This is the most secure way to authenticate.

    • App notifications work over both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. 

    • You can also use a one-time password code in the Authenticator app if your phone cannot connect to a network. 

  • App based authentication or hardware token - code

    • Only select this option if you are using a hardware token. A hardware token is a physical device that you can use to authenticate if you do not have a smartphone. View Azure Multi-Factor token request for instructions on requesting a token.

    • Note - You cannot connect to campus VPN with this method. 

• Select Confirm. 

Outcome: You have changed your default authentication method for Azure MFA.

Get help from OIT

• Visit the Multi-Factor Authentication: Azure page to create a ticket.

• View all Help & Resources: Multi-Factor Authentication: Azure.