Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2024)

If your camera is unable to capture the QR code, you can manually add your account information to the Microsoft Authenticator app for two-factor verification. This works for work or school accounts and non-Microsoft accounts.

The codes provided for your accounts aren't case-sensitive and don't require spaces when added into the Authenticator app.

Important:Before you can add your account, you have to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you haven't done that yet, follow the steps in theDownload and install the apparticle.

Add your work or school account

  1. On your computer, note theCodeandUrlinformation on theConfigure mobile apppage. Keep this page open so you can see the code and URL.

    Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (1)
  2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.

  3. SelectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

    Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2)
  4. Enter theCodeandURLfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Add your Google account

  1. On your computer, selectCAN'T SCAN ITfrom theSet up Authenticatorpage with the QR code.

  2. TheCan't scan barcodepage appears with the secret code. Keep this page open so you can see the secret code.

  3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Google) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. On theSet up Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Google account, and then selectVerify.

  6. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note:For more information about two-factor verification and your Google account, seeTurn on 2-Step VerificationandLearn more about 2-Step Verification.

Add your Facebook account

  1. On theSet up via Third Party Authenticatorpage, which includes the QR code, and a code written out for entry into your app. Keep this page open so you can see the code.

  2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  3. Enter anAccount name(for example, Facebook) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  4. On theTwo-Factor Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Facebook account, and then selectVerify.

  5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note

For more information about two-factor verification and your Facebook account, seeWhat is two-factor authentication and how does it work?.

Add your Amazon account

You can add your Amazon account by turning on two-factor verification and then adding the account to the app.

  1. On your computer, selectCan't scan the barcodefrom theChoose how you'll receive codespage with the QR code.

  2. TheCan't scan the barcodemessage appears with the secret code. Keep this message open so you can see the secret code.

  3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

  4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Amazon) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

  5. Complete the rest of the sign-up process, including adding a backup verification method such as a text message, and then selectSend code.

  6. On theAdd a backup verification methodpage on your computer, type the verification code provided by your backup verification method for your Amazon account, and then selectVerify code and continue.

  7. On the Almost done page, decide whether to make your computer a trusted device, and then selectGot it. Turn on Two-Step Verification.

  8. TheAdvanced Security Settingspage appears, showing your updated two-factor verification details.

Note:For more information about two-factor verification and your Amazon account, seeAbout Two-Step VerificationandSigning in with Two-Step Verification.

Next steps

  • After you add your accounts to the app, you can sign in using the Authenticator app on your device. For more information, seeSign in using the app.

  • If you're having trouble getting your verification code for your personal Microsoft account, see theTroubleshooting verification code issuessection of thearticle.

  • For devices running iOS, you can also back up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. For more information, seeBackup and recover with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2024)

FAQs

How do I manually add Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Open the Authenticator app, select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper-right, and then select Work or school account. Select OR ENTER CODE MANUALLY. Enter the Code and URL from Step 1, and then select Finish. The Accounts screen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code.

How do I add another account to the Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

Open the App: Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. Add an Account: Tap on the '+' icon (or it might say 'Add account') in the app. Choose the type of account you want to add. For most users, this will be a 'Work or school account' or a 'Personal account'.

How do I import an account into Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

Import passwords using Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Transfer the exported password file from step 1 above to your Android or iOS phone. ...
  2. Download the shared password file to your mobile.
  3. Open Authenticator and tap Passwords.
  4. Tap then Settings.
  5. Scroll down to Import Passwords and choose how you want to import.

Why can't i add an account to Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Unable to add the account

Please verify that the activation code is correct and push notifications are enabled on your device for this app. Steps to Replicate: Install Microsoft Authenticator on Android 10. Add account using the Scan QR code option.

Where do I find the QR code for Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Step-by-step guide to generating a QR code for Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Install the app from either the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open it.
  2. Tap “Add Account” and choose either “Work or school account” or “Personal account”.
  3. Position your device's camera over the QR code displayed.

How do I add a new phone to Microsoft Authenticator? ›

The Microsoft Authenticator app stores your two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, so you'll want to move them to your new device.
  1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App on Your New Phone. ...
  2. On Your Old Phone. ...
  3. Add Your Accounts to the New Phone. ...
  4. On Your New Phone. ...
  5. Verify the Transfer. ...
  6. Repeat for Each Account.
Jun 24, 2024

How do I reset my Microsoft Authenticator? ›

Resetting Microsoft Authenticator
  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your device.
  2. In the “Settings” menu, usually found at the top right corner of the screen, scroll down and select “Accounts”.
  3. Choose the account you want to reset by tapping it.
  4. Then tap “Remove account” or a similar option.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm.

Can I have two Microsoft Authenticator apps? ›

Each Microsoft Authenticator app is tied to a specific device and can only be used to manage the accounts that have been added to that specific app. However, you can manually transfer your accounts from one Microsoft Authenticator app to another by adding them again on the second device.

What is the secret key for Microsoft Authenticator? ›

The secret key is like a secondary password shared between the authenticator app on your device and your Knowledge Hub account. If you have multiple devices, they must all share the same secret key. If you feel that the secret key has been compromised, you should regenerate and save a new secret key.

How do I import Authenticator accounts? ›

  1. On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
  2. In the Google Authenticator app, tap Get Started.
  3. At the bottom, tap Import existing accounts?
  4. On your old device, create a QR code: In the Authenticator app, tap More Transfer accounts. Export accounts. ...
  5. On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.

How to import Microsoft Authenticator without old phone? ›

Method 1: Recovering through your Microsoft account. To recover your Microsoft Authenticator without your old phone, follow the steps in this method focused on using your Microsoft account. Access the recovery options, verify your identity, remove the old phone from the app, and set up the Authenticator on a new phone.

How do I add a mobile number to my Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

Here's the process:
  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
  2. Tap the menu icon in the top-left corner.
  3. Select “Settings”.
  4. Choose the “Personal account” tab.
  5. Go to “Account settings,” then tap on “Phone number”.
  6. You will see your current number.
  7. Tap “Change phone number”.
  8. Enter your new number.

How do I add another account to my Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

Open Authenticator, select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper right, and then select Other account (Google, Facebook, etc.). Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from the Two factor authentication page on your computer.

How do I re-add my account to the Authenticator app? ›

The crucial step is restoring your accounts in the app. Open the authenticator app and tap the menu icon in the top-left corner. Select “Add account,” followed by “Work or school account” or “Personal account,” depending on the type of account. Enter the info and complete the setup.

What to do if i can t use my Microsoft Authenticator app? ›

If you're using mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and vice-versa. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Make sure you're using the latest version of Authenticator - Microsoft does not support any app versions more than 12 months old. Tap Settings and make sure App updates is turned on.

How to regenerate Microsoft Authenticator QR code? ›

  1. Make sure "Security Info" is highlighted in menu on left side of page > choose "Add sign in method" button above the list of methods (phone, password etc).
  2. Follow prompts: Choose method > Authenticator App > Next > Next.
  3. A QR Code will be displayed.
Nov 24, 2022

How do I manually backup Microsoft Authenticator? ›

To do this, follow these steps¹: - On your old device, open the Authenticator app and go to Settings > Backup. - Turn on the Cloud backup toggle and sign in to your personal Microsoft account. - Wait for the backup to complete and then close the app.

What do I do if I can't access Microsoft Authenticator? ›

If you're using mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and vice-versa. Make sure Airplane mode is off. Make sure you're using the latest version of Authenticator - Microsoft does not support any app versions more than 12 months old. Tap Settings and make sure App updates is turned on.

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