Set up 2-step verification (MFA) for Office 365

User Instructions to set up 2-step verification for Office 365

To enhance security we will be adding 2-step verification (also called multi-factor authentication or MFA) to our email system. You will have to set up your account to use it.

By setting up 2-step verification, you add an extra layer of security to your Office 365 account. You sign in with your password (step 1) and a code sent to your phone (step 2).

  1. Sign in to Office 365 with your work or school account with your password like you normally do. After you choose Sign in, you’ll see this page:

First Sign in screen

  1. Choose Set it up now.
  2. Select your authentication method and then follow the prompts on the page. Or, watch the video to learn more.

Choose your authentication method and then follow the prompts on the screen.

  1. Once you complete the instructions to specify how you want to receive your verification code (We suggest Authentication phone and Send me a code by text message), the next time you sign in to Office 365, you’ll be prompted to enter the code that is sent to you by text message, phone call, etc. To have a new code sent to you, press F5.

    When you sign in with 2-step verification, you'll be prompted for a code.

  2. You’ll get an app password that you can use with Outlook, Apple Mail, your Android or Iphone, etc. Choose the copy icon to copy the password to your clipboard. You won’t need to memorize this password but be sure to capture it (take a picture or write it down) because you will not have the opportunity to see it again.

    Image of the copy icon to copy the app password to your clipboard.

Next steps

If you’re using other apps like Outlook on your desktop, you’ll need to to use this app password or you can create a new app password so they can connect to your Office 365 account.