MFA: Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App using Mobile Phone/Device only

In this article

1. How MFA works at NCU
2. Signing in
3. Your phone
4. Suspicious activity

Can I get asked for MFA less often?

Yes. When you sign in on your own device, select Yes at the Stay signed in? prompt. You'll be asked less often on that device.

Select No on shared or public computers. You'll also be asked again after you change your password.

I'm not getting the notification.

Microsoft Authenticator needs an internet connection, but it doesn't need cell service. Try these in order:

• Connect your phone to Wi-Fi. The same network you're signing in on works fine.
• Open the Authenticator app directly. A waiting request often appears there even if the notification didn't.
• Check that notifications are turned on for Authenticator in your phone's settings.

Still nothing? Call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170.

It's asking me to enter a number.

That's expected. Your sign-in screen shows a two-digit number. Type that number into the Authenticator app to approve.

Only enter a number you can see on your own screen. If the app asks for a number and you aren't signing in, see I got an MFA request I didn't start.

I'm getting a new phone.

Move Authenticator to the new phone before you reset, trade in, or give away the old one. You need the old phone to approve the change. Follow MFA: Setting Up Authenticator on a New Phone.

If your old phone is already gone, lost, or broken, call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 to get your MFA reset.

I only have my phone, no computer.

You can set up Authenticator entirely on your phone. See MFA: Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator Using Only Your Phone.

I don't have a smartphone.

Call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 to talk through your options.

Is the Authenticator app accessible?

Yes. Microsoft Authenticator works with your phone's screen reader (VoiceOver on iPhone, TalkBack on Android) and other built-in accessibility features.

I got an MFA request I didn't start.

Deny it. Someone else is trying to sign in with your password. Then:

• Change your NCU password right away.
• Call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170.

Never approve a request to make it go away, even if it keeps repeating.

I see sign-ins I don't recognize.

Your recent sign-ins are listed at mysignins.microsoft.com under Recent activity. Locations are approximate, often your internet provider's location rather than yours.

If a sign-in still looks wrong, change your password and see Help! I Have Been Phished!.

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