MFA: Setting Up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Learn how to set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for your NCU account using the free Microsoft Authenticator app — including downloading the app, linking it to your account by scanning a QR code, and completing the verification test.

Before you start

MFA is required for all NCU users — students, faculty, staff, and adjuncts. Once set up, the Microsoft Authenticator app will be periodically required to access your university account.

You will need:

  • A smartphone to install and use the Microsoft Authenticator app
  • A computer with a web browser (NCU’s supported browser is Google Chrome)
  • Your NCU email address and password

Do not delete the Microsoft Authenticator app

Once MFA is set up, the app must remain installed on your phone. If you delete it, you will lose access to your NCU account and will need to contact the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 to reset your MFA before you can log in again.

Follow these steps in order

Skipping or reordering steps can lock you out of your account. If that happens, contact the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 to reset the process.

Setting up MFA
1

Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2

Navigate to myaccount.microsoft.com.
3

Enter your full NCU email address and click Next.

Microsoft sign-in screen showing the email address field
4

Enter your password and click Sign in.

Microsoft sign-in screen showing the password field
5

If prompted to stay signed in, click No. You may not see this screen if you’ve previously checked “Don’t show this again.”

Stay signed in prompt
6

Microsoft will prompt you to set up MFA. Click Next.

Microsoft MFA setup prompt
7

You’ll be prompted to download the Microsoft Authenticator app. Click Next.

Screen prompting you to download the Microsoft Authenticator app
8

Click Next.

Setup continuation screen
9

A QR code will appear on your screen. Leave this page open — you’ll scan it with your phone in the next steps.

QR code screen displayed during MFA setup
10

On your smartphone, download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This app is free — do not pay for any app for this purpose.

Google Play and Apple App Store download badges for Microsoft Authenticator
11

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and allow notifications if prompted.
12

Tap the + (plus) sign to add an account.

Add account button in Microsoft Authenticator app
13

Select Work or School Account.
14

Select Scan QR code.
15

If prompted, allow the app to access your camera.

Camera permission prompt on Android Camera permission prompt on iOS
16

In the app, tap Scan a QR code.

Scan a QR code option in Microsoft Authenticator
17

Use your smartphone to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
18

After scanning, return to your computer and click Next.
19

Click Next to send a test notification to your phone.

Test notification screen during MFA setup
20

Your browser will display a number. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone — it will prompt you to enter that number.

Number matching screen on browser during MFA verification test
21

Enter the number in the app and tap Approve.
22

Back on your computer, click Next and then Done to complete setup.

Getting a new phone? Remove MFA first.

MFA cannot be transferred from one device to another. If you get a new phone — for any reason — you must remove MFA from your account before switching devices, then set it up again on the new phone.

If you switch phones without removing MFA first, you will be locked out of your NCU account. You will need to contact the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 to have MFA reset before you can log in or complete setup on the new device.

Further reading

Other MFA articles

Need additional help?

Submit an MFA Service Request if you have access to your account, or contact the IT Service Desk directly:

  • Location: Miller Hall, 226
  • Phone: 612.343.4170
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST
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