How to Install the Microsoft Authenticator on iPhones and Androids

Summary

This article provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Microsoft Authenticator on Apple iPhones and iPads and Android smart phones. It also provides instructions for authenticating with passkeys for mobile and computer apps.

Body

Install the Microsoft Authenticator App (To be completed on your iPhone or Android).

Open the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, search for the Microsoft Authenticator App, install the Microsoft Authenticator App, and then open it. Make sure to pick the Microsoft Authenticator App.

Microsoft Authenticator in Apple App Store and Google Play Store

On the Microsoft respects your privacy screen, tap Accept to agree to Microsoft’s privacy terms. La Salle recommends turning off sharing your app usage data on the Help us improve the Microsoft Authenticator screen. Tap Continue.

Microsoft Privacy Policy and Data Sharing Settings

If you see the Let’s add your first account or the Welcome to Microsoft Authenticator screen, tap Add account.Tap Add work or school account on the Secure your digital life or Peace of mind for your digital life screen and then tap Sign in.

New Account and Sign In Options

Type your La Salle email address on the Sign in screen and tap Next. Then type your La Salle password and tap Sign in on the Enter password screen.

Sign In Username and Password

Tap Next on the Let’s keep your account secure screen. If you are prompted to install the Microsoft Authenticator, tap Next. Then tap Pair your account to the app by clicking this link.

Pairing Authenticator with Account

You may be prompted to turn on Notifications.  If you are working on an iPhone or iPad, tap Go to Settings, tap the Arrow next to Notifications, turn on Notifications on the next screen.Verify the settings for Allow Notifications and Time Sensitive Notifications. Both should be turned on. Then Close the Settings app to return to the Authenticator configuration.

iPhone Notification Settings

If prompted to turn on Notifications and you are working on an Android Phone,

Android Notification Settings

Tap OK in the Account added successfully pop-up and then tap Next. You will then see a two-digit number on the Let’s try it out screen. Wait for the Are you trying to sign in? screen to appear. Type the two-digit number and tap Yes.

Verification of Added Account

Tap Done on the Set up complete screen. If you are prompted to Approve sign in request, tap Yes. Tap Continue on the Let’s secure your account screen.

Authenticator Security Configuration

You may be prompted to turn on AutoFill. If prompted, tap Continue and then tap Turn On.

Authenticator AutoFill Settings

Tap Sign in on the Let’s create your passkey. When prompted, use Face ID, Fingerprint ID or your phone’s PIN to secure your new passkey. You will see a Creating passkey message as your passkey is being created. Tap Done when the Passkey created screen appears.

Passkey Creation Screens

When prompted to Register your device, tap Skip and then Yes, skip to confirm. (La Salle does not support device registration.) Tap Done when the Account added screen appears.Microsoft Authenticator has added your account.You can close the Authenticator App.

Phone Registration and Confirmation of Passkey Creation

Using Your Passkey to Sign In to Your Phone’s Mobile Apps and Services.

Your passkey provides a convenient alternative to typing your email address and password with many of the La Salle Apps and Services on your phone. The sign in process varies, but you should see one or more the screens below. Tap the indicated options to sign in with your passkey.

Passkey Sign In Options For Mobile Apps

When the Sign in window opens, tap Use Passkey to confirm passkey authentication. Then use your Face ID, Fingerprint ID or your phone’s PIN to unlock your passkey and sign in to the App or Service.

Select and Unlock Passkey for Authentication

A few App vendors are still developing support for passkeys. If you cannot sign in to an App or Service with your passkey, tap Sign in another way, type your email address and password then open the Microsoft Authenticator App when the Approve sign in request screen appears and displays its two-digit number.

Passkey Error and Alternative Authentication with Number Matching

Using Your Passkey to Sign In to Apps and Services on a Windows or Macintosh Computer.

The passkey stored on your Apple or Android smart phone also provides a convenient alternative to typing your email address and password for many of the La Salle services available on lab and classroom computers and on your personal laptop. The sign in process varies, but you should see one or more the screens below. Tap the indicated options to sign in with your passkey.

Passkey Sign In Options for Windows and Macintosh Applications

Next, click on the iPhone, iPad or Android device option on the computer display.

Passkey Selection on Windows and Macintosh Computers

If you see a Bluetooth is off dialog box on the computer, click the Turn on Bluetooth button.

Bluetooth Status Warning

Open the camera app on your Apple or Android smart phone and scan the QR code on the computer’s display.

QR Code Display and Phone Camera App Icons

Your phone will confirm that the QR code is valid by displaying Sign in with a passkey on iPhones and Use passkey on Androids. If you see this confirmation, tap Sign-in with a passkey or Use passkey.

QR Code Scan and Passkey Confirmation
Warning: If your phone indicates that the QR code opens a website, downloads software,
 or has any purpose other than a passkey request
DO NOT authorize the activity.

You will see a Connecting or a Connecting to your device message while your phone connects to the computer with Bluetooth. When the Sign In screen appears on your iPhone or the Use this passkey screen appears on your Android phone, tap Use Passkey or Continue.

Confirm and Unlock Passkey for Authentication

When the second Sign In prompt appears on your iPhone or the Use your screen lock prompt appears on your Android, use your Face ID, Fingerprint ID or your phone’s PIN to unlock your passkey and sign in to the App or Service on the computer.

Unlock Passkey for Authetnication

When the Stay signed in? screen appears, click Yes and close your phone’s camera app.

Stay Signed In Options and Reminder to Turn Camera Off

Phone-to-computer passkey authentication occasionally fails because of delays in processing QR codes or because of Bluetooth communication issues. Generally, passkey authentication will succeed if you Try again. If the error persists, click Cancel and Use my password.

Passkey Error and Switch to Number Matching

A small number of software vendors do not yet support passkey authentication. If you see an AADSTS75011 error, you need to switch to password authentication.

Passkey Not Supported and Switch to Password Authentication

Details

Details

Article ID: 175121
Created
Tue 10/20/26 8:43 AM
Modified
Wed 10/21/26 8:40 AM