Getting Started with the Microsoft Authenticator app (How-to)

This article provides instructions on how to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary method of multi-factor authentication for accessing Drake systems securely. You'll want to be at your computer with your phone handy before starting this process. If you'd rather receive text messages or calls to confirm your identity, follow the instructions at Getting Started Using Text Messages or Phone Calls for Multi-Factor Authentication (How-to) instead.

ITS recommends setting up the app on your mobile device, along with a backup authentication method. See Setting up Additional MFA Options or Changing your Default Option (How-to) for instructions on how to enable additional back up methods.

Please see Clearing your Multi-Factor Authentication Settings (How-to) for instructions on clearing your registered methods and re-registering new ones if you get a new device or lose your phone.

NOTE: The screenshots are from an iPhone, but the process is similar for Android users.


1. On a computer

Visit myDrake (my.drake.edu), Self Service, or any system you need MFA for on your computer. When you go to log in with your Drake email address and password, you’ll see the following screen letting you know you haven’t yet set up multi-factor authentication.

  1. Click the Next button.
  2. You’ll then see this screen prompting you to download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device. STOP HERE on your computer for now. The next steps will take place on your phone.

More Information needed screen

Start by getting the app screen

2. On your Phone

The Microsoft Authenticator app icon looks like this:

Microsoft Authenticator app

  1. After you download the Microsoft Authenticator app from your phone’s app store, and open it, you'll see this privacy screen. Click I agree to continue.
  2. You will then see this screen with three options. Select Add work or school account.
  3. On the Ready to add your first account? screen, click Add account.
  4. Select Work or school account.
  5. You’ll see a pop-up screen. Click Scan QR Code. NOTE: You’ll need to allow Microsoft Authenticator to use your phone’s camera. You’ll now return to your computer screen.

Privacy Screen select I agree

Add work or school account screen

Add Account screen

Selecting Work or school account screen

Scan QR pop up screen

3. Back to your computer-you will need your computer AND your phone for this section

  1. You should still be on the Keep your account secure screen on your computer. Click Next to continue.
  2. Scan QR Code from the set up screen on your computer using your phone. NOTE: You will need to allow Notifications from Authenticator on your phone.
  3. Click Next on your computer. NOTE: If the QR code on your set up screen expires before you're able to scan it, click Back and then Next again as each QR code is unique.

Next screen for getting the app

Scan QR code Step 2 & 3

Proof screen on phone

4. Testing the Microsoft Authenticator app

Once you click Next from the QR screen on your computer (step 3 above), you'll then see the Let's Try it out screen on your computer. This will send a test notification to your phone for you to approve.

Let's try it out screen

  1. Approve the sign in on your phone screen.
  2. You'll then see the Notification Approved screen on your computer. Click Next.
  3. When you see the success screen on your computer, click Done to complete the process.

You will now be able to use Microsoft Authenticator for MFA on Drake systems. Be sure to add a backup method as well. See Setting up Additional MFA Options or Changing your Default Option (How-to) for instructions. Encounter any issues using the Microsoft Authenticator app? See Common problems with the Microsoft Authenticator app from Microsoft. If your app is prompting you multiple times for the same login, try turning off App Lock in settings.

Approve sign in on phone screen

Notification approved screen

Success screen

89% helpful - 9 reviews