How do I set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on an Android phone?

If you have an Android phone this guide will take you through the steps of setting up Multi-Factor Authentication on your mobile device. For this setup you will require your phone and a computer. We have detailed written instructions below and a quick video to help students.

Student video guide for MFA

Steps to set up MFA

1. On your computer you will need to go to the Microsoft MFA Setup webpage on your browser

2. The page will ask you to sign in. Here you need to enter your University email address. We have a help guide available for using your University email address

3. You will then see a University login page. Enter your password and click Sign in

4. On the More information required page click Next

5. On the next page that appears click Next and then Next again on the page after that

6. You will then be shown a QR code on your screen

7. On your phone, navigate to the Play Store

8. In the search bar search for 'Microsoft Authenticator'

9. Click on Microsoft Authenticator and click Install

10. Once the app is installed click Open

11. Click Accept on the first page that appears

12. Select Work or school account

13. Then click on Scan a QR code

14. Hold up your phone camera so that the QR code on your computer fits in the box on your phone screen

15. The app may ask you to allow notifications, click Allow

16. Your account should now be added in the app

17. On your laptop click Next. You will then receive notification on your phone asking for you to Approve or Deny

18. Your computer will then show that the notification was approved, and you can then click Next

19. The next page will then ask you to enter your phone number as a backup option. From the dropdown select the country code for your phone number (the United Kingdom is +44)

20. Enter your phone number and then click Next

21. You will then receive a text message from Microsoft with a six-digit code, enter this on your computer and click Next

22. You can then click Done and you have now completed you MFA setup

I'm having trouble installing the MFA app, who can help me?

If you have tried these steps and you are still having trouble, IT Services will be happy to help you. You can visit IT Services on the SID on the ground floor of the Learning Hub:

• You can report an issue in person on the Student Information Desk on the ground floor of the Learning Hub
• There is also a self-service portal where any kind of issue relating to IT can be logged
• You can check or change your password by following these instructions
• You can also call them on 01604 893333

You can visit IT Services on the ground floor of the Learning Hub: 

• Mondays to Thursdays 8.30am to 5pm 

• Fridays 10am to 5pm. 

You need to collect a paper ticket from the kiosk, and wait for your number to be called. You can wait in IT's service area, behind the glass screens to the right of the Student Information Desk.

You can also call the IT helpdesk on 01604 893333: 

• Mondays to Thursdays 8am to 5pm 

• Fridays 8am to 9am, and then 10am to 5pm. 

You can also raise a ticket in the IT Portal at any time. 

If you are a student based outside the UK, you can contact IT Services by emailing Int_ITSupport@northampton.ac.uk