Install Authy
The best way to manage all your 2FA accounts is to use the Authy app. It enables you to have a single mobile app for all your 2FA accounts and you can sync them across multiple devices, even accessing them on the desktop. Install Authy 2FA on your device by searching for it in your device’s app store.
Important: If any sites prompt you to use Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication, note that you can always substitute the Authy 2FA app instead. Although they work in similar ways, Authy is more feature-rich and allows for multi-device syncing, cloud-backups, and easier account recovery should you change or lose your phone or device. Read more information on the features of Authy here.
Locate 2FA
Log into your Microsoft Account and choose ‘Security’.
From your Microsoft accounts’ security page choose ‘More security options’ at the bottom
Verify the account.
- You will have to verify the login once again before accessing the security options page, in case you haven’t visited the page recently.
Using a password-less sign-in?
- If you’d like, here you can enable the password-less sign-in using the Microsoft Authenticator app. But if you’d like to enable 2FA – click on ‘No thanks’.
Setting up Identity verification app.
- In order to add your account to Authy – please click ‘Set up identity verification app’ on the Additional security options page.
- And then, click on ‘Set up a different Authenticator app’ on the next screen.
Capture QR Code
The Microsoft QR code automatically pops up.
To capture the QR code, launch Authy on your device. Click ‘Add Account’ at the bottom of the screen.
You’ll be prompted to hold your phone up to your computer to ‘Scan QRCode’.
Now capture the QR code shown on the Microsoft website.
Once the QR code is successfully captured, Authy will display your Microsoft numeric account key. You can rename this token as you see fit. When ready, click ‘Done.’
Finish Setup
Back on your device, an Authy 2FA code is now generated for your Microsoft account. Head over to the Microsoft website and enter the Authy code in the entry space provided under the QR code.
And that’s all, your Microsoft account is now protected with 2FA!
For more information on how Microsoft’s account security practices – please visit: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12414/microsoft-account-identity-verification-apps-faq
