Microsoft Authenticator

• Always setup at least Two Methods of Multi Factor (MFA) authentication. This way you always have a backup MFA method should one change or not be available momentarily when you need it.
• This includes the following: Mobile app, SMS text messaging.
• Microsoft Authenticator App(push notification or one-time password code), SMS Text Messaging.
• Go to My Account (you may have to sign in with your username@uregina.ca and current password) then select the Security Info option and click "+add sign in method."

You need Wi‑Fi or mobile data only to install the Microsoft Authenticator app and add your U of R account.

After it’s set up, you do not need Wi‑Fi or data to generate a one‑time password (OTP) in the app.

To authenticate without Internet on your phone:
1. Sign in to any Microsoft 365 app.
2. When prompted for MFA, select “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.”
3. Choose “Use verification code from my mobile app.”
4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
5. Tap your account to view the one‑time password code.
6. Enter the code in your browser and verify.

You should now be able to access the Microsoft service.

Make sure the Microsoft Authenticator app is already set up on your phone (WiFi or data is only needed during initial setup).

After setup, you can authenticate offline using the One-Time Password (OTP) code:

1. Sign in to a Microsoft 365 app.
2. At the MFA prompt, select “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.”
3. Choose “Use verification code from my mobile app.”
4. Open the Authenticator app and tap your account to view the OTP.
5. Enter the code on your computer and verify.

• You don’t need a smartphone to use Microsoft Multifactor Authentication.
• If your phone can receive text messages, you can authenticate using SMS codes.
• For setup instructions, see Microsoft’s guide on text message (SMS) authentication

• The Microsoft Authenticator app is free!
• Once set up, it can generate one‑time password codes without text messaging, mobile data, or Wi‑Fi.
• Text message codes are only sent when you request them and are billed like normal SMS by your carrier.
• Push notifications use very little data and will use Wi‑Fi when available.
• The app’s software token (OTP) method works offline and does not create any additional cost.

• If you have setup SMS text message as a secondary alternative, you will be able to use this if prompted for MFA until you can set up MS Authenticator on your new mobile device.
  
  • Go to My Account then select the Security Info option and delete your old device.
  • Then set up MS Authenticator: Employee Instructions or Student Instructions 
•  If you don't have SMS text message set up, please contact the IS Service Desk for assistance.

• When you sign in to your uRegina Microsoft account, you may be prompted to authenticate.
• A 2‑digit code will appear on your screen—enter this code in the Microsoft Authenticator app. Your phone may then ask for your usual device PIN/password. After that, your login continues as normal.

If you can’t use Authenticator (no WiFi/data):

• Select “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now” and choose an alternative method:
• Use a verification code from the Authenticator app (offline).
• Receive a text message code (if SMS was previously set up).

MFA must be set up for your uregina.ca Microsoft account using Microsoft Authenticator.

• After you enter your username@uregina.ca and password, you’ll occasionally be prompted to approve the login in the Authenticator app (or with a hardware token for employees).
• You typically only need to complete MFA once per device/app unless you change your password.
• Authenticator is used only for Microsoft logins. DUO (employees only) will continue to be used for systems that already require it.