Microsoft Authenticator App sign up guide

The complete guide for how to sign up for multi-factor authentication (MFA) using the Microsoft Authenticator App.

Getting set-up

You need to download the Microsoft Mobile Phone Authenticator App to your mobile device. This is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Once you have downloaded the authenticator app:

  1. Open an internet browser and go to account-security.mmu.ac.uk.

  2. Enter your student email address in the format studentID@stu.mmu.ac.uk. For example, 44123456@stu.mmu.ac.uk. Enter your usual MMU password when prompted.

  3. When the homepage loads, update your security details.

  4. Select Add method and a drop-down list will appear, choose authenticator app, which is our recommended second factor of authentication for security reasons.

  5. When prompted, use your mobile device’s camera to scan the QR code that is shown on the security info page.

  6. Once you have scanned the QR code via the app, the set-up will be complete. After the initial 24-hour (student) or 12-hour (staff) authentication period, when you log into one of our online services, you’ll get a pop-up on your registered phone to approve or deny the request.

Authenticate without your password

If you’re accessing the University’s online services using a personal device, you can enable passwordless authentication. This will allow you to verify your identity via your authenticator app using a two-digit PIN, rather than the 16-character passphrase. 

Use this step-by-step video guide (or the written guide below) to help you enable passwordless authentication.

  • Set up Passwordless Authentication (Written version)

    Please note: before following these steps to enable Passwordless Authentication for your account, you will need to have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your Mobile device. Microsoft Authenticator can be found in your phone’s App store (eg. Google Play or Apple App Store):
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    Once you have the Microsoft Authenticator App installed, please follow all the steps below, even if you already use the Authenticator App for Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). This is because your existing Authentication account will be updated to allow you to authenticate without using your password.

    Please note: The images in this guide are taken from an iPhone. If you are using an Android device, the process is the same but might look slightly different.

    1. Open the authenticator app and tap the ‘+’ in the top right:
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    2. Tap Work or School Account:
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    3. Tap Sign in:
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    4. You will then be prompted to sign in. Please enter your Manchester Met ID followed by @ad.mmu.ac.uk, eg. 12345678@ad.mmu.ac.uk. Then tap Next:
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    5. Enter your usual Manchester Met password.
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    6. You will then be presented with the usual Multifactor Authentication (MFA) prompts. Please select your usual authentication method to confirm your identity.
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      Please note: If you do not have any other MFA methods set up – eg. Text or Call - to enable you to be able to ‘Verify your identity’, please go to account-security.mmu.ac.uk and add another method (these should then appear on the authenticator app as an option).
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    7. Once you have been successfully authenticated, you will then need to register your phone with the Passwordless service. Please tap Continue when prompted.
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      Please note: Manchester Met will have no additional access to your mobile device when you register your device for Passwordless.
       

    8. Tap Register.
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    9. After a short time, you will receive the following screen informing you that you can now use Passwordless authentication. Tap Finish.

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    10. To check that the Passwordless authentication settings have been correctly configured, tap on your Manchester Met account in the authenticator app:
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    11. You will then be shown a section similar to the one highlighted below, stating ’Passwordless sign-in has been enabled’.
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    12. To use Passwordless authentication: the next time you are presented with the password window below, select Use an app instead:

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    13. When you have made the switch to Passwordless, you will see a number displayed, and receive a notification on your registered mobile device:
      • In the example below, you have been shown the number 43:
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      • Your mobile device will have a pop-up, asking you to enter the number shown. Input the number shown on screen then tap Yes:
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        Please note: If you are using an Apple iOS device, and you need to hide the pop-up box to see the 2-digit code again, select Hide (see below) to reveal the code. In 5 seconds, the sign in box will reappear. You can repeat this process as many times as you need.
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      • Your phone might then ask for its device Pin or configured Biometric (fingerprint/Facial recognition). This is to prove you are the owner of the Device.
    14. Once these steps have been completed, you will be logged in without needing to input your Manchester Met password.

    If you have issues with any of the above steps, please contact the IT Helpline.

iPhone, iPad and Mac users

If you’re using an Apple OS or iOS device, you’ll need to open a private browsing window in Safari to edit your security data when visiting account-security.mmu.ac.uk.

You can also use a different internet browser.

Need support?

Need support?

If you have any issues, you can:

  • visit the IT Service Desk on the ground floor of the Library, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm
  • call us by phone
  • start a live chat
  • use our self-service
Self-Service Live Chat