(MFA) How To: Upgrade or Change Your Phone in the Microsoft Authenticator App

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Title: How To: Upgrade or Change Your Phone in the Microsoft Authenticator App 

Audience: Employees, students.

Applies to: CNC Account Holders using the MFA Application on a mobile device

Category: Accounts and Access

Prerequisites: User is upgrading or replacing a phone that is currently in their possession. For users that have lost their phone, please submit a ticket to the Service Desk. 

 

Problem: User may become locked out of their account if the below steps are not taken prior to the decommission of a mobile device.

 

Description / Summary:

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator on Your New Phone 

  1. On your new phone, go to the app store (CNC's ITS team recommends the official Microsoft Authenticator Application, available at this URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/security/mobile-authenticator-app

  1. Search for "Microsoft Authenticator" and install the app. Please be cautious of similar applications, as they can be scams or want to charge you for the service. The official Microsoft Authenticator application is free.

  1. Once installed, open the app. 

Step 2: Disable Microsoft Authenticator on Your Old Phone 

  1. On your old phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

  1. Tap on the three dots or settings icon in the app (usually located in the top-right corner). 

  1. Look for the option to "Disable" or "Remove Account." 

  1. Follow the prompts to disable or remove your account from the app on your old phone. 

Step 3: Add Your Account to the Microsoft Authenticator App on Your New Phone 

  1. On your new phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

  1. Tap on the (+) or "Add Account" button in the app. 

  1. Select the option to add a work or school account. 

  1. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code or enter your account details manually. 

  1. If prompted, choose the verification method you prefer (we recommend push notifications!) 

  1. Complete the verification process following the on-screen instructions. 

Step 4: Test Your Authentication Setup 

  1. After adding your account to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new phone, test the authentication process. 

  1. Try accessing a Microsoft service or application that requires authentication (e.g., Outlook, OneDrive, Teams). 

  1. When prompted for authentication, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new phone. 

  1. Approve the authentication request or enter the verification code provided by the app. 

  1. If the authentication is successful, you have successfully upgraded or changed your phone in the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

 

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Related Articles (1)

The below information can be used to set up Multi-Factor Authentication on your CNC account either on a work or personal phone. If you do not wish to use your mobile device, we also offer Authenticator Tokens.

Related Services / Offerings (3)

Reset your password or request an MFA token
Use this form to report a problem with your CNC computer account
Report any difficulties with MFA on your account.