(MFA) How To: Add a Phone Number for MFA Recovery in the Microsoft Authenticator App

Title: How To: Add a Phone Number for MFA Recovery 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 must have an active mobile phone number, a CNC Microsoft Account, and be using the Multi-Factor Authentication application. 

Problem: Adding a phone number to your Microsoft Account can ensure you have a recovery method should you lose your mobile device or lose access to the MFA Application. 

Description / Summary:

Step 1: Access the Security Settings for Your Microsoft Account

1. Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
2. Go to the Microsoft account security settings page by visiting the following URL: https://account.microsoft.com/security/
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials for CNC if prompted. (ie: "smithj8987@cnc.bc.ca")

Step 2: Add Your Phone Number for MFA Recovery

1. In the account security settings page, locate the section for "Additional security options" or "Two-step verification."
2. Look for an option to add a phone number or manage your phone numbers.
3. Click on the "Add a phone number" or similar link/button.
4. Enter your phone number in the specified format (including the country code) and click "Next" or similar.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

1. Choose the verification method you prefer: text message or phone call.
2. Click on "Text me" or "Call me" to initiate the verification process.
3. Wait for the verification code to be sent to your phone.
4. Enter the verification code in the provided field on the website and click "Next" or similar.

Step 4: Confirm the Addition of Your Phone Number

1. After verifying your phone number, you will see a confirmation message.
2. Review the details of your added phone number to ensure it is correct.
3. Click on "Done," "Save," or similar to complete the process.

Step 5: Test Your MFA Recovery Option

1. To test your added phone number as an MFA recovery option, try signing in to a Microsoft service or application.
2. When prompted for authentication, select the option for "Use a different method" or "Can't use your Authenticator app?"
3. Choose the phone number you added as the recovery option.
4. You will receive a text message or phone call with a verification code.
5. Enter the verification code in the provided field on the sign-in page.
6. If the verification is successful, you have added your phone number as an MFA recovery option.