Set up 2-step verification for Office 365

By setting up 2-step verification, you add an extra layer of security to your Office 365 account. You sign in with your password (step 1) and a code sent to your phone (step 2).

 1. Check whether your Office 365 admin has turned on multi-factor authentication for your account. If they haven't, when you try to do these steps you won't see the options in Office 365.

 2. Sign in to Office 365 with your work or school account with your password like you normally do. After you choose Sign in, you'll see this page:

First Time

 3. Choose Set it up now

 4. Select your authentication method and then follow the prompts on the page. Or, watch the video to learn more.

Choose your authentication method and then follow the prompts on the screen.

5. After you verify your alternate contact method, choose Next.

6. You'll get an app password that you can use with Outlook, Apple Mail, etc. Choose the copy icon to copy the password to your clipboard. You won't need to memorize this password.

Image of the copy icon to copy the app password to your clipboard.

7. Once you complete the instructions to specify how you want to receive your verification code, the next time you sign in to Office 365, you'll be prompted to enter the code that is sent to you by text message, phone call, etc.

To have a new code sent to you, press F5.

We strongly recommend setting up more than one verification method. For example, if you travel a lot, consider setting up Microsoft Authenticator for your verification method. It's the easiest verification method to use, and a way to avoid text or call charges.

To use the app password in Outlook

You'll need to do these steps once.

1. Open Outlook, such as Outlook 2010, 2013, or 2016.

2. Wherever you're prompted for your password, paste the app password in the box. For example, if you've already added your account to Outlook, when prompted paste the app password here:

Paste your app password in the Password box.

3. Or, if you're adding your Office 365 account to Outlook, enter your app password here:

Enter your app password in both password boxes.

Restart Outlook.
 

Using Multi-Factor Options

Multi-factor authentication will require that you verify new devices by receiving a text message code, phone call for voice verification or you can use an authenticator app such as

Microsoft Authenticator -

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/use-microsoft-authenticator-with-office-365-1412611f-ad8d-43ab-807c-7965e5155411?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US#ID0EAADAAA=Step_2

Google Authenticator-

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en