---
title: "Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication"
type: "wiki"
space: "IT Services"
author: "Nadine Chautilal"
created: 2021-12-17T14:44:14Z
updated: 2024-07-29T13:10:47Z
tags: ["mfa", "multi-factor"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/4168/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication"
---

# Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication

### About

- All students are required to set up Multi-Factor Authentication \(MFA\), also known as two-step verification.
- This is an extra step of verification when using your Seneca username and password to log into Seneca systems.
- For example, to access Microsoft Office 365 \(such as Outlook, your Seneca student email\), Learn@Seneca \(Blackboard courses\), Student VPN, and several academic services.

### How it works

- MFA works by requiring something else, beyond just a password, to prove that you are who you say you are. This helps to prevent hackers from gaining access to your account.
- In addition to your password, your account will be protected by “something else you have,” such as verification from another device \(mobile phone or tablet\).
- Please follow instructions below for setting up your Microsoft MFA.

* * *

### Step 1 – Download Microsoft Authenticator mobile app

- The app can be used on mobile devices such as a smartphone and tablet.
- Download and install “Microsoft Authenticator” app from the [Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458)  or  [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en_CA&gl=US) Store.

### Step 2 – Set up Microsoft Authenticator

- To set up, please have your computer and secondary device ready \(such as mobile phone or tablet\).
- [Follow written instructions](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/4169/enrolling-for-student-multi-factor-authentication) or watch video below:

### Frequently Asked Questions

For a complete list, please visit [MFA FAQs](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/4294/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions).

#### General

- [I don’t always have internet access, can I still use the Microsoft Authenticator app?](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/4990/can-i-still-use-microsoft-authenticator-if-i-don-t-have-wifi-data-or-my-phone-number-changed)
- [I don’t have a smartphone, how can I verify?](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/4304/i-do-not-have-my-smartphone-how-can-i-verify)
- [I don't have other devices, can I verify with my home phone?](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/4993/how-can-i-enroll-for-student-multifactor-authentication-using-my-home-phone)

#### Troubleshooting

- [I am locked out](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/4310/i-am-locked-out-what-can-i-do)
- [I lost or broke my phone](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/6542/how-can-i-change-or-add-a-phone-number-if-i-no-longer-have-my-device)
- [My phone number changed](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/5000/how-can-i-change-or-add-a-phone-number-using-my-active-device)
- [Verification codes are not being sent to my device](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/microsoft-multi-factor-authentication-frequently-asked-questions/4356/verification-codes-are-not-being-sent-to-my-mobile-device-what-can-i-do)

For technical support, [contact ITS](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/190/support/wiki/view/1473/contact-its)