Microsoft Authenticator is an app for Android and Apple mobile devices.
The app prompts for authorisation if an internet connection is available, or can provide a one-time password.
- Download Microsoft Authenticator from your device's app store.
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- If MFA is already set up on your account, provide authentication using an existing method.
- If you do not enter the account setup automatically, select +Add sign-in method > Authenticator app > Add
- If available, select Pair your account to the app by clicking this link and skip to step 9
- In the Microsoft Authenticator app, select ⋮ > Add account > Work or school Account > Scan a QR code
- On the My Sign-ins website, select Next
- In the Microsoft Authenticator app, scan the displayed QR code.
- On the My Sign-ins website, select Next and you will be presented with a two-digit number on your screen.
- Enter the numbers into the Microsoft Authenticator app and approve the test notification sent to your device.
Many authenticator apps can provide a one-time password. They should not require internet access or phone connectivity.
The setup process is provided below, but you may need to refer to your apps documentation.
- Download and install the authenticator.
- Open the authenticator and add a new account.
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- If MFA is already set up on your account, you may need to provide authentication using an existing method.
- Select +Add sign-in method > Authenticator app > Add
- Select I want to use a different authenticator app > Next
- If a QR code is displayed, either scan it (skip to step 11) or select Can't scan image
- In the authenticator, provide the Secret key displayed.
- If prompted, leave the Token length as 6 digit.
- On the My Sign-ins website, select Next
- Provide the 6 digit code displayed by the authenticator, then Next
Authy is an alternative authenticator app available for both desktop and mobile devices.
Authy provides a one-time password, only requiring a phone for its initial setup or internet access to set up additional devices.
- Download and install Authy from its web site, or your mobile device's app store.
- Open Authy, provide a phone number, email address and complete the initial setup.
- In Authy, select either in the Tokens tab, or > Add Account
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- If an existing MFA method is already set, provide authentication using an existing method.
- If an existing MFA method is already set, select +Add sign-in method > Authenticator app > Add
- Select I want to use a different authenticator app > Next
- If a QR code is displayed, if you can scan it in Authy then skip to step 14 otherwise select Can't scan image
- In Authy, if you are prompted to Scan QR Code select Enter Code Manually
- Provide Authy with the Secret key displayed on the My Sign-ins website.
- Select a logo for the account.
- Provide a name such as Nexus365.
- If prompted, leave the Token length as 6 digit.
- If prompted, provide a password for your Authy account.
- On the My Sign-ins website, select Next
- Provide the 6 digit code displayed in Authy, then Next
Set up Authy on additional devices
If you are setting up Authy on multiple devices it is better to synchronise your token across them.
During setup, an internet connection is required for both devices.
- Open Authy on your existing device.
- Select > Settings > Devices > enable Multi-Device
- Select > Settings > Accounts > enable Backups / Authenticator Encrypted Backups
- Create an Authy backup password.
- On any additional devices, download and install Authy from its web site, or the device's app store.
- If Authy is already set up on the additional device, reset it by either selecting Authy Desktop > Log out and reset device, or by reinstalling the app.
- Open Authy and provide the phone number used with the existing device.
- Select the Existing Device verification method.
- On the existing device, confirm the notification.
- On your additional device, select the Nexus 365 account.
- Provide your Authy backup password.
An automated call can be made to a land or mobile telephone number, prompting for the press of a specified key.
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- If MFA is already set up on your account, provide authentication using an existing method.
- If you do not enter the account setup automatically, select +Add sign-in method > Alternative phone > Add
- Provide the phone number to use.
- Select Call me, then Next
- Verify the call made to the phone.
A one-time password can be sent to a telephone number.
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- If MFA is already set up on your account, provide authentication using an existing method.
- If you do not enter the account setup automatically, select +Add sign-in method > Phone > Add
- Provide the phone number to use.
- Select Text me a code, then Next
- Provide the 6 digit code sent to your device, then Next
A security key, also known as a hardware token, is a device you can plug into your computer to authenticate your account. Security keys are supported by your local IT support team.
An existing MFA method must be used during setup but the setup of different keys may vary slightly.
- In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Oxford username in the format abcd1234@ox.ac.uk and your SSO password.
- Provide authentication using an existing method.
- Select +Add sign-in method > Security Key > Add
- If prompted, authenticate this using an existing authentication method.
- Select USB device > Next > OK > OK
- Insert your security key into your device's USB port.
- Set a password to use with the key or provide the existing password.
- Touch your security key.
- If prompted, authenticate this using an existing authentication method.
- Provide a name to help you to identify the authentication method.