2FA Setup Guide

How to enable 2FA for your Microsoft account

Updated June 5, 2026

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your Microsoft account even if your password leaks. Follow the steps below to generate Microsoft verification codes with the Authenticator App on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Download Authenticator App
Download Authenticator App from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. It's free and no sign-up is required.
Open your Microsoft account security settings
Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, then open “Security” → “Advanced security options”.
Add a new sign-in method
Under “Ways to prove who you are”, choose “Add a new way to sign in or verify”, then select “Use an app”. When asked which app, pick “A different authenticator app” to get a QR code.
Scan the QR code with Authenticator App
Open Authenticator App, tap the + button and scan the QR code shown by Microsoft. If you can't scan it, choose the manual option on Microsoft and type the setup key into the app instead.
Enter the 6-digit verification code
Type the 6-digit code from Authenticator App back into Microsoft to confirm the setup. The code refreshes every 30 seconds.
Save your backup codes
If Microsoft offers backup or recovery codes, download or write them down and store them somewhere safe. They let you regain access if you ever lose your device.