Technology Security

MFA Setup Guide: Smartphones and Tablets

Enrolling your account for multifactor authentication is quick and easy! After you've enrolled in MFA, you will be able to approve sign-ins to CSU resources by responding to a push notification with a code displayed on your screen. You'll only be prompted for MFA when accessing CSU resources off-campus. If you are transferring from one device to another, please follow the instructions to manage your multifactor authentication methods.

Before you begin, we highly recommend beginning the enrollment process on a desktop or laptop with your smartphone or tablet ready.
  1. Scan the appropriate QR code from your smartphone or tablet to install the Microsoft authenticator app.
    Having trouble? Search for Microsoft Authenticator directly in the App or Play store, or click here for Android or here for iPhone/iPad.
    Android iOS
    QR code for Google Play store link to Microsoft Authenticator app App Store Microsoft Auth QR Code
  2. Once Microsoft Authenticator has been installed, head to http://mfasetup.csuohio.edu on your computer to begin. Click Next:Azure AD login screen
  3. Click Next, then Next:
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen with the Next button emphasized
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen prompting the user to allow notifications and choose an account type with the Next button emphasized
  4. On your phone or tablet, launch Microsoft Authenticator. Tap I agree, then tap Scan a QR code:
    Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app displaying a privacy policy with the Agree button emphasized Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app prompting for authentication with the Scan a QR code button emphasized
    If you already have accounts in Microsoft Authenticator, you can add your CSU account by opening the menu in the top right corner of the app and then tapping Add account (Android) or tap the Add button (+) in the top right corner of the app (iOS). Afterward, tap Work or School Account, then Scan QR Code:
    Android iOS
    Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app for Android with the Add Account button emphasized Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app for iOS with the Add Account button emphasized
  5. The app will now prompt for access to your device's camera to scan the QR code. Tap Allow (Android) or OK (iOS):
    Android iOS
    Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app for Android prompting for camera permissions with the Allow button emphasized Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app for iOS prompting for camera permissions with the Allow button emphasized
  6. Point your device's camera at the QR code displayed on your screen. Note: the QR code displayed here will only work from within the Microsoft Authenticator app; do not use your device's camera app to scan this code.Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app scanning a QR code displayed on a computer screen
  7. After the code is scanned, Microsoft Authenticator will prompt you for permission to send notifications. Make sure you tap Allow (iOS only):iOS prompting for notification permissions for Microsoft Authenticator with the Allow button emphasized
  8. Once the code has been scanned, click Next on your computer: Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen prompting the user to scan the QR code on their mobile device with the Next button emphasizedA push notification will now be sent to your device:Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen notifying the user to type the number on the screen in on their phone
  9. Respond to the push notification on your device by tapping Approve and then typing in the number you see on your computer screen:
    Android iOS
    Android menu bar notification for Microsoft Authenticator iOS menu bar notification for Microsoft Authenticator
    Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator for Android prompting for approval for multifactor authentication Allow button emphasized Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator for iOS prompting for approval for multifactor authentication Allow button emphasized
  10. After successfully enrolling the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next, then done:
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen notifying the user the push notification was approved with the Next button emphasized
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen informing the user of their default authentication method with the Done button emphasized
  11. You'll now be taken to the Security Info page, where you can provide a mobile phone number in the event you lose access to the app. Microsoft can call or text this recovery phone number during sign-in if you aren't able to respond to the push notification.
    Note: do not use a CSU office phone for this recovery method.
    Click Add method, then select Phone from the dropdown list and click Add.
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA Security Info screen with the Add method button emphasized
    Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen prompting the user to select the type of authentication method to add with the Add button emphasized
  12. Enter your mobile phone number, then click Next:Screenshot of Microsoft MFA enrollment screen prompting the user to enter their phone number with the Next button emphasized
  13. Enter the code sent to your phone, then click Next, then click Done.
  14. That's it! You're now enrolled for multifactor authentication via the Microsoft Authenticator app. Once MFA is enforced for your account, you will be prompted for any sign-ins to CSU resources you initiate off-campus. To edit your MFA settings, please return to http://mfasetup.csuohio.edu at any time.