Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add or Modify Options

Step-by-step



There are three authentication options, including:

  1. Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone (recommended method).
  2. SMS Text message to your smart phone.
  3. Phone call to your landline/smart phone.

In this article:


Add, Remove or Update your Authentication Methods

  1. Open a new browser window in InPrivate or Incognito mode and browse to Microsoft Account.
  1. You may be asked to log in. If so, click on your email address or enter your nsid@usask.ca followed by your USASK password when prompted.
  2. You will be prompted to approve the sign-in request or verify your identity. 
  3. You will be presented with an overview of your Microsoft account. From this initial home screen, click Security Info (Update Info).
  4. You will be presented with an overview of your security info, showing your current sign-in methods. Here, you can add, update, or delete sign-in methods.
     

Add Authenticator App

  1. Click Add sign-in method.
  2. Under 'Choose a Method' click Microsoft Authenticator. You will then be presented with instructions on how to obtain the Authenticator app.

3. After you scan the QR code, click Next.
4. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, to test your account.
5. Approve the notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app, and then select Next.
6. You will be presented with an overview of your Security Info that shows all your current sign-in methods.

Delete an Authenticator App
  1. Click Delete beside the Authenticator app you want to remove.
  2. Select Yes from the confirmation box to delete the Authenticator app.
Add a Phone Number
  1. Click Add Method.
  2. Under 'Choose a Method' click on either Office Phone or Alternative Phone.
  3. You will be presented with options to set a phone number. Type the phone number for your mobile device, choose Text me a code, and then select Next.
  4. Type the code sent to you through text message to your mobile device, and then select Next.
Change a Phone Number
  1. Click Change beside the phone you want to modify.
  2. You will have an option to change the phone number. Type the new phone number for your mobile device, choose Text me a code, and then select Next.
  3. Type the code sent to you through text message to your mobile device, and then select Next.
Delete a Phone Number
  1. Click Delete beside the phone you want to remove.
  2. Click Ok to confirm.

To Set a New Default MFA Method

  1. Sign into your Microsoft Account and log in using your NSID@usask.ca and your PAWS password.
  2. Click the Security Info tab. 
  3. Near the top of the Security info screen, you will see a note advising you of your preferred (default) sign in method. You may see something like the following:  
    "You're using the most advisable sign-in method where it applies."
  4. To change your preferred method, beside "Sign-in method when most advisable is unavailable", click Change.
  5. You will now be asked, "Which method would you like to use to sign in?"
  6. Choose one of your previously configured options as the new default method, then click CONFIRM.
  7. You have now successfully changed the preferred (default) sign-in method associated with your MFA.