MFA | How to Setup the Authenticator App

Tags MFA

Overview

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of security to your SUNY Cobleskill account by requiring you to approve sign-ins from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. This article walks you through installing the app and connecting it to your account.

Prerequisites

  • A smartphone (Android or iOS) with internet access
  • A laptop or desktop computer — having a second screen makes scanning the QR code much easier
  • An existing way to authenticate (phone call, text, or an active session) if you are current Student/Faculty/Staff
Important:

Both setup methods below require you to already have a working authentication method (phone call, text, or active session). If you have no existing method, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

Instructions

Install the Microsoft Authenticator App

  1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone from the appropriate store:
  2. Open the app after it finishes installing.

Once the app is installed, choose one of the two methods below to connect it to your account.

Which method should I use?

Method 1 (web browser) is recommended — it gives you more control, walks you through each step on-screen, and makes scanning the QR code straightforward. Method 2 (app) is quicker but requires you to already have a way to sign in.

Method 1 — Set Up Through a Web Browser (Recommended)

  1. On your computer, go to the Microsoft Security Info page (opens in new tab) and sign in with your Cobleskill username and password.
  2. Click Update info under the tile labeled Security info.
    My Account page showing the Security info tile with the Update info link highlighted
    The Security info tile on the My Account page.
  3. Click + Add sign-in method.
    Security info page with the Add sign-in method button highlighted
    The Add sign-in method button on the Security info page.
  4. Select Authenticator app from the drop-down menu.
    Drop-down menu showing Authenticator app selected as the method to add
    Selecting the Authenticator app from the method list.
  5. Click Add.
    Confirmation dialog with the Add button highlighted
    Click Add to confirm the Authenticator app selection.
  6. Click Next twice to proceed to the QR code screen.
  7. On your phone, open the Authenticator app, accept the privacy agreement, and select Scan a QR code.
  8. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
  9. Once scanned, the browser will send a test approval request to the app. Approve it on your phone.

Once the test approval is complete, MFA is set up. You will be prompted to approve sign-ins on your phone going forward.

Method 2 — Set Up Through the App Directly

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
  2. Accept the privacy agreement terms.
  3. Select Add work or school account.
  4. Sign in with your Cobleskill account (username@cobleskill.edu).
  5. Complete any authentication prompt (text, call, or existing session).
  6. Once signed in, test the setup by opening your campus email (opens in new tab) in a browser and approving the MFA prompt.

Once the test approval is complete, MFA is set up. You will be prompted to approve sign-ins on your phone going forward.

Troubleshooting

Tip:

If you run into issues at any point during setup, try reinstalling the Authenticator app or clearing the app’s cache and data, then start the process over.

Need Help?

If you need assistance or require this information in an alternate format, contact the IT Service Desk:

This article has been adjusted for EIT standards – 03/20/26 | Wren Rowan

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