Use Your Phone to Sign Into Microsoft Services
Users will need to have the free Microsoft Authenticator app for iOS or Android installed. If you already have an account set up in the app, then all you need to do is Enable Phone sign in. Setting up phone sign is straightforward, but you will likely need to use an alternative method to receive an authentication code; because enabling phone sign in will be part of the configuration process. I just chose to have it send me a text, or you can have it call your phone. This process is easier than standard two-step verification and significantly more secure than only a password, which can be forgotten, phished, or compromised. Using your phone to sign in with PIN or fingerprint is a seamless way to incorporate two account “proofs” in a way that feels natural and familiar. Source Launch the Authenticator app, tap the down arrow next to your Microsoft Account, then tap enable phone sign in.
Tap Enable phone sign-in again then choose a method to receive an authentication code.
How to use Phone Sign In
Anytime you need to sign into a Microsoft Service, click the Use the Microsoft Authenticator app instead.
A number will be generated on the sign-in screen, which you will need to tap to approve in the Authenticator app using your passcode or Touch ID. Once authenticated, the service will automatically sign you in.
I enabled two-factor and phone sign-in on my Microsoft accounts recently and all I can say is, Microsoft nailed it. Doesn’t matter if you’re logging in your Outlook.com inbox or syncing Microsoft OneNote, two-factor push requests to my mobile device just works. It’s fast, seamless and just works. I might even go so far as to say, Microsoft two-factor is now easier than using a password. I did a quick test. I’m finding that by simply adding your account to the Microsoft Authenticator app, it was automatically enabled for phone sign-in. To test it, just open a new browser window and go to Outlook.com. You might need to logout and back in to test it. After entering your username, it should give you the link as shown above to use the MS Authenticator App to Login instead of a PW: https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/authenticator-app.png Chris So, you should be golden. ;) I got the option to enable phone sign-in. I received a security code at my alternative email address, entered it and my account was set up. Now comes the problem. I tried to sign in to my account and after entering the correct username I chose the option to “Use the Microsoft Authenticator app instead”. I received a prompt on my phone, tapped it and a pop-up appeared giving me the option to deny or approve. I selected approve and the authenticator app opened asking me for a code from the authenticatopr app!!! I cancelled it and the authenticator closed. I signed into my account using my password then signed back out. I opened the authenticator app, copied the code that it generated and started the process all over again. Again, the authenticator app asked me for a code from the authenticator app!!! i tried pasting in the code I had just copied from the app but of course by now it had expired. So as it now stands for me, I need a code from the app to authenticate itself. Very circular path with no resolution. Like a programming loop with no escape clause. After a quick check on the Google Play store this seems to be a very common complaint (among others). This app has a LOOONG way to go IMO to be on par with Google’s 2 step verification. Like the large number of other users on the Google Play store I will be uninstalling immediately and going back to using my password. Less secure is better than not being able to get into your account at all. :–( I might have run into the same experience. The login shows me a single number and I have to click that same number in the MS Authenticator app. I would suggest closing everything and trying again. I’ve been using the Two Factor and Phone Sign-in and it’s working great. I just tested OneDrive and OneNote. They all support login via Microsoft Authenticator instead of Password option. If you have Two Factor enabled on your Microsoft account things look a little different, however, both will use a prompt from the Auth App on your mobile. If you happen to find that your mobile doesn’t have service, you can still login. 1 – Enter Username and PW as normal 2 – Click the bold “HAVING TROUBLE” text. 3 – Click text “Enter a security code from your Microsoft Authenticator app instead.” 4 – Enter 6 digit code from the MS Authenticator app So, it’s not as easy as the PUSH method, but, this process still works just fine. Also, if you find yourself in a spot where you have no mobile service, you can always use WiFi calling: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-wifi-calling-iphone-ios/ Thnx, -S So, just don’t lose your PW. groovyPost.com Comment
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