When the Microsoft Authenticator app asks for verification during set up, it is referring to the standard unlock method for your smartphone. This could be your PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition, or another screen lock you normally use to unlock your smartphone.

Authenticator does this for added security. If you would like to remove this additional login security, and not be prompted each time, follow these instructions to disable it.

Part 1: Installing the Microsoft Authenticator app

1.) Tap App Store on your smartphone.

2.) Search for Microsoft Authenticator.

3.) Tap Download.

Part 2: Setting up Microsoft Authenticator using a desktop or laptop

1.) Go to Accessuh.uh.edu.

2.) Click Login.

3.) Enter the Microsoft 365 email address.

4.) Click Next.

5.) Enter the Microsoft 365 CougarNet password.

6.) Click Sign in. 

7.) Click Next.

8.) Click Next.

9.) Click Next.

10.) Tap the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.

Note: If the Microsoft Authenticator app prompts you for a PIN or biometric verification, enter the same PIN or use the same face or fingerprint recognition you normally use to unlock your phone to begin the registration process.

11.) Tap Accept.

12.) Tap Continue.

13.) Tap Scan a QR code.

**If Microsoft Authenticator is set up for another account, tap the blue Scan QR code button in the lower-right corner.**

14.) If prompted, allow the Microsoft Authenticator app permission to use the camera. 

15.) Go back to the computer screen and aim the smartphone at the QR code to allow a scan. (Note: DO NOT USE this QR Code as it is for instructional use only.)

16.) Click Next. 

Note: The following screen will appear next.

17.) Go back to your smartphone and enter those two digits in Microsoft Authenticator.

18.) Tap Yes.

Note: The following screen will appear next.

19.) Go back to your smartphone and enter those two digits in Microsoft Authenticator.

20.) Tap Yes.

Note: After installing the Microsoft Authenticator app, confirm that push notifications are enabled so you can receive and approve authentication requests.

Part 3: Adding a Phone Number as a Second Method of Authentication

1.) Enter phone number.

2.) Select Text a code or Call.

3.) Click Next.

4.) Enter the code from the text message you received.

5.) Click Next. 

6.) Click Done. 

7.) Click Done.