Office 365: Registering for MFA without the Authenticator App

Introduction

This article describes the steps to register your account for Office 365 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) without using a smartphone or the Authenticator App. By following these instructions, you will be able to replace the Authenticator App and Text Message with a Phone call and Email. 

These instructions expect you have read Office 365: Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication and Password Reset

Note: you will register two (2) authentication methods that can be used as part of MFA.

Approximate time to complete steps: 7 – 12 minutes

Login to your RIC Office 365 

To begin registering your RIC account for Office 365 MFA follow these instructions:

1. From your desktop or laptop, go to https://login.microsoftonline.com
2. Log in with your Office 365 (email) account
3. Once logged in, a dialog window will prompts you with More information required to keep your account secure
4. Choose an option:
   1. Click Skip for now to skip the MFA registration
   2. Click Next to begin the MFA registration

IMPORTANT: You can skip the MFA registration for no more than 14 days. After 14 days, you are required to register your account for MFA.

Authentication Method 1: Phone

• Since you are not using the app, you will need to change the method from the Authenticator app to phone number.
  1. Click on I want to set up a different method ( (1) in screen shot on the right)
  2. Select Caret character ((2) in screen shot on the right)
  3. Choose Phone ((3) in screen shot on the right) and Click Confirm
      
• Follow the instructions on your screen
  1. Enter your desired phone number (land line or mobile number)
  2. Choose either Text me a code or Call me
  3. Click Next
      

Option 1: Call Me

A call is placed to the number you provided.

1. Answer the phone call.
2. The recorded voice message will instruct you to press the pound (#) symbol on your phone's keypad.
3. After pressing the pound sign, your mobile number is successfully registered. Click Next.
    

Option 2: Text me a code

A text message with a 6 digit-code is sent to your mobile number. 

1. On your phone, check for a message with a 6-digit code with the text Use this code for Microsoft verification.
2. In your browser window, enter the code into the "Enter code" field and click Next.
3. Your phone is now registered as a method of authentication! Click Next.

Congratulations! You have set up the first authentication method for your account!
Click Next in the computer browser to set up method 2.

Authentication Method 2: Email

• Since you are not using the app, you will need to change the method from the Authenticator app to email instead of Authenticator app.

1. Click on I want to set up a different method 
2. Select "Caret" character 
3. Choose Email

• Follow the instructions on your screen
  1. Enter the email address that you want to use. (Do not use the email address of the Office 365 account for which you are setting up MFA)
  2. Click Next
      
• On the provided email you will receive an email from msonlineservicesteam@microsoftonline.com with the Subject "Rhode Island College account email verification code". This email contains a 6-digit code
  1. Enter the code in the computer browser window
  2. Click Next

Congratulations! You have successfully completed both methods of authentication to secure your account.

To close the completed registration, click Done.