Manually add an account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (2024)

If your camera is unable to capture the QR code, you can manually add your account information to the Microsoft Authenticator app for two-factor verification. This works for work or school accounts and non-Microsoft accounts.

The codes provided for your accounts aren't case-sensitive and don't require spaces when added into the Authenticator app.

Important:Before you can add your account, you have to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you haven't done that yet, follow the steps in theDownload and install the apparticle.

Add your work or school account

1. On your computer, note theCodeandUrlinformation on theConfigure mobile apppage. Keep this page open so you can see the code and URL.

   

2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, and then selectWork or school account.

3. SelectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

   

4. Enter theCodeandURLfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Add your Google account

1. On your computer, selectCAN'T SCAN ITfrom theSet up Authenticatorpage with the QR code.

2. TheCan't scan barcodepage appears with the secret code. Keep this page open so you can see the secret code.

3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Google) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

5. On theSet up Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Google account, and then selectVerify.

6. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note:For more information about two-factor verification and your Google account, seeTurn on 2-Step VerificationandLearn more about 2-Step Verification.

Add your Facebook account

1. On theSet up via Third Party Authenticatorpage, which includes the QR code, and a code written out for entry into your app. Keep this page open so you can see the code.

2. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

3. Enter anAccount name(for example, Facebook) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

4. On theTwo-Factor Authenticatorpage on your computer, type the verification code provided in the app for your Facebook account, and then selectVerify.

5. TheAccountsscreen of the app shows you your account name and a verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code multiple times.

Note

For more information about two-factor verification and your Facebook account, seeWhat is two-factor authentication and how does it work?.

Add your Amazon account

You can add your Amazon account by turning on two-factor verification and then adding the account to the app.

1. On your computer, selectCan't scan the barcodefrom theChoose how you'll receive codespage with the QR code.

2. TheCan't scan the barcodemessage appears with the secret code. Keep this message open so you can see the secret code.

3. Open the Authenticator app, selectAdd accountfrom theCustomize and controlicon in the upper-right, selectOther account (Google, Facebook, etc.), and then selectOR ENTER CODE MANUALLY.

4. Enter anAccount name(for example, Amazon) and type theSecret keyfrom Step 1, and then selectFinish.

5. Complete the rest of the sign-up process, including adding a backup verification method such as a text message, and then selectSend code.

6. On theAdd a backup verification methodpage on your computer, type the verification code provided by your backup verification method for your Amazon account, and then selectVerify code and continue.

7. On the Almost done page, decide whether to make your computer a trusted device, and then selectGot it. Turn on Two-Step Verification.

8. TheAdvanced Security Settingspage appears, showing your updated two-factor verification details.

Next steps

• After you add your accounts to the app, you can sign in using the Authenticator app on your device. For more information, seeSign in using the app.

• If you're having trouble getting your verification code for your personal Microsoft account, see theTroubleshooting verification code issuessection of thearticle.

• For devices running iOS, you can also back up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. For more information, seeBackup and recover with the Microsoft Authenticator app.