Adding your Microsoft account to Google Authenticator enhances your account security by requiring a time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by the app in addition to your password when you sign in. This process is part of setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your Microsoft account.
The standard method involves accessing your Microsoft account's security settings and linking the authenticator app.
Here are the steps to add your Microsoft account to Google Authenticator:
- Access Security Settings: Sign in to your Microsoft 365 account using a web browser.
- Navigate to Verification Page: Go to the Security verification page.
- Select Authenticator App: On the Security verification page, find the option for using an authenticator app and check the box for “Authenticator app”.
- Initiate Configuration: Click the “Configure” button to begin the setup process.
- View QR Code: A QR code will be displayed on your screen. This code contains the necessary information for the Google Authenticator app to generate codes for your account.
- Open Google Authenticator: On your mobile device, open the Google Authenticator app.
- Add Account: In the Google Authenticator app, tap the “+” icon to add a new account. You will typically be given the option to "Scan a QR code" or "Enter a setup key." Choose the option to scan the QR code.
- Scan the Code: Use your mobile device's camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
Once the QR code is successfully scanned, your Microsoft account will appear in your Google Authenticator app, and it will start generating a new code every 30-60 seconds. You will then need to use this code during the sign-in process for your Microsoft account when prompted for verification.
After setting up, you may need to verify the link by entering the current code shown in the Google Authenticator app into your Microsoft account's setup page. Complete any final steps on the Microsoft security page to finalize the setup.
This process significantly increases the security of your Microsoft account against unauthorized access.
