Configure Microsoft Authenticator on New Phone

Overview

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) requires multifactor authentication (MFA) for:

• All faculty and staff accounts for accessing web-based services and VPN using their @aacc.edu account
• New credit students (accounts created on or after July 7) for accessing MyAACC and Microsoft 365 services using their @mymail.aacc.edu account

MFA options include:

• Microsoft Authenticator App: provides number matching and is more secure
• Phone call or text message: available to students as alternate options
• Security Key: available to students and requires a physical USB key

Issue

If you recently purchased a new mobile device and migrated data from your old phone, your Microsoft Authenticator App may not function correctly. You will need to reconfigure MFA on your new phone.

Instructions

Set Up Microsoft Authenticator on Your New Phone

1. Remove the account from Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone (if applicable*)
   *Note: If your account and apps were automatically migrated from your old phone, remove the account. Skip to step 2 if your phone was not migrated. 
   • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app
   • Tap your account
   • Tap the Settings gear icon
   • Select Remove account
   • 
2. Visit MFA Settings on a Computer:
   Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
3. Sign in with your AACC email address:
   Examples:
   • username@aacc.edu for employees
   • username@mymail.aacc.edu for students
4. Approve sign-in with an alternate method
   (e.g., phone call, text, or previously configured backup method)
   If no backup method is available, call the Technical Service Desk for assistance at 410-777-HELP (4357). The Service Desk can reset your MFA settings after verifying your identity.
   • 
5. If your MFA was reset by the Service Desk:
   You'll be prompted to register for MFA the next time you sign in.
   Click Next when prompted.
6. If accessing MFA settings directly:
   After signing in, you'll be redirected to Security Info.
   • Delete the old Microsoft Authenticator method if present
   • Select + Add sign-in method
   • Choose Authenticator App, then click Next
   • 
7. On your new phone:
   • Install the Microsoft Authenticator App from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) if not already installed
   • Open the app and tap the + icon
   • Select Work or school account
   • Choose Scan QR code
8. Back on your computer:
   Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a QR code
   Use your new phone to scan the code
9. Complete test notification
   Approve the sign-in on your phone to finish setup

Troubleshooting

• If you're still having issues:
  • Open the Microsoft Authenticator App
  • Tap your account
  • Select the Settings icon
  • Tap Remove account
  • Try adding the account again using steps above

Note: If you did not configure alternate contact information when first setting up MFA, you won’t be able to use an alternate method to sign in. Please contact the Technical Service Desk.