Using A Google Voice Number For MFA

Overview

This article provides instructions for adding a Google Voice phone number as a phone-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) method in your AACC Microsoft account. Using Google Voice is also an option for students who do not have access to a personal phone or mobile device. This option may be helpful if you prefer not to use a personal mobile number or need an alternative phone-based MFA method.

Issue

Some users prefer not to use their personal mobile phone number for MFA or may need a separate, reliable phone number to receive MFA calls or text messages. Google Voice can provide a free phone number that can be used for MFA verification.

Instructions

Step 1: Create a Google Voice Number

  1. Go to https://voice.google.com.
  2. Sign in with your Google Account, or create a Google Account if you do not already have one.
  3. Search for an available Google Voice number by city or area code.
  4. Next to the number you want, click Select.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Google Voice number.

See Set up Google Voice from Google for more detailed instructions.

Step 2: Adjust Google Voice Settings (Important for MFA Calls)

If you plan to use phone calls (instead of text messages) for MFA:

  1. In Google Voice, open Settings.
  2. Select Calls.
  3. Turn Screen calls off. This setting should be disabled to promptly answer authentication requests. 

Google voice screen calls toggle.

Step 3: Add the Google Voice Number to Microsoft Security Info

  1. In your web browser, go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup. Sign in.
    • Or go to Outlook in the browser > Select your profile picture/initials in the top right > View account > Security info
  2. Click + Add sign-in method.
  3. Choose a Phone option.
  4. Enter your Google Voice phone number. 
  5. Select whether you want to receive a call or text message. Note: only Primary Phone can be used for text messages. Adding phone number for MFA
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify the number.
    • If you chose Call, be ready to answer the call on your computer or device and press # when prompted.
    • If you chose Text, enter the verification code you receive.

Answering an authentication call in Google Voice:

Answering a phone call in google voice.

Receiving an authentication text message in Google Voice:

Receiving a text with Google Voice

Once completed, your Google Voice number will be added as an MFA sign-in method.

Troubleshooting

  • Not receiving MFA calls:
    • Verify that Screen Calls is turned off in Google Voice settings.
    • Confirm your microphone and speakers are working if answering calls on your computer.
  • Not receiving MFA text messages:
    • Ensure your Google Voice number is active and able to receive SMS messages.
    • Refresh Google Voice or sign out and back in.
  • Verification fails:Double-check that the phone number was entered correctly, including the area code.
    • Try switching from call to text (or vice versa) during setup.
  • Still having issues?
    • Contact the Technical Service Desk for assistance with MFA setup.
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