This page covers:
- Managing your sign-in methods
- Adding additional sign-in methods
- Updating your default sign-in method
- Changing an existing sign-in method
Managing your sign-in methods (second factors)
You can change, remove and update multi-factor authentication methods in your University Microsoft account.
Visit My Sign-ins in your University Microsoft account.
Here, you can view and manage all of your authentication methods.
Adding more sign-in methods (second factors)
Why should I set up additional sign-in methods?
You must use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to sign in to your University IT account. This is more secure than a password.
Adding additional sign-in methods (second factors) ensures you never lose access to your account. For example, if you damaged your phone but had the authenticator app on a tablet, you can still sign in to your account.
You can also use some of the sign-in methods below to recover your password if you forget it. Find out more about which sign-in methods you can use for password recovery.
What sign-in methods can I use?
You can choose from:
- an authenticator app to generate a code or notification
- your phone to receive a text message with a code
- your mobile or landline to receive a call
- a hardware token to generate a code
- a passkey in an authentication app
- security key or passkey
- security key
Authenticator app
We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app as one of your 2 sign-in methods. It generates a one-time passcode (OTP) for you. Install it on your mobile devices via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). If you have phone and a tablet, install it on both your devices in case you lose one. You can only install the app on mobile devices, not your laptop or desktop computer.
If you’re already using another authentication app, you can select "I want to use a different authenticator app" as you go through the set-up steps.
Setting up Microsoft Authenticator
Phone
Get a code sent to your mobile phone by SMS text message. You can also get a voice call to any landline number (it doesn’t have to be your office phone).
WhatsApp users: Messages get sent to WhatsApp when you’re online.
Teams Phone users: You can use your Microsoft Teams Phone number, if you have one. To use the hash key (#) during set-up, select the Dialpad icon:
- How to get calls to your landline or mobile phone
- Getting verification codes sent to your mobile phone via text message or WhatsApp
Hardware token
The University provides hardware tokens if you work in a lab and can’t take in a mobile device, or you have special accessibility needs. We don't provide tokens because you choose not to use your personal device.
Using a hardware token to generate codes
Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator (or another authentication app)
Set up your device or Microsoft Authenticator app to use your passkey so you can sign in with your fingerprint, face or PIN.
You can use other authentication apps. Select "I want to use a different authenticator app" as you go through the set-up steps.
Setting up Microsoft Authenticator
Security key (software) or passkey
Passkeys are a replacement for your password. You can sign in using your face, fingerprint, or PIN.
Your biometric data stays on your device. It is never shared with Microsoft.
Security key (hardware)
A security key is a physical device that's used with a unique PIN to sign in.
UIS Does not supply security key devices. There are many products on the market. You ‘ll need one that is FIDO2 compliant and compatible with Microsoft. For example, the YubiKey 5C NFC.
Updating your email apps
You might need to update your email app settings after setting up your MFA sign-in methods.
Updating your default sign-in method
Visit My Sign-ins in your University Microsoft account to update your default authentication.
Select 'Change'.
Select a new method from the drop-down menu, then select 'Confirm'.
Changing an existing sign-in method
Visit My Sign-ins in your University Microsoft account to change the details of an existing method (for example, change the phone number) or delete a method in the list.
Getting help
If you need help setting up or using your 2 sign-in methods, contact the UIS Service Desk or use the Live Chat.
Proof of identity
We need to make sure that you are the owner of the Microsoft account before we can help you set up your security info. We’ll ask for your:
- CRSid
- full email address
- date of birth
- College or department, and
- the year you joined the University.
We may then need to arrange a video call or WhatsApp chat. You'll need to show either your passport or photo driving licence as proof of identity.
Related information
- Setting up your email apps
- Setting up your sign-in methods (second factors)
- Setting your sign-in methods (second factors) for the first time