Tarleton uses Microsoft Authenticator for multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA adds a second layer of security to protect accounts and transactions, and is required for all Tarleton accounts. This guide will go over how to set up and use Microsoft Authenticator with your Tarleton account.
This guide is intended for new Tarleton students, faculty, and staff needing to set up Microsoft Authenticator for the first time. If you need to restore Microsoft Authenticator after deleting the app or changing phones, please use the
Restore Microsoft Authenticator guide.
Download Microsoft Authenticator | Add Tarleton Account to Authenticator | Using Authenticator
Download Microsoft Authenticator
You will need to download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your smartphone. The app is available free for both iPhone and Android.
If you do not have a smartphone, or do not wish to use your smartphone, please contact ITS to request an alternative hardware token. You can call the Service Desk at 254-968-9885 or submit a ticket and ask for a hardware token.
Multifactor Authentication Service Request Form
Instructions
On an iPhone, open the Apple App Store.
On an Android, open the Google Play Store.
If prompted, log in with your Apple or Google ID.
Tap on Search.
In the search field, type in "microsoft authenticator".
Find Microsoft Authenticator.
It is usually the second item listed, with the first item being an unrelated ad. Be sure you are downloading "Microsoft Authenticator" only.
Download Microsoft Authenticator, following your smartphone's instructions.
Close the App/Play Store, find the Microsoft Authenticator app, and tap on it to open.
Add Your Tarleton Account to Microsoft Authenticator
Once you have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed and open, you will need to use a computer or other device to log into your Tarleton account and associate it with the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Instructions
Using a computer or a device other than your smartphone, open a web browser and go to https://office.com
Click Sign In and enter your Tarleton email address and password.
You may be asked to verify your identify by receiving a text or call to your personal phone number associated with your Tarleton account.
A window stating More Information Required will come up. Click Next.
The next set of windows will be to connect your Tarleton account to your Microsoft Authenticator app. Click Next through the next two windows until you see a QR code.
Keep the page with the QR code up and go back to your smartphone.
Open Microsoft Authenticator.
If opening for the first time, you want it to add an account, select Work or School Account, and then to add using a QR code.
If Microsoft Authenticator app has already been opened, then go through these steps for the same result:
Tap on the + button in the upper right.
Select Work or School Account.
Select Scan QR Code. If prompted for access to your camera, allow it.
Scan the QR code on the web page with your phone. This will add your Tarleton account to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Go back to your other device with the web page open. Click Next on the web page.
An authorization test will occur. A two-digit code will appear on the web page, and you'll be prompted to enter the same two-digit code in Microsoft Authenticator on your phone.
After entering the correct code in Microsoft Authenticator, the web page will show notification approved. Click Next.
A success page will come up. You can click Next/Done.
If you do not have a second sign-in method already set up with Microsoft Authenticator, then you will be prompted to set one up.
It will default to a Phone option, which we recommend. Enter your smartphone's number, make sure Receive a Code is selected, and then click Next.
If you do not wish to use your personal phone number for the second sign-in method, you can also set up your Tarleton office phone number. Skip to the section below about using your Tarleton office phone instead.
You will receive a text message with a verification code. Enter it into the next web page to confirm your phone number.
Once Microsoft Authenticator set up is complete, the office.com site will then come up, logged in with your Tarleton account.
Using Tarleton Office Phone Instead of Personal Smartphone
This is optional if you would prefer to use your Tarleton office phone rather than a personal phone number. Be aware, the office phone can only support voice call verification, and you will only be able to use this sign-in method in your office.
Instead of entering a phone number, click "I want to set up a different method".
Click Choose a Method, and then select Office Phone.
Enter your Tarleton office phone number.
A verification phone call will come to your phone. Answer the phone and follow the directions given from the calling system.
Do NOT select email as a sign-in method. Tarleton email cannot be accepted, and personal email will not receive verification codes. You must use a phone number of some kind.
Once Microsoft Authenticator set up is complete, the office.com site will then come up, logged in with your Tarleton account.
Using Microsoft Authenticator When Signing In
When logging into most Tarleton resources, you will be prompted to use Microsoft Authenticator. It will occur after entering your password. This is what to expect with the process each time.
An Approve Sign In Request window will come up and list a two-digit code.
On your smartphone, Microsoft Authenticator will notify you that you have a sign in request.
- Tap on the notification to go directly into Microsoft Authenticator.
- If you miss the notification, you can open Microsoft Authenticator app directly.
In the Microsoft Authenticator app, enter the two-digit code and tap Yes.
The Microsoft Authenticator app will also ask for your smartphone's passcode. If you use fingerprint or face ID with your smartphone, then it may use that system instead.
After the two-digit code has been entered, and the phone's passcode has been confirmed, then it will transmit the all clear to your login attempt.