How to enable two-factor authentication on Outlook

What you need

• Microsoft account used for Outlook
• Phone with an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator
• Backup phone number or email address
• Pen and paper or password manager for the recovery code

Steps

1. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Outlook. You can use a computer or phone browser.

2. Open Advanced security options, then find the Two-step verification section and select Turn on two-step verification.

3. Confirm your identity with your password or a code sent to your phone or backup email.

4. Choose Authenticator app, scan the QR code with Microsoft Authenticator or a similar app, then type the six-digit code it shows.

5. Add a backup phone number or email address so you can still get in if your main phone is lost.

6. Copy the recovery code and keep it somewhere offline, such as a password manager or paper note.

7. Sign out of Outlook and sign back in. Enter your password, then approve the sign-in in the app or type the new code.

8. If your work or school account is managed by an admin, add the sign-in method at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info instead.

Tips and common mistakes

Questions

Is two-step verification the same as 2FA?

Yes. Microsoft uses the name two-step verification for personal accounts, and it works the same way as two-factor authentication.

Do I need the Microsoft Authenticator app?

No. You can use another authenticator app, a phone number, or a backup email, but an app is usually the most reliable.

What happens if I lose my phone?

Use your saved recovery code or a backup phone or email to sign in, then set up a new method. For a work account, contact your admin.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.