How to Access Outlook QR Code for Authenticator App (Full 2026 Tutorial), by Adam Explains How on YouTube. 1 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Open a browser on your computer and sign in at account.microsoft.com using the Outlook address you want to protect.
Click Security at the top, then look for Advanced security options or Manage how I sign in.
Find Two-step verification and turn it on, then click Next to start the setup wizard.
Choose Authenticator app as your method and click Set up, or pick Add a new way to sign in or verify.
A square QR code appears on the screen. Leave that page open, because the code is what pairs your phone to the account.
Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play if it is not on your phone yet.
Open the app, tap the plus icon at the top right, choose Add account, then Personal account, then Scan QR code and allow camera access.
Point your phone camera at the QR code on the computer screen and hold it steady until the account name appears in the app.
Approve the test notification or type the six digit code the app shows, then click Next to finish.
Copy the recovery code Microsoft gives you and store it somewhere safe, then add a backup email or phone number.
Tips and common mistakes
The QR code times out after a few minutes, so reload the setup page to get a fresh one if scanning fails.
If the camera will not focus, choose the manual entry option and type the secret key shown next to the QR code.
Never send a screenshot of the QR code to anyone, because it can be used to add your account to another phone.
Keep the recovery code offline. Without it, losing your phone can lock you out of your own mailbox.
Questions
Where exactly is the QR code in Outlook?
It is not in the Outlook inbox. It appears on the Microsoft account security pages after you pick Authenticator app during two-step verification setup.
Can I use Google Authenticator instead of Microsoft Authenticator?
Yes. Any authenticator app that supports time based codes works. Choose the manual entry option and type the secret key rather than scanning.
Do I have to scan the QR code on the same phone I use for email?
No. The code links the account to the app, so you can scan it with any phone and still sign in to Outlook on your computer.
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.
