Overview
This article explains how to add and link your Columbia College account to the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app once installed on your mobile device. Completing this setup enables multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts for secure login to Columbia College systems.
Applies to: Staff Faculty Students
Before You Begin
- Have your mobile smartphone available to download and configure the app.
- Ensure you have a secondary device (such as a computer or laptop) displaying the QR code during MFA setup.
Step-by-Step Guide
Instructions
1 Download the Microsoft Authenticator App
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your mobile device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) if you have not already done so.
2 Add an Account in the App
Open the app on your mobile device to begin adding your Columbia College account.
●Tap the "+" icon located in the top-right corner of the screen, or
●Tap the blue Add account button at the bottom of the screen.
3 Select Account Type
When prompted to choose what kind of account you are adding:
●Select Work or school account.
4 Scan the QR Code
Link your account to your mobile device using the camera scanner.
●Select the Scan QR code option in the app.
●Use your mobile phone camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer or secondary device.
5 Verify Account Setup
Your Columbia College MFA account is now linked to Microsoft Authenticator.
●When prompted to log in to Columbia College systems protected by MFA, approve the authentication notification or enter the code generated on your app.
Important Note
The QR code must be displayed on a secondary device (such as a desktop computer or laptop) so that you can scan it using your phone's camera. If the QR code is appearing on your phone screen, restart the setup process from a separate computer or tablet.
Support & Assistance
Get Help
If you are running into trouble setting up Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile device, contact the Solutions Center or submit a support ticket:
Phone: (573) 875-4357 (please have both your mobile device and secondary device ready)
Walk-in: Solutions Center on Columbia College main campus (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT)