How to - Set Up a Passkey on Microsoft Authenticator for Microsoft MFA

Overview

This guide walks you through creating and registering a passkey in the Microsoft Authenticator app for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). A passkey replaces your password with your mobile device biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) or device PIN, providing a faster and more secure sign-in experience for your Columbia College account.

Applies to: Faculty Staff Students
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
  • An active Columbia College Microsoft 365 account.
  • A mobile device (iOS or Android) with the latest version of the Microsoft Authenticator app installed.
  • Device screen lock enabled on your mobile device (e.g., Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, or device PIN/passcode).
  • Bluetooth enabled on both your computer and your mobile device (required to establish physical proximity when registering via QR code).
  • Make sure your device has at least Android 14 or iOS 17, and that Authenticator is updated to the latest version.

Step-by-Step Guide

Instructions

1 Sign In to Your Microsoft Security Info Page

Navigate to the Microsoft account security settings on your computer.

●Open a web browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.

●Sign in using your full Columbia College email address and password, then complete your existing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) verification.

2 Add a New Sign-In Method

Initiate the setup of a new authentication method from your Security Info dashboard.

●Click the + Add sign-in method button at the top of the methods list.

●In the drop-down menu, select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator (or Passkey), then click Add.

3 Scan the Setup QR Code with Your Mobile Device or Passkey in the Microsoft Authenticator App

Link your Microsoft Authenticator app using your device camera or create the passkey 

●A QR code will appear on your computer screen.

●Open your mobile device camera (or the QR scanner in the Microsoft Authenticator app) and scan the code displayed on your screen.

●If the QR does not appear, Microsoft will have you create the passkey within their authenticator app. Click your school account and then "Add Passkey"

 

4 Authenticate and Create the Passkey

Verify your identity on your mobile device to complete passkey creation.

●When prompted on your phone, authenticate using your device biometric verification (Face ID / Touch ID / Fingerprint) or enter your device screen PIN/passcode.

●The Microsoft Authenticator app will confirm that your passkey has been successfully saved to your device.

5 Confirm and Finish on Your Computer

Complete the registration process on your browser.

●Return to your computer screen and click Done or Next.

●You will now see your passkey listed under your registered authentication methods in the Security Info list. 

 

Important Note / Signing In with a Passkey

When signing in to Columbia College services in the future, select Sign in with a passkey or Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key on the login screen. Ensure Bluetooth is active on your device when authenticating across different devices.

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