About Microsoft Authenticator
Applies To
Microsoft Authenticator is a free app that helps you sign in to all your accounts without using a password - just use a fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN.
You can use Authenticator to sign in to your Microsoft personal, work, school or other accounts.
Note: Starting February 2026, we will introduce Jailbreak/Root detection for work/school Entra credentials in Microsoft Authenticator. This change enhances security by preventing Authenticator Entra credentials from functioning on jailbroken or rooted devices. Learn more.
Authenticator can be used three ways:
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As a way to verify sign-in if you forget your password.
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As a way to sign in every time, by using a one-time password code to increase account security. This is called two-step verification or multi-factor authentication.
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As the only way to sign in - just tap an approval on your phone to sign in. This is called going passwordless.
Just follow the three steps to start using Authenticator to sign in.