Every day, people around the world access several digital platforms: it could be their social media handle, their Microsoft , an e-commerce platform, or one of the many instant messaging applications. One must create an with a name and to use these platforms. how some platforms showcase a 'this name is taken' message? It is to ensure that all the s have unique credentials, which help the platform recognize the s.
While most platforms require only one credential, i.e., the to let a , some platforms follow advanced security protocols. As a result, these platforms might ask s to set up more than one log-in credential, for instance, two-factor authentication (2FA) via third-party apps such as Microsoft Authenticator. Such applications are called authentication apps and help s increase the security of their digital identities and related information.
In simple words, Microsoft Authenticator App is a tool that provides additional security to s' digital s. Technically, Microsoft Authenticator is the company's 2FA application that generates unique codes that are required to access linked s. authenticating applications such as Google Authenticator or Authy, Microsoft Authenticator generates unique six or eight-digit codes that keep changing every 30 seconds. When s try to to a linked , the platform asks for the code generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Set Up Microsoft Authenticator
Android and iOS s can the Microsoft Authenticator App from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. As the s open it, the application will ask them to create or sign in via a Microsoft , which will open the security dashboard. As s sign up with their Microsoft , the application should pick up the by default. For adding another Microsoft , s should tap on the three dots at the top right, select 'Add ,' and tap on either 'Personal ' or 'Work or school ' and add the by g in or scanning a QR code.
To add a non-Microsoft , tap on the three dots, select 'Add ,' and tap on the 'Other ' option. After that, head over to the platform/website which needs 2FA (it should via third-party authenticator apps), locate and select the option to enable 2FA using an app. This should open a QR code/six-digit on the screen or a unique code. Scan the QR code or enter the six-digit code in the Microsoft Authenticator app, assign a name to the , and that's it.
Source: Microsoft