How to Download, Setup and Use Multi-Factor Authentication (Students / Alumni)

Please reference the appropriate section for steps to download the Microsoft Authenticator app depending on if you have an iPhone or an Android.

iPhone

Steps at a Glance 

Open the App Store  Tap Search  Type Authenticator and tap Search  Tap Microsoft Authenticator  Tap Get to install the app  Confirm the install as prompted  Wait for the install to complete

Similarly, you can also scan the QR Code below to download the Microsoft Authenticator App. If you are having issues with scanning the QR Code, you can follow the Steps at a Glance or follow the detailed steps below:

Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and iOS version. 

Detailed Steps on How to Download the Microsoft Authenticator	Images to Help Guide you to Success
1. Open the App Store
2. Tap Search
3. Tap Authenticator and tap Search (or tap one of the pre-populated results)
4. Tap Microsoft Authenticator **Note: The app store contains other applications that mimic the look of Microsoft Authenticator - Ensure you are downloading the genuine version by scrolling down and seeing if Microsoft Corporation is listed as the seller.
5. Tap Get to install the app
6. Follow the prompt on your iPhone to Confirm the install
7. The install is complete when you see the Open button

 

Android

Steps at a Glance 

Open the Play Store Tap the search box Search Authenticator Select Microsoft Authenticator Tap Install Confirm the install if prompted Wait for the install to complete

Similarly, you can also scan the QR Code below to download the Microsoft Authenticator App. If you are having issues with scanning the QR Code, you can follow the Steps at a Glance or follow the detailed steps below:

Important Note: The Android operating system is highly customizable and runs on devices from many different manufacturers (i.e. Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and many more). As a result, these steps may vary slightly from device to device. 

Detailed Steps on How to Download the Microsoft Authenticator	Images to Help Guide you to Success
1. Open the Play Store
2. Tap anywhere in the search box
3. Type Authenticator and tap the search button, or one of the pre-populated results
4. Tap Microsoft Authenticator
5. Tap Install to install the app
6. Follow any prompts on your device to confirm the install	Varies per device
7. The install is complete when you see the Open button

These steps will need to be performed in the following scenarios: 

• Initial setup on your primary mobile device (and secondary device if applicable) 

• After performing a factory reset of your mobile device 

• Setting up a new mobile device 

These steps will need to be performed, when prompted, during the sign-in process. 

Steps at a Glance 

1. Sign in to the applicable TWU application or web page using your TWU account 

2. After entering your username and password, notice the 2-digit number that appears at the sign-in screen 

3. From your mobile device, tap the Approve sign-in? notification (or simply open the Authenticator app) 

4. Enter the 2-digit number displayed from the sign-in screen and tap Yes 

Detailed Steps on Using Microsoft Authenticator (MFA)

Sign in to the applicable TWU application or web page using your TWU account 

Note: while this example uses twu.ca/email, these steps can be performed anywhere you use your TWU credentials (i.e. Moodle, ADP, Campus Portal etc.).

After entering your username and password, notice the 2-digit number that appears at the sign-in screen (in this example, 18) 

 From your mobile device, tap the Approve sign-in? notification (or simply open the Authenticator app) 

Double check the location of the prompt. Make sure that the location matches where you are. If it matches, Enter the 2-digit number displayed from the sign-in screen (in this example, 18). Tap Yes 

Note: If you get this prompt and the location is in another country or far away - select "No it's not me" and file a ticket with the Service Hub right away, saying that you received an MFA prompt that wasn't you. 

Approve sign-in when prompted. 

Note: this will vary per device and how you have your unlock setup. This could be a prompt for fingerprint, PIN, FaceID or password.

Your sign in is complete!

If you don't want to download Microsoft Authenticator - you have the option of setting up MFA using your Phone/SMS (Text Message)

Initial Setup 

These steps will need to be performed in the following scenarios: 

• Initial setup on your primary mobile phone number 

• Setting up a new phone number 

1. Log in to your TWU account (you can go to twu.ca/email as an example)

2. Click "Next" when prompted for "More information Required"

3. Select "I want to set up a different method" at the bottom under "next"

4. From the Choose a different method drop-down, select Phone and click Confirm 

5. Enter your phone number and select a preference. Click Next 

6. If you selected Receive a code, you will receive a text message. Open the message. 

7. Enter the verification code in the sign-in prompt and click Next 

8. Click Next 

9. Click Done 

Signing In 

When signing-in in the future, repeat steps 6-7 when prompted after entering your password. 

What if I cannot or do not want to use Microsoft Authenticator? 

1. Other methods of using MFA are available on an as-needed basis. If you are unable to use a mobile phone, please contact The Service Hub as soon as possible to arrange an alternative. We recommend using a mobile phone as it is one of the easiest devices for people to remember to carry with them. 

What do I do if I receive an Authenticator notification but I didn’t sign in? 

1. If you receive an Authenticator notification that you did not initiate, or you do not recognize the location shown in the prompt, someone may have discovered your password and is attempting to log in to your account.  

It is very important to tap NO, IT’S NOT ME. You will then be prompted to reset your password.  

The QR code isn’t scanning properly during the initial setup. 

1. Click Can’t scan image? and follow the prompts. 

I don’t see Authenticator notifications 

1. Ensure notifications are enabled on your mobile device: 

If you have any additional questions regarding MFA, you can review our knowledge base or if you are having issues and need to ask a question, you can use the "Request Service" button.