How to Change your Default Sign-in Method to Microsoft Authenticator

This article provides step-by-step instructions for changing your default multi-factor authentication (MFA) sign-in method to Microsoft Authenticator (notification) within your Microsoft account settings.

Problem Summary

Users need to update their default sign-in method for multi-factor authentication but are unsure how to switch to Microsoft Authenticator push notifications.

Environment

• Microsoft 365 (Office 365)
• Microsoft Authenticator App
• Web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari)
• Applicable to employees, faculty, and staff using Microsoft MFA

Issue

The user’s default MFA method is not set to Microsoft Authenticator (notification), which may lead to less efficient or less secure sign-in experiences.

Resolution

Follow these steps to change your default sign-in method:

1. Log into your Microsoft account:

   • Go to https://myaccount.microsoft.com
     OR
   • Go to https://office.com, sign in, click your profile icon (top right), and select View account

2. In your account dashboard:

   • Locate the Security Info section (right side of the page)
   • Click Update Info

3. On the Security Info page:

   • Find your current default sign-in method
   • Click Change next to it

4. In the drop-down menu:

   • Select Microsoft Authenticator – notification

5. Click Confirm

6. A confirmation pop-up will appear, and your default method will now display as:

   • Microsoft Authenticator – notification

Expected Result

Your default multi-factor authentication method is successfully updated to Microsoft Authenticator push notifications, allowing you to approve sign-in requests directly from your mobile device.

Cause

By default, users may have another authentication method (such as SMS or phone call) set as their primary MFA option. This setting must be manually updated in the Security Info page.

Additional Information

• Microsoft Authenticator notifications are generally more secure than SMS-based authentication.
• Ensure the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed and configured on your mobile device before making this change.
• If you do not see the Authenticator option, you may need to add it as a sign-in method first.

For further support, please reach out to Employee Technical Support, Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 4:45pm, at (585) 292-TECH (8324).

Keywords

Microsoft Authenticator, MFA, multi-factor authentication, default sign-in method, security info, Microsoft 365, push notification, authentication settings