Microsoft 365 offers methods to make changes to your current 2-step verification, such as adding a new phone number or device to complete 2-step verification. This can also be used to set the Microsoft Authenticator app up on a new device, provided that the phone number has not changed.
Note: If you are currently running into issues with Microsoft 365 2-step verification, please visit
2-Step for Office 365 - MFA Reset for steps to reset the Microsoft 365 2-step verification.
- Please start by signing in at office.unc.edu
- Click on your profile photo or initials at the top-right
- Click View account
- Click Update info within the Security info section
- To add a new device, click Add sign in method near the top
- Microsoft offers four different methods that can be used for 2-step verification:
- Authenticator app (recommended): This option will guide you through setting up an app, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app, on your mobile device.
- Phone: This will allow to set up a phone to receive calls/texts to verify logins
- Alternate phone: This is an option to set up a new phone that can be used, if your primary phone is unavailable
- Security key: These cannot be used currently.
- Office phone: This option can only receive calls, so you can add an office number or any landline to verify your logins through a phone call
- After adding any new numbers or devices, you can also set your default sign in method
- Near the top of the screen, click Change next to "Sign-in method when most advisable is unavailable"
- The following options can be used:
- Phone Call: Automatically receive a call at the listed number
- Text: Automatically receive a text message at the listed number (not available for the office phone option)
- App-based authentication - notification: Receive a push notification through the Microsoft Authenticator app
- App-based authentication or hardware token - code: This will prompt for a six digit code from your authenticator app
- Click Confirm to save your changes