Set Up Microsoft Authenticator and a Passkey 鈥� iPhone
Loyola recommends two sign-in methods, both in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iPhone:
- Part A – Microsoft Authenticator: approve sign-in requests or use one-time codes.
- Part B – Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator: sign in with your face, fingerprint, or PIN. Passkeys cannot be phished.
Set up Part A first. It takes about five minutes.
Before you begin
- Your iPhone must have a screen lock (PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock).
- Know your Loyola UVID and password.
- This guide shows setup using only your iPhone. If you are using a computer, choose Show QR code in step 3 and scan it with Authenticator.
Part A – Set up Microsoft Authenticator
1. Install the app
Open the App Store, search for Microsoft Authenticator, and tap Get (or the download icon if you have installed it before). Make sure the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
Open the app. You will see the screen below. Leave it open for now.
2. Start setup on the sign-in page
Go to LUC.edu/mfapreferences and sign in with your UVID and password. If you have not set up MFA yet, you will see Let’s keep your account secure. Tap Next.
You will be asked to install Microsoft Authenticator. You already did this, so tap Next.
3. Connect the app to your account
- If you are setting up on your iPhone only: tap Pair your account to the app by clicking this link. Authenticator opens and adds your account.
- If you are setting up on a computer: select Show QR code, then in Authenticator tap Scan QR code and point your camera at the screen.
Authenticator confirms your account was added. Tap OK.
4. Approve the test sign-in
Go back to the sign-in page. A two-digit number appears.
Remember the number before you switch apps. On iPhone you need to switch from your browser to Authenticator to enter it.
In Authenticator, type the number and tap Yes.
Not getting the sign-in request? Make sure notifications are on: Settings > Notifications > Authenticator > Allow Notifications.
Authenticator shows Approved.
5. Finish
Back on the sign-in page, you will see Authenticator Added. Tap Done. Microsoft Authenticator is now your sign-in method.
Part B – Add a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
1. Turn on Authenticator for passkeys
This requires iOS 17 or later. Open Settings and tap General.
Tap AutoFill & Passwords.
Under AutoFill from, turn on Authenticator.
2. Choose Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
Go to LUC.edu/mfapreferences and sign in. Tap Add sign-in method, then choose Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
Read the requirements (iOS 17 or later, and the latest version of Authenticator) and tap Next.
The page tells you to finish in the Authenticator app. Leave this page open.
3. Create the passkey in the app
Open Authenticator and tap your Loyola account. Under Other ways to sign in, tap Create a passkey.
On Let’s create your passkey, tap Sign in and sign in with your Loyola account if asked.
Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode when your iPhone asks. The passkey is not created until you do.
Authenticator creates the passkey. This takes a few seconds.
4. Done
When you see Passkey created, tap Done. Authenticator names the passkey for you (for example, Authenticator - iOS).
Back in your browser, the page also shows Passkey created. Your Security info list now includes Passkey (Device bound).
This passkey stays on this iPhone. It does not sync to your other devices. If you replace your phone, set up Authenticator and a new passkey on the new phone. If you lose your phone, please contact the ITS Service Desk for support.
Need help?
Contact the ITS Service Desk at 773-508-4487 or ITSServiceDesk@luc.edu.