Account recovery

Get back into your account

Before you start

You will receive an SMS with your Temporary Access Pass (TAP).

Example Example SMS showing a Temporary Access Pass

Only enter this code in the Microsoft Authenticator app. Never share it with anyone, and only approve sign-in requests you started yourself.

On your phone

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

    Microsoft Authenticator app icon

  2. Tap + (Add account) in the top-right corner.

    Authenticator home screen with the plus button highlighted

  3. Choose Work or school account.

    Add account screen with Work or school account highlighted

  4. Choose Sign in.

    Menu with Sign in highlighted above Scan QR code

  5. Enter your login name and tap Next.

    Microsoft Sign in screen with the email field and Next button highlighted

  6. Enter the Temporary Access Pass from the SMS and tap Sign in.

    Enter Temporary Access Pass screen

  7. Tap Continue.

    Let's secure your account screen with the Continue button highlighted

  8. If you're asked to register your device, tap Skip.

    Register your device screen with the Skip button highlighted

  9. If you're asked to allow creating passkeys, tap Continue (or Settings). Your phone's settings open:

    • Android: In Passwords, passkeys & accounts, turn on Microsoft Authenticator. The name varies by device. If you can't find it, search Settings for Passkey.
    • iPhone: In General → AutoFill & Passwords, turn on Authenticator.

    Then go back to Authenticator and follow the prompts to finish.

  10. Done ✅ Your account has been added to Authenticator.

    Account added confirmation screen

You can now sign in to other apps on your phone, using the Authenticator app for MFA when prompted.