Account & Password
Changing Your MFA Method
This guide shows you how to add a new MFA verification method or change your default method — for example, switching from the Authenticator app to a text message code, or adding your work phone as a backup.
Time needed
10 minutes
Platform
Microsoft 365
Guide steps
3 clear sections
Before you begin
You must be able to sign in to your Microsoft 365 account. If you are completely locked out and cannot complete MFA at all, contact the helpdesk.
Follow along
Step-by-step guide
Open your security info settings
- Instruction 1: Open a browser and go to aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.
- Instruction 2: Sign in with your work email and password, then complete your current MFA verification (approve the app notification or enter your existing code).
- Instruction 3: You will see the Security info page, which lists all your currently registered verification methods.
Action map
Open your security info settings
- 01
Open a browser and go to aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.
- 02
Sign in with your work email and password, then complete your current MFA verification…
- 03
You will see the Security info page, which lists all your currently registered…
Visual guide
Use this visual action map alongside the written instructions above.
Open Microsoft account security help for Changing Your MFA MethodAdd a new verification method
- Instruction 1: Click Add sign-in method.
- Instruction 2: From the dropdown, choose the method you want to add: Authenticator app, Phone (SMS), Phone (call), or Email.
- Instruction 3: For Phone (SMS): enter your mobile number and click Next. You will receive a text with a code — enter it to confirm the number is working.
- Instruction 4: For Phone (call): enter your number and click Next. Answer the call from Microsoft and press # to confirm.
- Instruction 5: For Authenticator app: follow the steps in the 'Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication' guide.
Change your default sign-in method
- Instruction 1: On the Security info page, click Change next to Default sign-in method.
- Instruction 2: Choose your preferred method from the list — for example, 'Microsoft Authenticator – notification' or 'Phone – text + 021 XXX XXXX'.
- Instruction 3: Click Confirm. The new method will be used the next time you sign in.
- Instruction 4: Keep at least two methods registered in case one is unavailable (e.g. your phone is flat or lost).
Quick fixes
Troubleshooting
I cannot access the Security info page because I cannot complete MFA
If you are completely locked out of both your account and MFA, contact the helpdesk. An administrator can temporarily bypass MFA so you can sign in and update your methods.
My mobile number is not accepted
Make sure you enter the number in international format. For New Zealand numbers, use +64 followed by the number without the leading zero (e.g. +64 21 123 4567).
Still need a hand?
Our support team can help with Microsoft 365.
Tell us where you got stuck and what you see on screen.