MS Authenticator App

How to enable 2FA on Outlook.com

Outlook.com supports app-based two-factor authentication (2FA). Turning it on adds a second layer of protection, so a stolen password alone can't unlock your Outlook.com account.

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1

    Sign in to Outlook.com and open your Outlook.com account security settings.

  2. 2

    Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.

    Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.

  3. 3

    Scan the QR code with MS Authenticator App.

    Open MS Authenticator App, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code Outlook.com displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.

  4. 4

    Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.

    Type the code MS Authenticator App generates to verify and link your Outlook.com account.

  5. 5

    Save your backup codes.

    Store the recovery codes Outlook.com gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

Menu names on Outlook.com can change — the official Outlook.com 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

Frequently asked questions

Does Outlook.com work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?
Yes. Outlook.com supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.
Is Outlook.com two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Outlook.com is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.
What if I lose access to my Outlook.com 2FA codes?
Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact Outlook.com support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.

Generate your Outlook.com codes in MS Authenticator App

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

More Email guides

Novaz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Outlook.com. Outlook.com and its logo are trademarks of their respective owner and are used here for identification only.