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Multi-Factor Authentication: Tips for Outlook and Sign-in Optimization
Set yourself up for success with your Outlook app and follow our tips and tricks to improve your multi-factor authentication (MFA) experience!
Remember:
- You will be prompted to provide your second-factor authentication the first time you log in to any Laurier applicaiton requiring MFA.
- You will be asked to re-authenticate on the first attempt to access a system after being inactive on the device in that location for 90 days or longer.
- You will be asked to assert your second factor if you change locations or log in using a different device.
Quick Optimization
There are a few simple settings you can change to help optimize your Authenticator app.
Reduce Sign-in Frequency
Depending on the application, you might be asked authenticate more often. There are steps you can take to reduce this. Remember you'll need to re-authenticate when you change or reset your password.
Microsoft’s mobile and desktop applications require you to access the application within 90 days to remain signed-in. If the session expires you will be required to authenticate again.
If your mobile outlook app is requesting you to sign in every day it might be an indication that your Authentication App is not configured correctly. Contact the service desk for support.
You'll need to authenticate on anynew browser session unless you use the “Stay signed in?” feature. This keeps you signed in on that browser until you choose to sign-out.
Go to myprofile.microsoft.com and login with your Laurier credentials. At the “Stay signed in?” screen, check the “Don’t show this again" box and confirm your choice.
Note: Remember to sign-out if you are on a shared computer. If you do not see the “Stay signed in?” feature, clear your browser cookies.
The option to “Stay signed in?” is not supported by SSO applications. Every time you open a new browser session you will be required to authenticate.
Keeping the browser session open can reduce the amount of times you need to authenticate – depending on the application, you may not be prompted for eight hours. Remember to minimize the browser and lock your screen if you are leaving your device unattended.
Configure Outlook
The “Microsoft Outlook App” for your mobile device can be found in the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS).
If you're experiencing message delays and syncing errors, try reconfiguring.
The app will try to find accounts already registered with the Authenticator App:
- If you see your Laurier account, select Continue.
- If you don't see your Laurier account, select Skip this Account and add it manually: enter your email address, select Continue, then enter your password when prompted to sign in.
If asked to add another account, select "Maybe Later" and follow the instructions on screen to complete your account setup. Upon completion, all your emails will sync within the next few minutes.
Enter your email address, then your password when prompted to sign in. You will be asked to enter a Microsoft Authenticator Code:
- Select Get Codes in the top right corner.
- Enter your passcode or verify with your fingerprint to access the app.
- Tap on the code to bring it up and a black bar will appear indicating its been copied.
- Click Done in the top right corner to return to the Outlook app.
- Paste the code into the field and select Verify.
When asked to add another account, select "Maybe Later." You'll also be asked if you want to enable notifications. Upon completion, all your emails will sync within the next few minutes.
If you're experiencing message delays and syncing errors with your Laurier account on your phone, you may need to reconfigure your mailbox.
- Open your Outlook app and select the circular account icon in the top right. A side menu will open.
- Select the gear icon in bottom left corner to open your Settings. Then select your Laurier email from Mail Accounts.
- Scroll down the page and select Delete Account, then confirm you want to delete it.
- You will be asked to add an account your Laurier account again. Your email will reconfigure itself in the next few minutes.