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MCC Daily Tribune

Tech Tip: Getting a new phone for the Holidays?

When you get a new phone, you have to set up Microsoft Authenticator again. Just logging into the authenticator on your new phone will not work. Specific steps have to be taken to connect the new phone to the system correctly. This is best done while you still have the old phone as you may have to use the old phone to authenticate to set up the new phone. If you do not have the old phone and do not have another way to authenticate you will have to contact Technical Support to help you set up the Authenticator again. Technical Support is closed December 24 through January 1.

When you get your new phone, you will have to add Microsoft Authenticator to your new phone but first you have to set up a lock screen if you don’t already have one.

The Microsoft Authenticator app automatically is in "lock" mode. The lock screen will be used to verify your identity when using the Authenticator app. The phone will ask you for a pin number or in some cases phones use biometrics like a fingerprint or face to unlock the screen. You must know how to access your phone from a locked state or you will not be able to complete the setup process.

To set up the authenticator:

  1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your NEW mobile device first.
  2. On Your Computer: go to myaccount.microsoft.com and login with your MCC credentials. If the Authenticator is your only MFA method, authenticate with the OLD phone (either connected to wifi or use the verification code and one time passcode).
  3. Then, in the “Security” box click on Update info.
  4. There is a chart with your authentication methods. In the top left corner click Add sign-in method.
  5. Select Microsoft Authenticator from the list.
  6. Then, click on the Next button. On the next 2 popups, click the Next button. Stop when you see a QR code.
  7. On Your NEW Mobile Device: Launch the Authenticator app. Allow the Authenticator to give push notifications and use of your camera. When you see the words Scan QR code stop. (You may have to select Add work or school account first). Hold your phone in front of the computer screen like you are going to take a picture of the QR code. On your mobile device, tap Scan QR code and then scan the presented QR code on your PC screen. Tap Allow to allow push notifications.
  8. On Your Computer: Click Next on the webpage to continue.
  9. A multi-factor authentication push request will be sent to your mobile device to verify that everything is working as expected.
  10. Approve the notification on your mobile device; you will see a confirmation on your computer screen. Click Next to continue. You have now successfully added the Microsoft Authenticator app as an authentication method. 

If you need additional assistance, please call Technical Support at 585-292-8324, option 3, Monday thru Friday, 8:45am to 4:45pm.

Christine Gallion
Communications and Network Services
12/11/2025