You probably already use the Microsoft Authenticator app to sign into your work account and Mimecast, but you can also add personal accounts to the app for two-step verification. The Authenticator app works with any accounts that support the Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) standard. In other words, if the service supports the 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds (and most do!), you can add it to the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Generally, for a personal account, you need to do the following:

• Sign into your account, and then turn on two-step verification in the account’s settings.
• Add the account to the Authenticator app. You might be asked to scan a QR code as part of this process.

If you previously allowed the Authenticator app to use your device’s camera (or allow it when prompted this time), you can use the camera to scan a QR code in one step. If the Authenticator app can’t use the camera, you can still add the code manually.

After that, you want to make sure the account is added by checking the Accounts screen in your app for the one you just added. Make sure the details are correct and that there’s a 6-digit code displayed under the account. This is the code you’ll use to verify your identity moving forward.

That’s the basic process, but we're also providing specific instructions for adding Facebook, Google, and Amazon accounts below.

PLEASE NOTE: While you can add your own accounts to your Microsoft Authenticator app, the IT Department can only provide support for accounts owned by PacRes Mortgage!

Google

Turn on two-step verification.

1. On your computer, go to the Google account two-step verification page, select Get Started, and then verify your identity.
2. Follow the on-page steps to turn on two-step verification for your personal Google account.

Once you’ve enabled 2-Step Verification, you can add it to the Microsoft Authenticator app:

1. On the Google account security page, select 2-Step Verification, then go to the Add more second steps to verify it's you section, choose the Set up from the Authenticator app section.
2. On the Get codes from the Authenticator app page, select either Android or iPhone based on your phone type, and then select Next.
3. You're given a QR code that you can use to automatically associate your account with the Authenticator app. Do not close this window.
4. Open the Authenticator app, select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper right and then select Other account (Google, Facebook, etc.).
5. Use your device's camera to scan the QR code from the Set up Authenticator page on your computer. If your camera isn't working properly (or if you didn’t want to let Authenticator use it), you can enter the QR code and URL manually.
6. Review the Accounts page of the Authenticator app on your device, to make sure your account information is right and that there's an associated verification code. For additional security, the verification code changes every 30 seconds preventing someone from using a code more than once.
7. Select Next on the Set up Authenticator page on your computer, enter the verification code provided in the app for your Google account, and then select Verify.
8. Your account is verified, and you can select Done to close the page.

For more information about two-step verification and your Google account, see Turn on 2-Step Verification and Learn more about 2-Step Verification.

Facebook

You can add your Facebook account to the Microsoft Authenticator app by following these steps:

Turn on two-factor authentication:

1. On your computer, open Facebook, select the menu in the upper right corner, and then go to Settings > Security and Login.
2. Scroll down to the Use two-factor authentication option in the Two-Factor Authentication section, then click Edit.
3. Select Turn on to enable two-factor authentication.

Add your Facebook account to the app:

1. On the same page, go to the Add a backup section, then locate the Authentication app section. Click Setup.
2. You’ll be given a QR code you can use to add your account to the Authenticator app. Make sure to not close this window.
3. Open your Microsoft Authenticator app, select Add Account (from the upper right icon on Android, or just tap the + button in iOS), then select Other (Google, Facebook, etc.).
4. Use your device’s camera to scan the QR code to add the account. If your camera isn't working properly (or if you didn’t want to let Authenticator use it), you can enter the QR code and URL manually.
5. Review the Accounts page of your Authenticator app to make sure the account information is correct and there’s a verification code displayed.
6. Click Next on the Two-factor authentication page on your computer, and then type the verification code provided in the app for your Facebook account.
7. Your account is verified, and you can now use Authenticator when you sign in to Facebook.

For more information about two-step verification and your Facebook account, see What is two-factor authentication and how does it work?

Amazon

Turn on two-step verification:

1. On your computer, open Amazon, select the Account & Lists menu, and then click Your Account.
2. Click Login & security, sign in to your Amazon account, and then click Edit in the Advanced Security Settings area.
3. Click Get Started.
4. In the Choose how you’ll receive codes page, select Authenticator App. The page will show you a QR code. Be sure to leave this page open.
5. Open your Microsoft Authenticator app, select Add Account (from the upper right icon on Android, or just tap the + button in iOS), then select Other (Google, Facebook, etc.).
6. Use your device’s camera to scan the QR code to add the account. If your camera isn't working properly (or if you didn’t want to let Authenticator use it), you can enter the QR code and URL manually.
7. Review the Accounts page of your Authenticator app to make sure the account information is correct and there’s a verification code displayed.
8. On the Choose how you’ll receive codes page on your computer, type the verification code from the Authenticator app on your phone for your Amazon account.
9. Follow the prompts on your computer to complete the rest of the sign-up process, including adding a backup verification method such as an email or text message, then click Send code.
10. On the Add a backup verification method page, type the verification code that was sent to your backup method, then click Verify code.
11. On the Almost done page, choose if you want to make your computer a trusted device, and then select Got it.
12. Turn on Two-Step Verification. The Advanced Security Settings page will appear, showing your updated two-step verification details.