How to setup Microsoft Authenticator for WordPress Two Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)?
Microsoft Authenticator simplifies the sign-in process and helps you manage your digital security with ease. Microsoft Authenticator app is a powerful tool designed to enhance the security of your online accounts by providing two-factor authentication (2FA). It is both secure and convenient. Compatible with multiple accounts and available on both Android and iOS devices.
Why should you choose the Microsoft authenticator method for your WordPress site?
- Generates time-based one-time passwords to simplify login process.
- Supports multiple devices.
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Microsoft Authenticator supports multiple accounts.
You can download miniOrange 2-Factor Authentication(2FA) plugin using the following link:
This plugin can be configured for any TOTP-based/OTP Login 2fa methods like Duo/Microsoft/Google Authenticator. It supports OTP login based 2fa methods [24/7 SUPPORT]
miniOrange Two-Factor Authentication Plugin has Universal support for all the authenticator apps along with Google authenticator in the free version of the plugin itself. Following are a few examples:-
- Google Authenticator
- Authy Authenticator
- LastPass Authenticator
- Okta Verify
- Aegis Authenticator
- FreeOTP Authenticator etc.
Let's begin with the Microsoft Authenticator setup with the miniOrange Two-Factor Authentication plugin and secure the user’s WordPress account.
Pre-requisites For Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator as 2FA method.
Before setting up Microsoft Authenticator, ensure you have:
- A WordPress site with miniOrange two-factor authentication plugin installed on your WordPress website. (Looking to Install free version of WordPress 2FA plugin here.)
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, follow these quick steps:
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store for android : Tap on the Google Play Store icon.
- Search for Microsoft Authenticator: Type "Microsoft Authenticator" in the search bar.
- Install the App: Tap on "Install" next to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
For iOS:
- Apple App Store for iOS: Tap on the App Store icon.
- Search for Microsoft Authenticator: Enter "Microsoft Authenticator" in the search bar.
- Download the App: Tap on the "Get" button next to the Microsoft Authenticator app, then confirm by tapping "Install.
Getting started with the Microsoft Authenticator setup
Let’s see how an administrator can set up Microsoft Authenticator for users. This can be done in two very simple ways:-
- Setup Wizard
- Dashboard of the plugin
1. Microsoft Authenticator Setup through Setup Wizard
Our setup wizard typically features a user-friendly interface with clear instructions and prompts which makes the configuration process of Microsoft Authenticator method as 2FA super easy even for those who may not be very tech-savvy.
Following the steps that are given below, you can easily setup Microsoft Authenticator method as 2fa for your users.
- Click on the Let’s get started! button.
- Choose the first option “User should setup 2FA during first login.”
Choosing this option as name suggests will make user’s compulsorily configure 2FA methods (in this case Microsoft Authenticator). - Click on the Continue Setup button.
- Choose the ”All users” option to set 2FA for all and click on the Continue Setup button.
- Choose only for a specific roles option.
- Select the particular role for which you want to set 2FA. (As administrator has been chosen here. This will set the Microsoft Authenticator method as 2FA only for the administrator's role.)
- Then, click on the Continue Setup button.
- Choose the “Users should be directly enforced for 2FA Setup” option and click on the All Done button.
- You have successfully configured the two-factor authentication.
Step 1: After activating the plugin, the following setup wizard screen appears
Step 2: The wizard guides you to choose any one options for inline registration.
There are two option under inline registration:-
Step 3: Next you are guided to choose the user’s role for which you want to set Microsoft authenticator as 2FA method.
OR
Step 4: There are again two options:-
1. Users should be directly enforced for 2FA Setup:- If you don’t want to give your users any period to set 2FA you can go with the first option.
Users will have to set 2FA during their first login to gain access to the account.
2. Give users a grace period to configure 2FA:- choosing this option will allow you to give your users a certain grace period within which users will be required to set their 2FA. Users will have to set 2FA after expiration of the grace period.
Steps for users to configure Microsoft Authenticator
After the above setting of 2FA with few easy steps, users are prompted to configure list of two factor authentication method including Microsoft Authenticator.
- Navigate to the WordPress Login page and enter the user’s login credentials.
- Choose the “Google/Authy/Microsoft Authenticator” button. You are prompted to configure a two-factor method during first login.
- The configuration process of Microsoft Authenticator setup is divided into three steps:-
1. Choose Microsoft Authenticator from the dropdown.
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Click on the Plus button, select the type of account you have, and scan a QR code.
3. Copy the 2FA Code generated in the Microsoft Authenticator app in your mobile phone and enter the 2FA code in the text box provided and click on the Verify button.
- Click on the Finish button to finish it.
- The user has successfully logged into the account.
- Go to the WordPress Login page and enter the user’s(in this case admin) credentials to login.
- Enter the 2FA code generated in the Microsoft Authenticator App.
- Click on the Validate button.
- The user has successfully logged into the account.
Now you must carefully store the backup codes provided to you. These codes will help you login when you become locked out of your account for any reason.
Subsequent Login for user’s account through Microsoft Authenticator
Let’s see how user's subsequently login to their account after configuration of Microsoft authenticator during first login.
2. Microsoft Authenticator setup from plugin dashboard
- Enable 2FA for the all the roles for which you need to set 2FA.
- Then, click on the Save Settings button.
If you choose to Skip Setup Wizard, here's an alternate way to setup Microsoft Authenticator through the plugin dashboard.
After clicking on the Skip Setup Wizard option, you will be redirected to the plugin dashbord i.e, Login Settings tab of two-factor authentication menu where you can enable 2FA for all the desired roles.
Steps for users to configure Microsoft Authenticator
- Go to the WordPress login page and enter the user’s login credentials.
- Choose the “Google/Authy/Microsoft Authenticator” button. You are prompted to configure a two-factor method during the first login.
- The configuration process of Microsoft Authenticator setup is divided into three steps:-
1. Choose Microsoft Authenticator from the dropdown.
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Click on the Plus button, select the type of account you have, and scan a QR code.
3. Copy the 2FA Code generated in the Microsoft Authenticator app in your mobile phone and enter the 2FA code in the text box provided and click on the Verify button.
- Click on the Finish button to finish it.
- The user has successfully logged into the account.
- Go to the WordPress Login page and enter the user’s credentials to login.
- Enter the 2FA code generated in the Microsoft Authenticator App.
- Click on the Validate button.
- The user has successfully logged into the account.
Now, you must carefully store the backup codes provided to you. These codes will help you login when you become locked out of your account for any reason.
Subsequent Login for user’s account through Microsoft Authenticator
Let’s see how user's subsequently login to their account after configuration of Microsoft authenticator during first login.
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