Authenticator Browser Plug-in

The Authenticator browser extension (plug-in) is an alternative MFA option to apps such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. It can be used as a second-factor authentication method by users who are unable to install an authenticator app on their smartphone. This article explains how to:

• Install the Authenticator browser extension
• Register it as your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method
• Use it to generate verification codes when signing in

Browser Extension Installation 

IT Services recommends Microsoft Edge but this extension is also available for Google Chrome and Mozila Firefox.

1. In your browser, navigate to https://authenticator.cc
2. Click on Add to Edge (or select different browser from the drop-down list before clicking the button)
3. Click on Get button to install the extension in your browser.
4. Click on Add extension when prompted.
5. Click on View Extension.
6. Pin the extension to your browser's bar by clicking on the pushpin icon.

You should now see this icon appear on your browser's bar:

Update MFA Settings

You now need to add the Authenticator browser extension to your Microsoft Account MFA settings.

1. In your browser, navigate to https://myaccount.microsoft.com
2. Click on Security Info on the left-side navigator
3. If prompted, sign in and complete the MFA challenge as you normally do.
4. Click on + Add sign-in method
5. Click on Microsoft Authenticator (not Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator)
6. Click on Set-up a different authentication app link above the Back / Next buttons.
7. Click on Next.
8. When the QR code appears on the screen, click on Authenticator browser extension icon that you pinned earlier on your browser's bar, then click on the scan icon next to the pencil icon.
   
   
    
9. Use your mouse to select the QR code as demonstrated on the screen (watch video demonstration).
10. You should see a confirmation message that your account was added. Click on Next.
11. Enter the code (see next section on how to access it) and click on Next.

You should now see Time-based one-time password (TOTP) new authentication method entry in your MFA settings.

Using Authenticator

Click the Authenticator icon on your browser's bar each time you need to complete the MFA challenge. The 6-digit number displayed there for one minute is your current one-time password. Circle at bottom right corner tells you how much time left for the current password before a new one is generated. Once the SMS is disabled for your account, you will use this code instead.