Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for University Employees
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Activation Guide
This guide will help you step-by-step to activate and configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your MRU Microsoft Office 365 account. The first time you log in to your account after the MFA activation date (e.g., via https://outlook.office.com), you will see a prompt stating “More information required”. Click “Next” and follow one of the guides below.
Method 1 (Recommended): Configuration with the Microsoft Authenticator App
This method is the most secure and convenient.
NOTE: We recommend performing the MFA configuration using both a computer and a mobile phone.
Step 1: Start the configuration on your computer
Open a browser on your computer and enter the following link:
On your computer, enter your MRU email address (firstname.lastname@mruni.eu) and click Next, then enter your MRU account password.
After you click “Next”, a window titled “Keep your account secure” will open on your computer screen. In the dropdown menu, ensure that “Mobile app” is selected and the option below, “Receive notifications for verification”, is checked. Click “Set up”.
Step 2: Download the mobile app on your phone
On your smartphone (iPhone or Android), download the free “Microsoft Authenticator” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 3: Link the app with your account
You will see a QR code on your computer screen.
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Open the “Microsoft Authenticator” app on your phone.
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If you are using it for the first time, accept the terms. Select “Add account” (+), then “Work or school account”.
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Select “Scan a QR code”.
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Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
Step 4: Approve the sign-in on your mobile phone
After scanning the code, the view on your computer screen will change, and the system will attempt to send a notification to your phone.
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You will see a notification on your phone screen asking if you are trying to sign in. Select “Approve”. You might need to additionally unlock your phone (with your fingerprint, face, or PIN code).
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On your computer screen, you will see the message “Notification approved”. Click “Next”.
Congratulations! You have successfully configured MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Method 2 (Alternative, for academic staff only): Configuration with an SMS message
This method is less secure but suitable if you cannot or do not want to use the smartphone app.
Step 1: Choose the authentication method
In the “Keep your account secure” window, select “Authentication phone” from the dropdown menu instead of “Mobile app”.
Step 2: Enter your phone number
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Select your country code (Lithuania +370).
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Enter your mobile phone number.
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Choose the method “Send me a code by text message”.
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Click “Next”.
Step 3: Verify the code
The system will send an SMS message with a 6-digit code to the phone number you provided.
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Enter the received code into the field on your computer screen.
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Click “Verify”.
Step 4: Finalize the configuration
After successfully entering the code, you will see a confirmation window. Click “Done”.
Congratulations! You have successfully configured MFA via SMS messages.