Microsoft Authenticator also supports multi factor authentication for work, school, and non-Microsoft accounts. After, you'll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two step verification process. You simply have to enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. Sign in is easy, convenient, and secure when you use Microsoft Authenticator. These factors give it an edge over Google Authenticator, though some Android users may not be comfortable with relying on a Microsoft product for account security. Microsoft Authenticator's numerical timer and sensible entry organization makes it more pleasant to use than the old app, and it can now be used for non-Microsoft accounts. This is much handier than typing in a code, but unfortunately you cannot do the confirm/deny tap with non-Microsoft accounts you must manually enter a code. Quick confirmation is limited to your Microsoft account: When you log in to a Microsoft account that is protected by this app's authentication, you will get a notification on your mobile device, and you can just tap to confirm or deny the login request. Microsoft Authenticator's entries are also listed alphabetically for easier navigation, while Google's app appears to list entries according to how recently they were added. This app gives all accounts a label, whereas Google Authenticator sometimes just lists an account according to the user name. When you enter the Add Account screen in Microsoft Authenticator, you get one option labeled Personal Account and another labeled Work or School Account. Google Authenticator does not have this feature.Ĭlearer labeling: The old app didn't make it clear that you could use it to authenticate multiple Microsoft accounts. Not limited to Microsoft: While the old Microsoft Account app could only be used with your actual Microsoft user account, Microsoft Authenticator can be used with any account that offers a QR code or a secret key - including Google.Įasy expiration view: The new app adds a numerical timer, so you know exactly how much time you have before your current authentication code expires and a new one is generated. Like Google Authenticator, the ideal way to add accounts to the app is by scanning QR codes with your mobile device's camera. Microsoft Authenticator is a mobile app for two-step verification that replaces the older Microsoft Account app.

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