aka.ms/authapp explained

When we checked in October 2026, aka.ms/authapp forwarded to Microsoft's Authenticator page at microsoft.com/security/mobile-authenticator-app, which links on to the official app store listings.

1. Open aka.ms/authapp on your phone; it takes you to Microsoft's app page.
2. Install Microsoft Authenticator from your phone's official app store (Google Play or the Apple App Store). Check that the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
3. Add your account by signing in or scanning the QR code Microsoft shows during setup.
4. Approve sign-ins with a tap, or use the 6-digit codes it generates.

What the app is for

Instead of typing a password alone, two-step verification asks for a second proof that it is really you. The Authenticator app provides that proof — a tap or a short code — which makes your account much harder to break into. Microsoft describes it as a way to sign in to personal, work, school and other accounts, in some cases without a password at all.

Personal account or work and school account?

The app handles both, but you add them from different places:

• Personal Microsoft account (Outlook.com, Xbox, Minecraft): in the app choose to add a personal account and sign in. You manage your verification options in the security section of your Microsoft account.
• Work or school account: your organization usually starts the process. You open the Security info page — aka.ms/mysecurityinfo or aka.ms/mfasetup — choose the Authenticator app, and scan the QR code shown on your computer with the app.
• Other services: many non-Microsoft sites that support authenticator apps can also be added by scanning their QR code.

Microsoft's step-by-step instructions are in How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator.

Before you change or lose your phone

The app lives on one device, so plan ahead. Add a second verification method (such as a phone number) to your accounts, and set up the app on your new phone while you can still use the old one. If you lose access to a work or school account entirely, your organization's IT help desk can reset your methods.