This section is only necessary if you have **previously set up Microsoft Authenticator**.
1. To set up MFA again you must **delete the previous account** to receive MFA notifications. 2. Open **Microsoft Authenticator** 3. Select your `@piedmont.edu` or `@lions.piedmont.edu` account [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/nsImhJhuvDdbidi6-mfa-accounts.jpeg) 4. Select the **gear icon** in the top right corner [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/6xCyY1EBGXS0ED1p-mfaaccountsettings.jpeg) 5. Select **Remove Account [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/SucGlYpgAg5YmWCx-mfaaccountremove.jpeg)** 6. Press **Continue** and/or **This app only** to finish removing the account [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/0TabZHpRSA9Pu96N-mfaaccountdelete.jpeg) --- ## Set up Microsoft Authenticator 1. Open the **Microsoft Authenticator** app on your iOS or Android device - If you do not have Microsoft Authenticator installed, please download it from the **iOS App Store** or **Google Play Store** 2. Open the app, **allow notifications** (if prompted) 3. Select **Add account** from the '+' icon in the upper-right 4. Then select **Work or school account**On your Computer:
5. On the **Set up your account** page, select **Next [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/asqm9kZDJ6D8mIIT-mfasecuritywarning.png)** 6. The **Scan the QR code** page appears [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-06/Cf0Hi001oyAF14Mo-mfaqrcode.png) 7. Use your mobile device to scan the **provided QR code** with the Microsoft Authenticator app 8. Select **Next** on your computer 9. A 2 digit number is displayed on the computerOn your Mobile Device:
9. A notification is sent to your mobile device prompting for a 2 digit number 10. On your mobile device, **enter the 2 digit number, show on the computer,** in the Microsoft Authenticator app 11. Select **Done** on your computer 12. Your security info is now updated to use the Microsoft Authenticator app by default to verify your identity when using two-step verification or password reset.Our Helpdesk Team is happy to provide assistance with this process! Just give us a call at 706-894-4205!
--- ## Next Steps Once you've set up Microsoft Authenticator, we recommend reviewing our documentation for Passkeys which you can find [here](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/page/mfa-passkeys "MFA Passkeys")! --- ## **Need Help?**If you encounter an error or need assistance with this guide, please contact the IT Department and include a screenshot with a brief description of the issue. [**Contact the IT Department Here**](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/chapter/contact-it "Contact IT!")
# MFA Passkeys ## 1. What is a Passkey?A passkey is a modern, phishing-resistant way to sign in without using a password!
- Instead of something *you know* (like a password), a **passkey** uses something *you have* (your phone or device) and something *you are* (Face ID, Fingerprint, or device PIN) - The credential is stored securely on your device and is never shared with the website or service that you're signing into. Because of this, passkeys can't be reused, stolen by fake websites, or guessed. - Passkeys are based on industry security standards (FIDO2). Your device proves to Microsoft that it's really you, without ever sending a password across the internet. - If the site is not legitimate, the passkey simply won't work, and there's nothing for the attacker to steal. - Your device becomes your key, and your identity stays locked inside it! [](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/Plyx3vVtrQtRQFmu-passwordlesssecurity.png) - Did you know that passwords are the weakest link in modern security? They are often: - Reused - Phished - Leaked in breaches - Guessed - Microsoft's goal with passwordless sign-in is to: - **Eliminate passwords as an attack target** - No passwords means nothing to phish, reuse, or brute-force. - **Reduce account takeovers and phishing** - Passkeys only work on the real Microsoft sign-in and approved services. Fake sites can't trick your device into handing over a credential. - **Make sign-ins faster and simpler** - Approving with Face ID, fingerprint, or a device PIN is quicker than typing passwords and codes. - **Improve both security and user experience** - Stronger security without extra steps, fewer account lockouts.Passkeys are part of Microsoft's move to a passwordless future where accounts are protected by your device and biometrics instead of passwords that can be stolen, guessed, or phished
--- ## 2. Syncable PasskeysA passkey lets you sign in without typing your password each time. It uses your device's built-in security, such as Face ID, fingerprint, screen lock, or device PIN.
We recommend saving your passkey to: - Apple Passwords (if you use iPhone) - Google Password Manager (if you use Android)
--- ## 3. Before you Begin| Make sure you have: | Do **not** create a passkey on: |
| Your Piedmont email address | A public computer |
| Your current password | A shared family computer |
| You current MFA method | A classroom or lab computer |
| A personal phone or computer that **only you use** | A friend's phone |
If your passkey does not appear, you will need to [Contact IT ](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/chapter/contact-it "Contact IT!")for assistance.
--- ## 9. Security Notes - Your passkey is only as secure as your Apple or Google account. Use a password manager! - Use a strong password on your Apple or Google account. Do not reuse passwords! - Keep account recovery options up to date on your Apple or Google account - Never share your phone PIN, Apple password, Google password, or Device unlock code - Do not save passkeys on shared or public devices --- ## 10. Next Steps Review what you can do to help keep Piedmont secure [here](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/page/keep-piedmont-secure "Keep Piedmont Secure!")! --- ## **Need Help?**If you encounter an error or need assistance with this guide, please contact the IT Department and include a screenshot with a brief description of the issue. [**Contact the IT Department Here**](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/chapter/contact-it "Contact IT!")
# Lost Phone / Can't Access Account ## 1. Can't login due to MFAIf you lost or replaced your phone or no longer have access to your MFA method, you may not be able to Sign in to your Piedmont account.
This guide explains how to manage your sign in methods so that you can access your account.
- This guide is helpful when: 1. You lost your phone 2. You got a new phone 3. Your phone was stolen 4. Your phone was reset or wiped 5. You deleted Microsoft Authenticator 6. Microsoft Authenticator no longer show your Piedmont account 7. You changed phone numbers 8. You do not receive a text field to enter the 2-digit MFA number in Microsoft Authenticator 9. You cannot access any of your sign-in methods --- ## 2. Manage your sign in MethodsYou can only complete this section if you have access to at least 1 MFA method. (Passkey or Authenticator)
- You can add or remove MFA sign in methods by visiting [https://myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and logging in using your Piedmont email. 1. Visit [https://myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and login using your Piedmont email 2. In the left column, expand **My Account** 3. Select **Security Info** 4. You will be prompted to login using MFAIf you do not have access to your MFA method you will be required to contact the IT Department so that we may assist you.
5. Here you can manage your Sign-in Methods. If you got a new phone, you would need to delete the method labeled 'Microsoft Authenticator'. 6. Once deleted, select **Add Sign-in Method** and follow the on-screen instructions to add the Microsoft Authenticator App to your new device. 7. You can find instructions for setting up Microsoft Authenticator [here](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/page/setting-up-microsoft-authenticator "Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator")! --- ## 3. Submit a Ticket to ITIf you cannot access your MFA methods you must submit a ticket to IT so that we may assist you in accessing your account again.
- When submitting a ticket, please include 1. Your Full name 2. Your Piedmont Email address 3. a brief explanation of what happened 4. Any screenshots of errors that you may receive. --- ## **Need Help?**If you encounter an error or need assistance with this guide, please contact the IT Department and include a screenshot with a brief description of the issue. [**Contact the IT Department Here**](https://wiki.piedmont.edu/books/student-resources/chapter/contact-it "Contact IT!")