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How to Protect Your Outlook.com Account with Two-Step Verification
Want to secure your Outlook.com account? Enable 2-step verification
By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 23, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Outlook Word Excel Powerpoint What to Know
Select My account > Security > More security options > Set up two-step verification > Next, choose method, and follow instructions.Use the Microsoft Authenticator app, a phone number, or an email address to receive codes for two-step verification.If necessary, first verify account from My account > Security > More security options > What security info would you like to add. To secure your Outlook.com account, start with a strong password. Then, add two-step verification as a second way to log in. Protect Your Outlook com Account with Two-Step Verification
When you log in with two-step verification, you'll receive a generated code in a text message to your phone, in an email message, or in an authenticator app. After you set up two-step verification, exempt browsers on devices and computers only you use from the need to enter a code. For the flexibility afforded by POP access and IMAP in email programs, generate app-specific passwords. To set up two-step verification on your Outlook.com (and Microsoft) account: Select your name or picture in the upper-right corner of the window. Select My account. If prompted, enter your password, and select Sign in. In the top navigation menu, select Security. Select More security options. In the Help us protect your account screen, select the What security info would you like to add dropdown arrow, and choose either A phone number or An alternate email address. If you selected A phone number, enter your phone number, and select either Text or Call. If you selected An alternate email address, enter an email address (not your Outlook.com address). Select Next. Enter the code you received, then select Next. If prompted, enter your password. Next, select Sign in. In the Two-step verification section, select Set up two-step verification. Select Next. Select the Verify my identity with dropdown arrow, and choose An app, A phone number, or An alternate email address. The rest of the two-step verification process depends on which method you chose in step 13. See the corresponding sections below for instructions for each of these three methods. Use an App to Receive Outlook com Sign-In Verification Codes
To verify your identity with the Microsoft Authenticator app: Select Get it now. In the Microsoft Authenticator web page, select your country, enter the phone number for your smartphone, and select Send Link. When you receive the link on your smartphone, install the app. Then, sign in to the app. Tap the plus sign (+) to add your account. Choose your Personal account, Work or school account, or Other account (Google, Facebook, etc.). Sign in with your Outlook.com username and password. If prompted, enter the code which was sent in an email or text message. Go back to Outlook.com, and select Next. Select Finish. Two-step verification is enabled for your Outlook.com email. Use a Phone Number to Receive Outlook com Sign-In Verification Codes
To verify your identity with a phone number: Enter your phone number, and select either Text or Call. After you receive the code on your phone, enter the code. Then, press Next. You'll receive a confirmation with a recovery code. Print or save this code. Then, select Next. Press Next, or choose to sync your Outlook.com email on your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry phone. Press Finish. Use an Alternate Email Address to Receive Outlook com Sign-In Verification Codes
To verify your identity with an alternate email address: Press Next. After you receive the code in an email from Microsoft, enter the code, and select Next. You'll receive a confirmation with a recovery code. Print or save this code, then select Next. Press Next, or choose to sync your Outlook.com email on your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry phone. Select Finish. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp How to Run a Google Security Checkup 10 Popular Accounts That Should Have Two-Factor Authentication Enabled How to Reset a Lost Windows Live Hotmail Password How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Fix It When You're Locked Out of Your Gmail Account How to Reset Your Microsoft Account Password How to Use the Microsoft Authenticator App How to Recover/Reactivate an Old Yahoo Mail Account How to Add Your Outlook.com Email to Outlook for Windows How to Create a Meta (Oculus) Quest or Quest 2 Account How to Change Your Facebook Password How to Use WhatsApp Privacy Settings How to Create App Passwords for Outlook.com for Easier Sign-in How to Send a File Attachment With Outlook.com How to Set up a Twitter Account Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies