Forum Discussion
How to register a second and a third mobile phone for MFA?
How do I register a second and a third device (iPhone / iPad in in this particular case)?
First phone (main phone) is already using the Authenticator App without problem.
Now we need to register a second phone as backup device (and with an alternative cellular carrier) and a iPad as third device.
All devices should use the Authenticator App.
11 Replies
There are a few solutions:
- Authenticator Instances: create multiple Authenticator app instances for the account in question. Multiple MFA apps will end up being registered for the same account while supplying a code on all the devices added, giving you a backup.
- Harware based authentication methods: while not technically a cellphone these will give you alternative devices that can be used for authentication such as FIDO2 security key, a RFID tag or external smart card readers.
- Multi-User Authenticator apps: You can add a Multi-User Athenticator app as the MFA method which can allow multiple devices to be registered for MFA. This can be done with standalone Multi-User Authenticators such as Salepager or as part of a password manager many of which increasingly embed this feature.
- Condition Access policies: this is a workaround that can be used to designate particular devices as excluded from MFA requirements as a means of providing a backup device to login.
- Hmmm, pretty sure you can already setup multiple devices. You just go to your profile and add another method and scan it in and go. we do this usually when replacing devices so I know it's in there.
Hi Robert,
This feature hasn't been Rolled out yet, but we expect to have it soon (based on number of feedback received to Product Engineering Team). Here is the feedback link for the same - https://office365.uservoice.com/forums/264636-general/suggestions/17756713-allow-multiple-devices-to-be-configured-for-mobile
Alternatively for backup & restore should you come across issues like list device or malfunction is here attached -
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/user-help/user-help-auth-app-backup-recovery
Cheers !!
Ankit Shukla
ankit shuklaThat article only applies if I have an iOS device. What if I'm using Android?
Lloyd Adams Good Catch. Settings, are pretty much the same except if you are rolling over from OS Change on MFA Device (iOS to Android or vice versa)
I think this should answer everything related to MFA Issues :)
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/user-help/user-help-auth-app-faq
Cheers !
Ankit Shukla
