Google Authenticator app & Office 365 MFA

[Bryan Callicott]

Is it possible to use the Google Authenticator iOS app with Office 365 MFA instead of the Microsoft Authenticator app?

I tried adding to Google Authenticator with both QR code and manually but got failures each time.

[#2]

My Experience where I worked they have conditional access enabled and it no longer allows the use of Google Authenticator it is MS Authenticator only no other options are presented that enable the use of Google Authenticator. To say the least I am disappointed.

[#3]

@Chuck2021 

I've just configured the login with GA following those easy steps (android):

https://rockit.cloud/2020/01/18/instructions-to-enroll-for-office-365-multi-factor-authentication-us... 

Notice that using GA you will not receive a push asking for permission, you will have to enter the code manually when logging.

[#4]

Just be aware that Admins of a tenancy can disable being able to do this, which is what happened in my case.

[#5]

Hi,

I read through this, but the option to "Configure App with no Notifications" does not show. Is there some config I'm missing?

[#6]

For the next person that stumbles upon this, this is still supported but it defaults to the Microsoft Authenticator.

When adding a sign-in method, choose "Authentication app," then on the next screen choose the "I want to use a different authenticator app" link at the bottom of the window, then you can use Google, Authy, etc.

[#7]

I had the same issue; when prompted randomly to add an Authenticator, the option is not available. I'm not sure what update or policy change triggers getting prompted to add an Authenticator, but we only started getting them in October 2023.

You can still use any Authenticator app by manually going to Office.com -> Click Avatar -> View account -> Security Info tile -> +Add sign-in method -> Authenticator app -> I want to use a different authenticator app.

This is the method I just used 10th November 2023 and it produced a QR code that works with all authenticator apps; I used the Google Authenticator app.

[#8]

Tried to do this today, it's still hard to find. Because Microsoft...

• Go here: https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
• Click '+Add sign-in method'
• Choose the  'Authenticator app' option.
• On the screen where it tells you to install the MS Authenticator App there is a link 'I want to use a different authenticator app', click that.
• Now it says 'In your app, add a new account.', click the 'Next' button.
• Scan the QR code in Google Authenticator. Or some other app that was made by some other company that does understand how to build software that does not endlessly frustrate it's users.

I specifically made an account here to post this info, hope it helps others work around this mess.

[#9]

@Markk385 

No such link to use a different 2FA App exists here. Is this disabled by default and needs to be enabled for the user who doesn't want to use the Microsoft Authenticator app?

[#10]

@TADProfile You need to have an Authentication Strength policy that allows you to use other apps, e.g. "Password + Software OATH token," then you can add that policy to your Conditional Access policy under the "Grant" section > "Require authentication strength" dropdown.

[#11]

Yes, you can use the Google Authenticator iOS app with Office 365 MFA, but with a slight caveat. While Microsoft prefers users to leverage their own Microsoft Authenticator app, they still offer compatibility with third-party authenticator apps like Google Authenticator.

Here's how to set it up:

Enable MFA in Office 365: Sign in to your Office 365 account and navigate to the security settings. Look for options related to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and enable it.

Choose "Authenticator App": During the setup process, you'll likely see options for various verification methods. Select "Authenticator app" and choose "I want to use a different authenticator app" (this link might be small and easy to miss).

Add Account in Google Authenticator: Open the Google Authenticator app on your iOS device. Tap the "+" icon to add a new account. You can either scan the QR code displayed on your Office 365 setup page or enter a provided key manually (depending on the options offered).

Enter Code During Login: Once configured, whenever you log in to Office 365 and MFA is triggered, you'll need to provide the time-based one-time code generated by the Google Authenticator app.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Microsoft Support: While it works, Microsoft officially recommends using their own Microsoft Authenticator app. Troubleshooting or support might be limited for issues arising with Google Authenticator.
Security Considerations: Ensure your Google Authenticator app is secured with a strong PIN or biometric verification for added protection.
Overall, using Google Authenticator for Office 365 MFA is an option, but the Microsoft Authenticator app might offer a more streamlined and potentially better supported experience.