Set up an automated phone call

If you don’t have access to a smartphone, you can set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) using a phone callback.

You will need to be able to answer an automated phone call from Microsoft on the telephone number you enter during this process and will need to be able to press the # key in response.

Please ensure that you will be able to answer and respond to an automated phone call made to the telephone number you intend to use, before you continue any further. For example, ensure that you can access the telephone handset in a timely manner when it starts to ring.

Instructions

1. Use a web browser to navigate to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
2. You may be asked to log in to Office 365 (if not you will move straight to step 3). If you are asked to log in to Office 365, enter your Cardiff University email address and click Next. You will then be redirected to Cardiff University's familiar login screen. Please enter your Cardiff University email address and password as normal and click Log in.
   • Those without a Cardiff University email address (and only a username) will need to enter the username followed by ‘@cardiff.ac.uk’.
3. If you have previously set up an MFA method, then after successfully logging in, you will be taken to the My Sign-ins page where you can review the MFA methods you have already set up so far. Click on Add method and skip to step 5.
   • Otherwise you will be prompted that more information is required. Click Next.

4. You will be presented with a page entitled Keep your account secure. Click I want to set up a different method at the bottom.

5. In the list of methods that appears, select Phone (or select Alternate phone if Phone is not available) Click Add.

6. Enter a telephone number that Microsoft can call you on to complete an automated approval process. Select the appropriate country from the drop-down list, and type in the phone number you have chosen.
   • We highly recommend that you ensure you will be able to respond to the call from Microsoft on whatever number you choose. Remember, if you cannot access your smartphone device, you will not be able answer calls made to it.

Please note: As soon as you click Next, Microsoft will immediately attempt to call the number you have entered. Please ensure that you will be ableto answer and respond to this automated phone call in a timely manner.

7. Click Next and Microsoft will immediately attempt to call the phone number you have entered.

8. Answer the call, which will be from a number originating in the United States of America, and you will be instructed by an automated voice prompt to press the Hash (UK English) or the Pound (US English) key–both are referring to the #key. After pressing the #key, you can hang up.
9. Microsoft will confirm the call was answered and the phone number will be registered as the default method for completing MFA on your account. Click Done.

10. You will be taken to the My Sign-ins page where you can review the updated list of MFA methods that you have set up so far.

We highly recommend that you add additional methods of authentication. If you cannot use the telephone number you have entered for some reason, you could then use your additional methods, and still gain access to your account.