How to: Set-Up Multifactor Authentication On First Sign-in

Tags MFA acccount

Summary

When you log into your Bellevue College account (NetID) for the first time, the system will ask you to set up some form of multifactor authentication (MFA). A great option is to use the free Microsoft Authenticator phone app to manage your authentication methods.

Set up MFA

  1. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app using your phone’s app store (Apple App Store or Google Play).
  2. Open a web browser and sign into Bellevue College Email. After you type in your email address and password, you will be prompted with “Let’s keep your account secure”. Click Next.
      image of MFA prompt with BC logo at top-left, saying "Let's keep your account secure" in bold lettering
  3. Since you already installed the app in Step 1, simply click Next when the screen prompts you to download Microsoft Authenticator.
  4. When your screen displays “Set up your account in app”, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and do the following:
    1. Tap the + icon or the blue “Add account” button
    2. Select “Work or school account”
    3. Select “Scan a QR code”

Your phone will now be ready to scan a QR code from inside the Authenticator app.

  1. Click Next on your computer to reveal a QR code. Scan it now.
  2. Once scanned, follow the prompts until it finishes adding the account to your app. It should look similar to the image below. 
    image of Microsoft Authenticator phone app showing an account that was successfully added to the app
  3. On your computer, click Next below the QR code. The page will prompt you with “Let’s try it out”.
    1. The page will provide a two-digit code
    2. Type the code into the Microsoft Authenticator app in your smartphone when prompted.
  4. After you type in the number, you will receive a “Set up complete” prompt. 
    MFA prompt showing the BC logo in top-left with "Set up complete" in bold letters and big, green checkmark for successful setup of MFA

Congratulations! You now have a highly secure method for completing multifactor authentication on your phone.