Choose your Microsoft Authenticator sign-in method

Summary

Learn how to choose your Microsoft Authenticator sign-in method

Body

The Microsoft Authenticator app includes two options for completing two-step verification during Network account sign-ins: a Verification code and Push notifications. One of these will always be set as the default (primary) sign-in method, but a benefit of configuring the Microsoft Authenticator app is that you have access to both methods.

This article outlines the differences between these methods and how to select a default sign-in method, though keep in mind that you can choose "Use a different verification option" during each MFA prompt to use any of your configured options.

Method 1: Verification Code 

When Verification code is set as your default sign-in method, you will be prompted to enter a 6-digit verification code immediately after entering your username and password during a Buffalo State sign-in. You can view these single-use codes by opening the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device and tapping your 'buffalostate.edu' account in your list of accounts. A new one-time code is generated every 30 seconds, and these are visible in the app even without Internet or cell connectivity.

Verification code prompt

Method 2: Push Notification

When Push notification is set as your default sign-in method, a 2-digit code will be displayed on the sign-in page immediately after entering your username and password, while a notification from the Microsoft Authenticator should appear on your mobile device. Simply tap on this mobile notification and then enter the 2-digit code displayed from your sign-in page.

Number displayed at sign-in Push notification on mobile
two digit code push notification

Change default sign-in method

As mentioned earlier, one MFA method will always be set as your default (primary) sign-in method. You can change your default method at anytime by following these steps. Keep in mind that you can choose "Use a different verification option" during each MFA prompt to use any of your configured options.

  1. Go to https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo, enter your Buffalo State email address and click Next

Enter your Buffalo State username followed by @buffalostate.edu and click Next.

  1. You will be redirected to the Buffalo State sign-in page. Enter your network password and click Sign In. If you are prompted to Stay signed in? click No.

Enter your password

  1. Your verification methods will be shown. Click Change next to Sign-in method when most advisable is unavailable to change your default sign-in method.

change default

  1. To set verification codes as the default, choose App based authentication or hardware token - code from the drop-down; to set push notifications as the default, choose App based authentication - notification from the drop-down. Click Confirm to save your changes.

select default method

 

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 167360
Created
Thu 6/26/25 11:18 AM
Modified
Tue 7/1/25 9:10 AM

Related Articles

Related Articles (1)

Learn how to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app for network logins