Set up the Proton Authenticator app

Proton Authenticator is a free authentication app available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Because it works with Windows and Mac, it is the perfect solution for people who don't currently have a cell phone to complete the authentication process. Once configured, you can use the app to generate the 6-digit verification code needed to access your Buffalo State accounts.

What you'll need to get started

• The Proton Authenticator app downloaded and installed on your device.
• Your Buffalo State login credentials.

Link the app to your Buffalo State account

1. Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft My Security Info page. 
2. Click Add sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator.

Note: Microsoft defaults to its own app, but you can link Proton by choosing "Set up a different authentication app" in step 3.

3. On the next screen, click the Set up a different authentication app link at the bottom.

4. On the Set up your account in app screen that appears, click Next. Then, on the Scan the QR code screen, click the Can't scan the QR code? link at the bottom. Keep this window open while you proceed to the next steps!

5. Open the Proton Authenticator app and click Create new code.

Note: If possible, place the Microsoft screen ("Enter code manually") and the Proton app screen side-by-side as depicted by the image below. If you can't place these windows side-by-side, you will need to switch back and forth between these two windows to complete the next steps.

6. Click Copy name on the Microsoft screen and paste it into Title in Proton.   
7. Click Copy key on Microsoft and paste it into Secret in Proton.   
8. Type Buffalo State into the Issuer field.   
9. Click Save code in Proton, then click Next on the Microsoft screen.  

10. The Proton app now displays a card for your Buffalo State account with a 6-digit verification code that changes every 30-seconds. Click the card to copy the one-time code to the clipboard.

⚠️Important! To complete the setup process, you must paste this code into the Enter the code box in the Microsoft screen. Click Next to complete the linking process.

11. To make Proton Authenticator your primary verification method, return to the Microsoft My Security Info page, click Change and then choose App based authentication or hardware token - code from drop-down. Click Confirm to save the change.

Use the Proton Authenticator app to sign in

Now that you've configured the Proton Authenticator app, you can use it to access your Buffalo State accounts.

1. If you have set Proton Authenticator as your default verification method, simply copy and paste the one-time code from the Proton app during sign-in.

1. If you have another option set it as your default verification method, you will need to click the Use a different verification option link first.

Sync codes across multiple devices (optional)

If you have multiple devices - phone, laptop, tablet - you can install Proton Authenticator on each device and then sync your codes across them. In order to do this, follow these steps on the Proton website to set up a Proton account. This adds an extra layer of protection, because if you lose access to one of your devices (e.g. phone), you will still be able to access your Buffalo State account.

⚠️​​​​​​​Important! When creating a Proton account to sync across devices, use a personal email address (e.g., Gmail, Outlook). Do NOT use your @buffalostate.edu address, as losing access to your campus email could lock you out of your authenticator account.