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How to Unlock Microsoft Account Using Your Phone instead of Password

Isabella Shinn
Isabella Shinn

Updated:

Microsoft Account has become a key that unlocks everything from a Windows 10 PC to your Windows Phone, from Microsoft Office app to Outlook.com and more. Sometimes, you have to change your password for security reasons, which makes it inevitable to be forgotten from time to time. While password retrieval can be a painful activity, we hope all of us couldn't experience it. Microsoft Authenticator gets around this by using your smartphone to unlock accounts, here is a quick trick to make life easier:


How to enable to sign in Microsoft Account using your phone

To use your phone when you sign in MS account, you'll need to set up your device in your account.

Step 1: Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store on iOS or Android.

Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from App Store

Step 2: Open the app. Add your personal Microsoft account information.

Press Add Account and choose the type of account that you are adding. Type the e-mail for your Microsoft account and press Next. Enter the password for your Microsoft account and press Sign in.

Add Microsoft account information

Step 3: Then log in to a website on your PC with your Microsoft Account.

When you enter your email address on the first page, and then get to the second page to click "Use the Microsoft Authenticator app instead" at the bottom of the page.

Use the Microsoft Authenticator app instead

Step 4: There will be a notification prompting on your phone to approve or deny. Tap Approve and confirm by using Touch ID. When that's done, you should find your account is accessible now.

Approve and confirm

How should I gain access to Microsoft Account if my phone isn't nearby?

Take it easy! You can always choose to use your password to sign in if you've forgotten your phone, but this process is far easier and ultimately more secure. You might need to use your password to sign in, including when:

  • You don't have your phone with you
  • Your phone is out of battery
  • Your phone is offline

When events like this happen, go to the sign-in screen and select Use another methodEnter your password.

Sign in with password