Setting Up Passkey and Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Tags: MFA, Passkey, Authenticator, Multi-Factor Authentication, Microsoft 365, Login Security
A step-by-step guide for Okanagan College students and staff on how to set up a Passkey and the Microsoft Authenticator app as secure sign-in methods for their Okanagan College Microsoft 365 account.
Why This Matters
Microsoft is retiring SMS (text message) and voice call authentication as sign-in methods:
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Date
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What Happens
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September 1, 2026
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Microsoft will begin automatically prompting students who rely on SMS or voice authentication to register a stronger sign-in method, such as a Passkey.
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February 1, 2027
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Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication will be retired. Students who only have SMS configured will be required to register a stronger authentication method before they can continue signing in.
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To avoid any interruption to your access to Okanagan College systems (Office 365, Brightspace, myOkanagan, etc.), set up a Passkey and/or the Microsoft Authenticator app now.
Install Microsoft Authenticator — Cell Phone
Microsoft Authenticator sends a notification to your phone that you approve with one tap or generate a one-time code.
1. On your phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator
3. Select Install (or Get) and open the app once installed
4. In the app, tap + Add account (top right or center of screen)
5. Select Work or school account
6. Sign in with your Okanagan College email and password when prompted
7. Follow the prompts to allow notifications and complete pairing (this may include scanning a QR code shown on a computer screen — see below)
If you Already have Microsoft Authenticator installed on your cell phone. You will be prompted to setup an Authentication method during sign in.
Sign-in to myokanagan using your firstname.lastname@myokanagan.bc.ca and Password.
- Next screen -Lets Keep your account secure
- We’ll help you set up another way to verify it’s you. Click Next
- Install the Microsoft authenticator app on your mobile device, then come back here to continue. If Authenticator app is installed click next.
- Pair Authenticator with your account- select your account to the app by clicking this link.
- It will bring you to an activation page in the app and make the connection with your MyOkanagan account. Once connected you will receive an number notification and be prompted to enter a number.
If a QR code appears on a computer or another device:
1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info on that device
2. Select + Add sign-in method → Authenticator app
3. Follow the prompts to Next until a QR code is displayed
4. In the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, tap the camera icon and scan the QR code
5. Approve the test notification sent to your phone to finish setup
Set Up a Passkey — Cell Phone
A Passkey uses your phone's built-in screen lock (fingerprint, face scan, or PIN) instead of a password to sign in.
1. On your phone, open MS Authenticator App
2. Select myokanagan account
3. Select create a Passkey
4. Sign in and Passkey will be enabled on a mobile device, then Next
6. Follow the prompts to confirm using your phone's screen lock (fingerprint, face, or PIN)
Your phone can now be used as a Passkey to sign in without a password.
Using Microsoft Authenticator to Sign In
Once set up, signing in with Microsoft Authenticator is simple:
1. Enter your Okanagan College email and password as usual
2. A notification will be sent to your phone
3. Open the notification (or open the Authenticator app)
4. Confirm the number shown on your screen matches the number in the app
5. Tap Approve
Tip: If you don't see a notification, open the Microsoft Authenticator app directly and check under your Okanagan College account for a pending approval.
Another option Use Verification code- Select I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now. Use a Verification code. Open the MS authenticator app on your cell phone. Click on your myokanagan account and enter the one-time passcode. (time limit wheel enter the code before expires)
Watch this video showing how to link your OC account to the Microsoft Authenticator app on sign-in.
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Removing Old Sign-In Methods (Optional)
Once your Passkey and/or Authenticator app are set up and working, you may remove SMS or voice call as a method so you're not caught off guard when they're retired.
1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
2. Locate Phone in your list of sign-in methods
3. Select Delete
4. Confirm the removal
Note: Keep at least two sign-in methods registered at all times (e.g., Passkey and Authenticator app) in case one device is lost, damaged, or unavailable.
Help & Support
For further assistance, please contact the Okanagan College IT Support team:
Phone: 1-250-762-5445
Email: support@okanagan.bc.ca
Website: IT Services | Okanagan College