How To Update Your Multi-Factor Authentication Phone Number
Multi-Factor Authentication, also known as MFA, is just one of the security measures we use to keep your accounts secure. If you don't recognize the name, you should recognize the little code that Microsoft texts to your phone before logging into new devices with your University account. This security measure is why it is very important to never give out this code to anyone. The Help Desk will never ask for an MFA code.
Occasionally, you may need to update this phone number if you are leaving the country for an extended period of time, lost your phone, or get a new phone number. Depending on the situation, you may be able to do this yourself or you may need to get in contact with us. Either way, updating your MFA number is relatively simple to do, so let's get started!
If you do not have access to your old phone number
If you don't have access to the phone number last associated with MFA on your University account, you'll need to get in contact with us either by stopping by the Help Desk or by calling us at 412-392-3494. If you choose to stop by in person, we are located in Thayer Hall, room 220, located just beyond the open computer lab. Just follow the green signs on the walls and you should be able to find us.
If you have access to your old phone number
If you have access to the phone number last associated with MFA on your University account, then you should be able to update your MFA number with Microsoft on your own.
Step 1 – Go to myaccount.microsoft.com
The first step is to head to myaccount.microsoft.com. This is where you'll update your MFA phone number.
Step 2 – Sign in
Once there, it should ask you to sign in. You'll need to sign in using your University email address, including the "@pointpark.edu" part, and password.
Step 3 – Verify your identity
When you sign in, it should ask you to verify your identity via MFA. This is why it is only possible to update it this way if you have access to the phone number last associated with MFA on your University account. Once you receive the text from Microsoft, you'll need to enter the verification code they give you.
Step 4 – Head to the Security Info section
Once you're all signed in and verified, you'll need to head to the "Security Info" section. This is where you'll be able to update the phone number associated with MFA.
Step 5 – Verify, again
In order to change your security settings, it will ask to verify your identity via MFA again. It's the same process as when you initially verified your sign in. Be prepared, you'll need to do it once more. Kind of annoying, right?
Step 6 – Select the phone number you wish to change
After verifying for the second time, you should see your old phone number listed and the option to change it. Click or tap on the "change" button next to your old phone number.
Step 7 – Enter your new phone number
You should see a box pop up where you'll enter your new phone number. Be sure to select the proper country code, such as +1 for the United States, as Microsoft will not accept your new phone number without the correct country code.
Step 8 – Verify your new phone number
Here it is, the final time you'll need to verify. This time, you'll need to verify on your new phone number, but the process is the same as the first two times you've verified.
Step 9 – Ta-da!
That's it! You should see a message confirming that the phone number associated with MFA on your University account has been updated!
If you still need assistance, feel free to submit a ticket by heading here, emailing us a helpdesk@pointpark.edu, or by calling us at 412-392-3494.