November 2021
Multi-Factor Authentication
(MFA) Setup Guide - New Starters
Content summary
How does MFA work?
The basics of MFA and why we use it
Download the Microsoft Authenticator app
The recommended way to verify yourself
Setting up MFA options
• Microsoft Authenticator app
• SMS or phone call
How does MFA work?
• Multi-Factor Authentication or ‘MFA’ is a way to double-check your identity.
It enhances security for systems and websites using an extra verification step.
You may have seen it when trying to sign into online banking or large businesses.
• You verify yourself via your own mobile or UAL-issued phone if you have one.
It’s recommended to verify by using the Microsoft Authenticator app. Alternatively you
can verify by using an SMS code or automated phone call if you cannot use the app.
• If a UAL system is using MFA, a Microsoft prompt for further verification will appear
periodically and when using a new device/Wi-Fi network.
Download the Microsoft Authenticator app
The free Microsoft Authenticator app is the recommended way to authenticate yourself.
1. Search ‘Microsoft Authenticator’ in your phone’s app store and download.
2. If you’re asked for your Apple ID or Google Account password, this is simply to verify
that you can install the app. There is no charge.
3. It’s recommended that you download the app ahead of starting UAL, or at the
beginning of your first day, as you will need it to log in to key systems.
Colleagues overseas
Some countries may prevent access to app stores or the Microsoft Authenticator app. If this
is the case, you can choose to authenticate via SMS or automated phone call instead.
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Setting up MFA options
1. Open your preferred internet browser and go to the UAL staff intranet site
[Link].
2. If prompted, enter your UAL credentials (your username and password).
a. You may also receive prompts from Microsoft Outlook or Teams requesting
your UAL network credentials.
3. If further prompts appear, re-enter your UAL credentials where required.
Microsoft sign in prompt
[Link] sign in prompt:
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4. You will next see a prompt advising ‘More information required’.
This is the MFA prompt you will see when prompted to verify yourself in future.
Click ‘Next’.
5. The next screen begins the MFA set up process:
Method 1 takes you through the setup process for the Microsoft Authenticator app.
If you work internationally and restrictions do not allow you to use the app or you
don’t have a smart phone, select ‘I want to set up a different method’ and skip to
the next section in this guide.
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6. If you’re able to use the app, ensure you have downloaded it, then click ‘Next’.
Set up to verify by Microsoft Authenticator app
1. Click ‘Next’.
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
3. If prompted, ensure you allow all notifications and camera access.
4. Press ‘Skip’ until you reach the ‘Accounts’ screen.
5. Select ‘Add account’, then ‘Work or school’ as your account type.
6. A ‘Scan QR code’ screen will now open.
7. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code image on the screen.
This connects your UAL Account with the app.
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8. Click ‘Next’.
9. You’ll now receive a test MFA notification. Please approve this.
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10. Click ‘Next’ until you are presented with the following ‘Phone’ screen.
Here you are asked to enter a mobile number as a backup method in case the app
fails. It’s important you complete this to avoid being locked out of your account.
Message and data rates will not apply to the UK. International users should use the
app (if restrictions allow) as their primary method to avoid local phone charges.
Note: If you are redirected and don’t see this screen, go to [Link]
and select Security info > Add method
11. Select ‘United Kingdom’ or your local area if overseas and enter your mobile
number excluding the 0 at the start.
12. Choose to either receive an SMS with a code or an automated call then click ‘Next’.
13. Either enter the code you receive via SMS or answer the call to verify.
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The MFA setup process is complete once you see the below “Success!” screen.
Set up to verify by SMS or phone call
Use this method only if international restrictions don’t allow you to use the Microsoft
Authenticator app or you don’t have a smart phone.
MFA will instead ask you to authenticate by SMS or automated phone call.
1. From the below screen, select ‘I want to set up a different method’.
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2. Choose Phone as your method.
You will choose to receive the verification either by an SMS code to your mobile
phone or by an automated call to a landline.
3. Please follow the below guides and on-screen prompts to complete the rest of the
setup, ensuring you select ‘United Kingdom’.
MFA: mobile number setup guide
MFA: landline number setup guide