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How to set up and sync the Microsoft Authenticator app to a TAFE computer

When accessing the SM TAFE Student applications, you will be prompted to download the Microsoft Authenticator app. This adds an additional level of security to keep your personal information safe.

The app will keep your login authenticated for approximately 14 days before requiring that you authenticate again.

NOTE: You will first need to download and install the Authenticator app onto your mobile device (mobile phone, iPad) prior to logging on to a TAFE computer. If the Microsoft Authenticator app doesn’t work, download the Google Authenticator app.

For Android Device

To install the Authenticator app on an Android device, click on the link provided below to:

Open the download page from your mobile device, or

Download from the Google Play store on your mobile device

For iOS Device

To install the Authenticator app on an iOS device, click on the link provided below to:

Open the download page from your mobile device, or

Download from the App Store on your mobile device.

Don’t have a mobile phone?

Please talk to your lecturer (or to library staff).

Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App

Once you have downloaded the authenticator app onto your mobile device,

1. Log into a TAFE computer with your username (Student ID number e.g., 3000000) and password (e.g., Monday@1234).
2. Once you have logged in, on the desktop click on the Google Chrome icon.
3. The Microsoft Authenticator sign on box will appear on the screen.
4. Make sure to open your Microsoft Authenticator app that you downloaded on your mobile phone.
5. Then click on the ‘Next’ tab on the TAFE computer.
6. The box will then display ‘Scan the QR code’ with an image of a QR code.
7. Click on your TAFE account which has your student email on the app.
8. A new pop up will display in the app ‘Add work or school account’ with two options (Sign in or Scan QR code)
9. Select ‘Scan QR code’ which will open the capture screen ‘Your account provider will display a QR code and an alternate option ‘Or enter code manually’.
10. Capture the QR code displayed on the TAFE computer screen.
11. A new display box ‘Let’s try it out’ will appear on the computer screen. Approve the notification we’re sending to your app by entering the number shown below. E.g., 94
12. The number displayed on the TAFE computer will display in the app.
13. Tick the box to approve.
14. A new box will appear on your computer screen, ‘Security info’ These are the methods you use to sign into your account or reset your password.

Congratulations 😊, you should now be able to sign into all Microsoft Authenticated programs including the Student Hub, Blackboard, Microsoft 365, and My enrolment (Student Portal).

Please note: If you are on campus, have followed all the steps above and are still unable to activate the two-step authentication, you can click on ‘skip step?’ when the Microsoft Authentication app pop up box appears on the computer desktop. This will bypass the authentication process and allow you access to the Student Hub, Blackboard and Microsoft 365. This will not stop the Microsoft Authentication from popping up and is only a ‘temporary’ fix.

For further help and assistance please see the How to set up MS Authenticator app and set up your account or the passwords / wifi page on the student hub.

Other scenarios

You are unable to receive the Authenticator code as have a new mobile phone number –

If you have changed your mobile number and you have your previous number attached to your Microsoft account, you will need to have your account reset by ICT. Please ask your lecturer or Library Staff to contact the ICT helpdesk on Ext: 98585. Once they have reset your account and your new number is set up on your Microsoft account. This will allow the code to be sent to your new mobile number and you can then go ahead with setting up your TAFE Multi Factor Authentication.

You log in and the ‘Two-step verification’ box pops up –

1. Follow the prompts on the screen and select ‘mobile’ or ‘Email’.
2. Select ‘receive a code’ and click next.
3. Your phone will receive a code via SMS or you will receive an email if you have chosen that option.
4. Enter the code on the computer and then click ‘next’.

If this doesn't work, try this alternate solution.

1. Download the appropriate authentication app on your mobile/ipad.
2. Log into a TAFE computer
3. When the Microsoft Authenticator app pop up box appears follow the prompts until it requests you to scan the QR code on the screen
4. Open your camera on your mobile/ipad and scan the QR code and then click on the link.
5. This should open the authentication app that you already downloaded.
6. Enter the two-digit code onto the computer