Microsoft Authenticator - user doesnt want.

Question

Users do not want to use there cellphones for the Authenticator.

They would like to continue using the Text or Call option instead.

How can we stop the system from blocking these users that will not install the Authenticator App.

Answer 1

Good Day Ryan,

If your users prefer not to use the Microsoft Authenticator app and want to continue using the Text or Call option for multi-factor authentication (MFA), you can adjust their settings accordingly. Here’s one option:

1. Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
2. Navigate to Users and select Active users.
3. Locate the user you want to modify and click on their account.
4. Scroll down and click on Manage multi-factor authentication.
5. In the MFA settings, choose the desired method for that user (e.g., phone call or text message).
6. Save the changes.

Please note that while you can disable the Authenticator app as an MFA option, it’s essential to maintain security. Disabling it altogether may compromise the safety of your users’ accounts. Therefore, consider using alternative methods while ensuring the necessary security measures are in place.

If you encounter any issues during this process, feel free to ask for further assistance!

Answer 2

we have done exactly this, but the authenticator apps still takes over, sometimes right away sometimes a week later, or sometimes never and some users never have this problem while several do and there seems to be no rhyme or reason for it. even after authenticating with your desk phone. and it just keeps prompting over and over and our users have no way of logging in. yes we still have people who don't use a mobile phone or have one that's in working condition, and the the company isn't gong to issue 100s of employees phone, just to use an app to access a system. And due to compliance, we can't have devices on the production floor that can capture media. the things MS does not think of.