How can i change the Authentication to only use the authenticator app for the entire company

Question

Good day

We would like to change the Authenticator method to only use the Microsoft Authenticator APP and not send authentication via calls, whatsapp or SMS?

Please assist

Answer 1

Good day @Tanelle McCleland,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A Forum.

Based on your description, to disable other methods and keep only the Microsoft Authenticator app, you must first have Global Admin permissions in your organization. Then, go to Microsoft Entra ID > Authentication Methods, and disable the authentication methods you no longer want to allow.

• If you’re unsure who the Global Admin is within your organization, you can find guidance on locating them here: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support
• Please note that managing and customizing authentication method policies in Microsoft Entra ID requires appropriate licensing.
• Additionally, if your tenant has Security Defaults enabled, you must disable them before applying custom authentication method policies.

Note: Please carefully review the impact of disabling any authentication method. Disabling all other methods except Microsoft Authenticator may:

• Prevent users who do not have access to a smartphone or the app from signing in.
• Break access for service accounts or legacy systems that rely on SMS, voice calls, or other MFA methods.
• Conflict with existing Conditional Access policies, Security Defaults, or SSPR (Self-Service Password Reset) settings.
• Require users to re-register MFA if they were previously using other methods.

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know.

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