Add a work or school account to your Android device in China

Question

1. Select Add sign-in method.
2. Choose Microsoft Authenticator from the dropdown and select Add.
3. Select I want to use a different authenticator app.
4. Open Authenticator on your phone and select the plus icon and select Add account.
5. Select Other (Google, Facebook, etc.) then tap Scan a QR Code.

the option 'I want to use a different authenticator app' in step 3 is gone, how to fix it?

Answer 1

The "I want to use a different authentication app" option missing is a common occurrence on Android, especially in China. This is due to two things: IT admin policy or app version.

Why is the option missing?

1. Your company/school IT admin has disabled the option

They're forcing you to use Microsoft Authenticator only for security. If this is the case, there's no way around it.

2. You're using a Chinese phone without Google Play Services

The Chinese version of Microsoft Authenticator sometimes removes the option because it can't verify with the global server.

3. The app version is too new/old

Microsoft often A/B tests, and the option is moved or removed.

How to fix it - try it in order from easiest to easiest:

1. Skip it and scan the QR code [Most successful]

The option is missing, but you can still continue. In step 2, select Microsoft Authenticator → Add, and it will immediately display a QR code. Simply:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone
2. Tap + → Work or school account → Scan QR code
3. Scan the QR code that appears on your PC screen

*You don't need to go through the "different authentication app" option. That option is only for using Google Authenticator/Authy. If you want to use Microsoft Authenticator, just scan it.

2. If the admin insists on using a link, not a QR code

1. On the "Set up app" screen, look for the small text "Can't scan image?" or "Set up manually"
2. Click it → a Code and URL will appear.
3. In Authenticator: + → Work or school account → Or enter code manually
4. Enter the code and URL.

3. If you're still stuck: Ask your IT admin

Send a chat/email to your office/school IT admin:

"The 'use a different authentication app' option doesn't appear when setting up MFA. Did you disable third-party TOTP? I want to set it up in Microsoft Authenticator, can you help me with the QR code/manual key?"

If they answer "yes, we disabled it," then you must use Microsoft Authenticator. You can't use Google Authenticator.

4. For Chinese phones: Check this

1. Download Authenticator from the official store: Not from the Play Store. Use Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps, or https://aka.ms/authenticator-android
2. Turn off VPN first during setup. China's firewall sometimes blocks the initial connection to http://login.microsoftonline.com
3. Allow notifications for Authenticator in your phone's Settings → Apps → Authenticator → Notifications = On

Most importantly:

You can still add an account even if step 3 is missing. That option is just an "alternative path." The main path is to directly scan the QR code with Microsoft Authenticator.

So try step 1 first. 90% of cases are resolved there.