Solved Cannot see the "Can't Scan QR Code?" when setting up MS Authenticator app


win11freak

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I'm trying setup my MS authenticator app for my Outlook account but unable to manually enter that secret key code manually.

It is only appear as a QR code but I can not see an option to enter or configure it manually.

I know that Gmail has as an option to scan the QR code along with the option to enter the details manually by selecting the option Can't Scan QR Code?

How can this be done manually with a Microsoft Outlook account?
 

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You add your Outlook Account via the Microsoft Authenticator App.

I am going to assume it’s the same for Android as it is for IOS, it’s the same app.
In Authenticator on your mobile device, you click the + symbol top right to add an account:


Screenshot 2025-07-12 at 9.56.37 am.webp


You tap “Personal Account” and the following should show:


Screenshot 2025-07-12 at 8.33.27 am.webp
 
Last edited:

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Do you have the permissions correctly set on your phone to allow camera use?
 

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I just have my phone now, nothing else. My laptop is not with me at the moment.

The QR Code only option appear when I choose turn on Password less.

Never mind. I had to now turn on use Password now, then I tried it again but this time I managed to turn on Password less again from the Auth app and not from the actual web browser and it's ok.
 
Last edited:

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setting it up manually in an authenticator its normally like this

Microsoft:your-email@hotmail-or-outlook.com

then the magic number

if it requires a user name that is normally the user name you sign on with.

best of luck, Steve ..
 

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I got it to work by choosing the Other option in the authenticator app then copy the secret key and account name and paste it in those entry fields.

Thank you
 

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