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Microsoft Authenticator is an excellent two-factor authentication app. But did you know you can also use it as a password manager? Let’s explore how you can use this popular two-factor authenticator to keep your password secure on all your devices.
How to Install and Configure Microsoft Authenticator
If you don’t have it already, you can install Microsoft Authenticator from theGoogle Play Storeor theApp Storeon your iPhone and iPad. Once installed, launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to allow notifications.
Microsoft Authenticator requires a Microsoft account to work. If you have one, tapSign-in with Microsoft account,then log in with your details. If not, you can create a new account within the app.
As you sign in, tapAllow autofillto setAuthenticatoras the default autofill service (allowing it to automatically populate known username and password fields). TapOKto confirm the action. Review the summary and tapDone. If not, tapSkip, and you can do it later.
By default, App Lock is enabled for Microsoft Authenticator. This way, you’ll have to unlock the app each time to approve an authentication or view passwords. Also, you can’t use the password management features without enabling App Lock first. But if you must disable it, here’s how to do it.
How to Import Passwords Into Microsoft Authenticator
Next up, you need to import your passwords into Microsoft Authenticator, be that from a browser or another password manager.
Import Passwords From Your Browsers
TapDoneto finish.
Import Password From Password Managers
You can also import passwords from dedicated password managers like Bitwarden, LastPass, Dashlane, etc. These are the instructions on how to import a password from Bitwarden to Microsoft Authenticator (as that’s what I have to hand), but it’s a similar process for most password managers.
If you don’t use a mobile app for your password manager, export the .csv file using a web browser, save it on your phone, and then import it to the Authenticator app. Here is a list of password managers supported by the Authenticator app:
Manually Add a Password
Of course, you can also manually add a new password. On thePasswordtab, tap the big+ iconin the bottom right corner and chooseAdd password. Enter the fullURL(for example, https://makeuseof.com), followed by the username and password. Tap thecheck mark (✓)icon in the top-bottom corner to save the password.
Generate a Password
What’s a password manager without a password generator? Microsoft Authenticator gets one, too. To generate a new password, tap the+ iconin the password tab, then tapGenerate password.
By default, it generates a 15-character password with letters, numbers, and special characters. You can customize it to tweak the password complexity to meet your requirements. Once the password is ready, tapCopy passwordto use it on a new app. Additionally, tap the littleSave(folder) icon to create a new account with the generated password.
Another handy feature of Authenticator is the password generator history. To access it, tap the+icon and chooseGenerator history. This will show all the passwords generated on the app in case you didn’t save or forgot them.
Configure the Autofill Service to Use Microsoft Authenticator
With autofill, Microsoft Authenticator can automatically fill in your credentials for the saved account. If you didn’t enable autofill during the initial setup, you can do so from Settings.
In some instances, you might need to enableAutofill on more apps and sitesto allow autofill to work on some apps. So, tapAutofill on more apps and sites, and choose tapTurn on. In the Accessibility screen, tapInstalled appsand chooseAuthenticator. Tap to toggle the switch and then selectAllow. Check to see if the autofill service is working. If not, perform a quick restart, and it should start working.
Once configured, autofill works great with third-party apps offering to fill in the username and password for a saved account. It also works with your preferred browser on Android, including Chrome and Brave, except for Edge. Edge insists on using the integrated Microsoft Autofill service instead.
How to Use Microsoft Authenticator Autofill on Your Desktop
If you want to bring Microsoft Authenticator to your desktop, you’ll need to install theMicrosoft Autofill browser extension. It’s available for Chromium-based browsers and extends Authenticator’s autofill and password management service.
To install the extension:
Microsoft Autofill will sync your password from the Authenticator app. When you visit a website with a saved account, Autofill will automatically fill in your username and password and sign you in.
Furthermore, any accounts saved using Autofill will also be available on all your devices using Microsoft Authenticator. Though, you’ll need to manually sync using theSync nowbutton in the top-right corner of the extension.
For additional options, head to theSettingstab. Here, you can configure what information Microsoft Autofill can save and fill automatically, your preferred mode of identity verification, and whether identity verification is needed when auto-filling password and payment info.
Microsoft Authenticator Works, but Dedicated Password Managers Offer More
If you need a basic password manager with good security, Microsoft Authenticator is a solid password manager alternative. It’s also convenient, as it consolidates your two-factor authentication and password management tools in one app.
However, if you need more features like the ability to organize new and existing passwords in folders, cross-platform support, cross-device auto-sync, and other premium features, adedicated password manageris still a better option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
