Authenticator for Android in the public cloud in China
The Microsoft Authenticator app for Android is available for download in China. The Google Play Store isn't available in China, so the app must be downloaded from other Chinese app marketplaces. The Microsoft Authenticator app for Android is currently available in the following stores in China:
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Baidu
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Lenovo
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Huawei
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Oppo
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Samsung
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Xiaomi
The most current build of the app is in the Google Play Store, but we're updating the app on all other app stores as quickly as we can. Because there's no custom Android application package (APK) deployed to any app store, the app can be seamlessly updated from one of the following locations:
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The store it was downloaded from
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The Google Play Store if you cross regions
Limitations
The Microsoft Authenticator app for Android uses Google’s Firebase Cloud Messaging system and Google Play Services and for iOS uses Apple Push Notification Services to receive push notifications. Because neither service is available in China, there are some limitations in functionalities of the app:
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Setting up the Authenticator app as a two-step verification method using push notifications isn't currently available.
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Phone sign-in can't be set up because it requires you to set up the app as a two-step verification method using push notifications, which aren't currently available.
If you previously managed to set up phone sign-in or two-step verification using the app, they can perform a manual check for notifications requests in the app and use it for identity verification.
Two-step verification in China
Instead of using push notifications for two-step verification, users can set up their Authenticator app to receive verification codes on their device that they can use to verify their identity. These verification codes are valid for 30 seconds. To use them, your admins must turn on the ability to verify your identity using verification codes.
Check to see which verification methods are available in China:
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Microsoft Authenticator Feature |
Available in China? |
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Two-step verification setup using push notifications |
No |
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Pre-existing two-step verification account verifying identity using push notifications |
No |
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Pre-existing two-step verification account performing manual check for notifications |
Yes |
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Two-step verification using temporary verification codes only |
Yes |
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Phone sign-in registration |
No |
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Existing phone sign-in using push notifications |
No |
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Existing phone sign-in verification by performing manual check for verification requests |
Yes |
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Support for the Authenticator app for personal Microsoft accounts |
No |
Set up your account for temporary verification codes
Note: To use verification codes to verify your identity, your admins must first allow you to use verification codes. The verification code method is enabled in the legacy multifactor authentication settings page, which is located as described in Configure Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication - Azure Active Directory | Microsoft Docs.
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Go to the Security Info page for your account.
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Select Add sign-in method.
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Select Authenticator app, and then select Add.
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Select I want to use a different authenticator app, and then select Next.
If you don't see the I want to use a different authenticator app option, then your admin doesn't currently allow you to use verification codes.
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Open the Authenticator app, go to Add account options, and select Other.
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Scan the following QR code.
Next steps
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