October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk6 min

Where Is the QR Code in Outlook?

The Outlook QR code depends on what you are setting up. Find the mobile-app code under Outlook on the web, or generate the separate MFA code from Microsoft Security info.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no single QR code in Outlook. Microsoft uses different QR-code screens for two separate jobs:

  • Adding Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 email to Outlook on a phone
  • Registering Microsoft Authenticator for two-step verification

The correct location depends on what you are trying to set up. Outlook desktop does not contain a general-purpose QR-code generator in its account settings.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To add an Outlook account to the Outlook mobile app

If you want to add an email account to Outlook for Android or iPhone by scanning a code, generate the code from Outlook on the web, Outlook.com, or New Outlook.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Display the Outlook mobile QR code on your computer

  1. Open Outlook on the web, Outlook.com, or New Outlook and sign in.
  2. Select the Settings gear.
  3. Open Accounts.
  4. Select Mobile devices.
  5. Select Get the Outlook app.
  6. Leave the QR code visible on your computer screen.

Microsoft may display the code directly or open a browser window containing it. The wording can vary slightly between personal Outlook.com accounts and Microsoft 365 accounts.

#1 Best Overall
SYNCWIRE Tripod Phone Mount, Universal Smartphone Mount Adapter
  • Dual Cold Shoe Mounts: Attach microphones, lights, and accessories for enhanced photography or vlogging.
  • Versatile Screw Design: 1/4" screw hole compatible with tripods, selfie sticks, cameras, and various accessories.
  • 360° Rotation, 180° Tilt: Effortlessly switch between landscape and portrait mode with adjustable angle design for precise control.
  • Universal Phone Compatibility: Fits smartphones from iPhone 14 to Galaxy S23 Ultra, accommodating devices within 2.16" to 3.7" width. For best results, avoid clamping directly on the side buttons. Adjust the position slightly higher or lower if your phone has thick cases or protruding buttons.
  • Secure Grip: Thick non-slip silicone pad ensures stability even with a thick phone case.

Scan the code with your phone

  1. Open Outlook for iOS or Android.
  2. On the sign-in screen, select Sign in using the QR code on your computer.
  3. Allow camera access if Outlook asks for permission.
  4. Scan the code shown on your computer.

If Outlook is already open and you are not seeing the sign-in screen, use this route:

  1. Open the Outlook sidebar.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Go to Accounts > Add Account > Email Account.
  4. Select Scan QR Code.

This QR code is an account-onboarding shortcut. It is not a permanent password and is not a code that you normally retrieve from Outlook desktop.

If you mean the Microsoft Authenticator QR code

The Authenticator QR code is used to connect Microsoft Authenticator to your Microsoft account for multifactor authentication. You generate it from your Microsoft security settings—not from Outlook.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Work or school account

  1. Open mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
  2. Select Add sign-in method or Add method.
  3. Choose Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator app.
  4. Select Add.
  5. With Authenticator installed on your phone, select Next until the QR code appears.

On the phone:

  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
  2. Tap the + button.
  3. Select Add account.
  4. Choose Work or school account.
  5. Select Scan a QR Code.
  6. Scan the code on the computer.

Some organizations still show the older path Additional security verification > select Authenticator app > Configure. It performs the same basic registration task.

Personal Microsoft account

  1. Open account.microsoft.com/security.
  2. Select Manage how I sign in.
  3. Choose Add a new way to sign in or verify.
  4. Select Use an app.
  5. If prompted, choose Set up a different Authenticator app, then select Next.
  6. Scan the displayed code in Authenticator by tapping + > Personal account > Scan a QR Code.

To enable two-step verification for a personal account, open account.microsoft.com/security, select Manage how I sign in, choose Two-step verification, and select Turn on. A QR code appears during the setup process.

Which QR code do you need?

What you are trying to do Where the QR code comes from What scans it
Add email to Outlook on a phone Outlook on the web > Settings > Accounts > Mobile devices > Get the Outlook app Outlook for iOS or Android
Set up work or school MFA Security info > Add sign-in method > Microsoft Authenticator Microsoft Authenticator
Set up personal-account MFA Microsoft account security settings Microsoft Authenticator
Sign in after setup Usually no QR code is needed Outlook approval or a one-time code

Does Outlook desktop have a QR-code setting?

No. Legacy Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac do not provide a QR-code generator or a direct QR-code sign-in control in File > Account Settings. The code is generated by a web-based Microsoft account page or by the Outlook mobile onboarding flow.

Rank #2
Sale
Smartphone Holder/Vertical and Horizontal Tripod Mount Adapter
  • FEATURE: the tripod phone mount is adjustable by screw mechanism, 360 degree rotating, vertical(portrait mode) and horizontal(landscape mode) or any angle as you need, not necessary to take your cell phone out of a standard tripod or small tripod.
  • EASY TO USE: two options for using tripod phone holder: 1. screw it directly to the tripod or selfie stick with pivoting arm, being able to 360 degrees rotating, 2. remove the phone clamp from pivoting arm and then mount on a tripod or monopod.
  • ADJUSTABLE WIDTH: 2.2inch-4.1inch(55mm-105mm), attachable to any regular-size smartphone, tripod, selfie stick, monopod or camera; two standard 1/4 x 20mm female thread interfaces meeting your various needs. Very functional and compact.
  • MATERIAL: the black part made of sturdy plastic, the female threads inserted are brass, the male screw is steel and soft non-slipping silica gel pads, which protect your cellphone from scratch and hold the phone securely.
  • ATTACHABLE TO: most mobile phones, tripods, unipods, selfie sticks, cameras, camcorders, pico projectors, including iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/X/XS/XR/XS Max/8/7/6/6s Plus/SE/5s/5/5c, Samsung Galaxy S10/10+/S9/S9+/S8/S8+/S7/S6/S6 edge, Note10/10+/9/8 and Android phones.

You can still use Outlook desktop to manage mail after the account is configured, but looking through its account settings will not reveal the QR code.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What happens after the account is set up?

Outlook mobile does not normally require you to scan a QR code every time you sign in. Depending on the account and organization settings, Microsoft may use:

  • An approval notification in Outlook mobile
  • A one-time sign-in code generated inside Outlook mobile
  • Microsoft Authenticator approval or code entry

To find an Outlook mobile sign-in code, open Outlook and follow Home (top-left icon) > Settings (bottom-left gear) > Accounts > select the account > Sign-in requests. Tap the copy icon and paste the code into the sign-in page. These codes refresh every 30 seconds.

To re-enable this method, go to Settings > Accounts > select the account > Account > Sign-in requests, then turn on Allow sign-in requests.

QR-code problems and fixes

The QR option is missing in Outlook

First identify which app should scan the code. Outlook’s mobile setup code is scanned by Outlook; the MFA setup code is scanned by Authenticator. If you are looking in Outlook desktop, you are in the wrong place—the desktop application does not generate this code.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

No QR code appears during Authenticator setup

The account may already have Authenticator registered, the administrator may have disabled the method, or a Conditional Access policy may block registration. Work or school users may need their Microsoft 365 administrator to reset the existing registration or allow Authenticator in the tenant.

Rank #3
Sale
Metal Phone Tripod Mount 3 Cold Shoes & Arca Port, 360° Smartphone Tripod
  • 🏆【Latest Metal Phone Tripod Mount】: 360° rotation smartphone holder with 2 side cold shoe and 1 back cold shoe & 1/4" Expand Hole Design, you can attach additional LED light, microphone or other film device. It helps you film steady vlogging video for Facebook, Youtube, and platforms as well as live streaming channels.
  • 🏆【Back Cold Shoe & Two 1/4" Expand Hole Design】: There is a cold shoe on the back, which solves the problem that the wireless microphone cannot be fixed during mobile phone recording. Two 1/4" screw hole help you expand the devices you want.
  • 🏆【Standard Arca Mount on Bottom】- ULANZI Iron Man IV with a standard Aka quick release plate port, quick installation. A 1/4 screw port is added at the bottom to connect tripods. It is all aluminum metal made. Solid, Durable and Safer.
  • 🏆【Side Double Cold Shoe Design】: ULANZI ST-27 with 2 cold shoes on the side, you can mount your fill light & microphone at same time. It is be the best choice for your vlog.
  • 🏆【Extra Wide Compatibility】: Ulanzi phone tripod mount compatible with iPhone17 16 15 14 13 12/12Pro/12Pro Max/11/11Pro/11Pro Max/X/Xs/XR/Xs Max,8/7/6/6s, iPhone 6/6s plus, iphone SE,Samsung Galaxy s10s10 plus S9/S9+,S8/S8+/S7/S6/S6 edge, Note 10 9 8 5 4 3 and many other brands and models

You are sent to aka.ms/mfasetup

This generally means Microsoft cannot obtain the strong-authentication token needed to continue because the account does not have enough usable authentication methods. Follow the registration instructions at that address or contact the organization’s administrator.

The sign-in page says the location is restricted

A restricted-location message usually comes from an administrator policy or Conditional Access rule. Changing Outlook settings will not bypass it; the organization’s administrator must review the policy.

The camera cannot scan the Authenticator code

On the computer, select Can’t scan the image on your PC. In Authenticator, choose Enter code manually, then enter the account and key information shown by Microsoft.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

An Outlook sign-in code is rejected

Outlook one-time codes expire quickly and refresh every 30 seconds. If the countdown is almost finished, wait for the next code and enter that one. Also check that the phone has the correct account selected under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in requests.

Outlook says Authenticator must be used instead

This can happen when Authenticator is already registered or when the organization requires it as the authentication method. Use the Authenticator app rather than trying to create a second Outlook sign-in method.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Version requirements

For Microsoft’s Outlook mobile authentication feature, the documented minimum versions are:

Rank #4
Sale
ULANZI ST-06S Phone Tripod Mount Holder for iPhone
  • The ST-06s is upgraded from ST-06, adds one more cold shoe, enhance the material, makes it more sturdy, functional and convenient
  • 2 cold shoe design, allows to mount the mic and led video light at the same time, improve your vlog or video quality; 360°rotating design, supports horizontal and vertical shooting angles, work with tiktok mode
  • Z-axis design, adjust a pitch angle freely, work as phone monitor mount, compatible with sony canon nikon cameras DJI roin s/sc/rs Zhiyun crane gimbals
  • Mini and lightweight, only 51g, 105mm/4.13in, very portable, easy to take out and put it into any bag even pocket; Protective pad, there is silicon pad in the phone holder that keep your phone form scratching
  • Widely compatible, the phone holder width ranges from 2.36 - 3.54in, fit 99 % phones in the market, compatible with for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max X XR Xs Max 8 7 Plus Samsung Galaxy s10 s9 Note10 Google smartphone
Account Minimum app version
Personal account on Android Outlook for Android 4.2405.0 or newer
Work or school account on Android Outlook for Android 4.2405.0 or newer
Work or school account on iPhone Outlook for iOS 4.2438.0 or newer

Update Outlook and Microsoft Authenticator from the relevant app store before troubleshooting. Personal-account Outlook authentication is currently supported for this feature on Android, while work or school support also covers iOS. An organization must permit Outlook to be used for authentication.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

FAQ

Where is the QR code to add Outlook to my phone?

In Outlook on the web, open Settings > Accounts > Mobile devices > Get the Outlook app. Then choose the QR-code sign-in option in Outlook for iOS or Android and scan the code.

Is the Outlook QR code in Outlook desktop?

No. Legacy Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac do not generate this QR code in Account Settings. Use Outlook on the web or the Microsoft account security pages instead.

Where is the QR code for Microsoft Authenticator?

For a work or school account, open mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and choose Add sign-in method > Microsoft Authenticator. For a personal account, use account.microsoft.com/security > Manage how I sign in.

Do I need to scan a QR code every time I sign in to Outlook?

No. The QR code is mainly for initial setup. Later sign-ins may use an Outlook approval notification, a one-time Outlook code, or Microsoft Authenticator, depending on the account configuration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Bottom Line

For the Outlook mobile app, go to Outlook on the web > Settings > Accounts > Mobile devices > Get the Outlook app. For multifactor authentication, generate the code from Security info or your personal Microsoft account security page and scan it with Microsoft Authenticator. Neither code is normally generated inside Outlook desktop.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
SYNCWIRE Tripod Phone Mount, Universal Smartphone Mount Adapter
SYNCWIRE Tripod Phone Mount, Universal Smartphone Mount Adapter
Secure Grip: Thick non-slip silicone pad ensures stability even with a thick phone case.; Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 54g, perfect for on-the-go photography and storage.
$9.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.