Account Recovery

Enrolling in account recovery is a great way to ensure you have the ability to recover your account without having to contact IITS!
If you have forgotten your password, you may use the recovery method shown below to regain access to your account.Enroll in Account Recovery

• How to setup Microsoft Authenticator on a Phone or Mobile Device
  1. Download Microsoft Authenticator from your device's app store and open the app.
     Accept any permissions that are requested, such as notifications and camera access.
     
     

     
     
     Microsoft Authenticator App - App Store

     
     
     
     Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play

  2. Add your account.
     Tap "+" Add Account.
     Select Work or School Account and sign in.
     
     
     
     
  3. Sign into the Microsoft account page with your CSUSM email.
     Tap "Open browser". This will redirect you to your default browser app.
     
     
     
     
  4. Satisfy the Duo multi-factor authentication request if prompted.
     
     
  5. In your browser app, ensure that the account listed above is your CSUSM account.
     Tap "Next" on the "Let's keep you account secure" page.
     Tap "Next" on the "Install Microsoft Authenticator" page.
     Tap the link titled, "Pair your account to the app by clicking this link." This will take you back to the Authenticator App.
     
     
     
     
  6. When redirected back to the Authenticator App, you should see a "Account added successfully" notification.
     
     
     
     
     
  7. You may be prompted a verification.
     If so, a notification will be sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
     Tap the notification and follow the prompts to complete registration.
     Enter the number displayed on your browser app screen into the Authenticator app if prompted.
     Approve the request.
     
     
     
     
     
  8. Once verification is successful, Microsoft Authenticator will be registered for your account and can be used for future sign-ins, password resets, and account recovery.
• How to Enroll in Self-Service Password Reset (Account Recovery)
  1. Click on the link above and sign in with your campus email address.
     
     

  2. Enter your email address password as shown below.

  

  3. Satisfy the Duo multi-factor authentication request

  

  iOS Duo Push Example

                                              

  4. If you are using your personal machine, select Yes to stay signed in.  We recommend not to select this option if you are using a public system.

  

  5. Click on "Add a Sign in Method"

  
  
  Please choose "Email" or "Microsoft Authenticator (see next section)" when adding a sign in method. 
  Please do not use any of the "Phone" methods.
  
  
  

   6. If you selected, "Email" , add a personal email address that you have access to and select "Next".

  

  7. A code will be sent to the personal email used.
  
  8. Enter the code into the box and select "Next".

     
  
  9. If successful, you will see "Email Added". Select "Done".
  

   

• How to Enroll into Microsoft Authenticator on a mobile device through your Desktop or Laptop
  1. Click on the link above and sign in with your campus email address
     
     

  2. Enter your email address password as shown below.

  

  3. Satisfy the Duo multi-factor authentication request - select either option below.

  

  iOS Duo Push Example 

       

  4. If you are using your personal machine, select Yes to stay signed in.  We recommend not to select this option if you are using a public system.

  

  5. Click on "Add a Sign in Method"
  
  Choose "Microsoft Authenticator"

  

  6. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App:

  
  
  Microsoft Authenticator App - App Store

  
  
  
  Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play

   

  7. Once the app is installed, hit next through the setup page until you get to the Scan QR code page.
  
    
  8. Open the authenticator app and select the QR circle at the bottom right of your screen. 
  It will prompt for permission to use you camera. Please tap "Allow".
  Scan the QR code on your screen. 
  Once scanned it will confirm that your account has been added to the mobile app. 

     

  9. After scanning the QR code, the Microsoft Authenticator will provide you with a two-digit number to input on your mobile device. Input that number to complete the authenticator linking process. 

   
  10. When the Authenticator linking process is complete, you will see a "Authenticator Added" message.
  Click Done.

  

• Forgot your password and need to recover your account?
  1. Visit this page: Forgot Your Password?
  2. Click "Can't access your account?"

  

  4. Enter your email address, username@csusm.edu, in the User ID field and confirm the security captcha code in the next field.

   

  

  5. Select your recovery method - in the example below, we are using the alternate email method.  Click Email to proceed.

  

  6. Check your alternate email address for a verification code as shown below.  Enter the code into the verification field.

  

  7. Create a new passphrase/password and re-enter your new password in the confirmation field.

   

  8. You're done!  Your password will now update on all campus systems.  

  

  Please be sure to update all of your devices that may store your campus username and password.

  • Outlook
  • Teams
  • iPhone/iPad
  • Campus WiFi profile on your mobile device
• Enhancing Account Security with SSPR - More Information

  Microsoft Self‑Service Password Recovery (SSPR) will be required for all users as of Monday, April 6, 2026.
  For more information, please click the link below.
  Enhancing Account Security with SSPR

• Experiencing Issues?

  If you encounter any issues enrolling in Microsoft Authenticator or Recovery Methods:

  1. Please fill out our Account Services Request Form
     Account Services Request Form

    2. Once the form is submitted, our staff will follow up on your request.