Switch from ActiveSync to Modern Authentication

Owned by Andy Rainey
Last updated: Nov 24, 2021
3 min read

All UA O365 accounts should authenticate through modern authentication, which requires two-factor authentication.

What is modern authentication?

Modern authentication offers additional security for accounts, making it less likely for attackers to gain access to an account. The Outlook desktop and mobile apps use modern authentication. Outlook apps are recommended for accessing UA email; however, we understand some users prefer the native mail app on iOS devices.

Make the switch!

Effective Sept. 27, 2021, all UA O365 account holders must access mail through modern authentication. Accounts will no longer be permitted to be accessed via ActiveSync, which does not require two-factor authentication.

To begin using modern authentication, users can remove their account on their iOS or Android device and begin using the Outlook application. If iOS users prefer to use the native mail app, they can remove and re-add the account to authenticate with modern authentication.

Follow the steps below, based on your device type, to switch from legacy ActiveSync to modern authentication. Accounts that are not transitioned to modern authentication by Sept. 27, 2021 will be logged out of the account, requiring the user to login through the modern authentication method.

Android

Delete Account

  1. Open the Gmail App

  2. Tap the hamburger menu and scroll to settings

  3. Tap the 3-dot menu

  4. Tap Manage Accounts

  5. Tap Exchange and tap Remove Account

Now that the account has been removed, you can add it back with modern authentication.

Add New Account

  1. Launch the Outlook app, tap “Get Started”. Note, if you do not already have the Outlook app installed, visit your device’s app store and download Outlook for Android.

  2. Tap Add Account

  3. Enter your myBamausername@ua.edu email address and tap “Continue”. NOTE – DO NOT CLICK ADD GOOGLE ACCOUNT.

  4. Enter your myBama password, then tap “Sign In”.

  5. Authenticate with Duo prompt.

  6. If prompted to add another account, tap “Maybe Later”.

  7. Intro pages will appear, skip or view as desired.

  8. Outlook will begin syncing to the server, then will be ready for use.

The steps for adding an account are replicated in the following video:

Outlook for iOS

First, if you do not have the Outlook for iOS app on your device, download Outlook for iOS from the App Store. OIT recommends the Outlook app for accessing UA email.

Delete Account from iOS Mail App

  1. Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts

  2. Tap your UA Exchange account

  3. Tap Delete Account

  4. Tap Delete to Confirm

Now that the account has been removed, you can add it back with modern authentication.

Add Account to Outlook App

  1. Launch the Outlook app.

  2. Enter your mybamausername@crimson.ua.edu email address then tap “Add Account”.

  3. You will then be prompted for a password, enter your myBama password. You may then receive a  Duo prompt.

  4. If prompted to add another account, tap “Maybe Later”.

  5. Intro pages will appear, skip or view as desired.

  6. A prompt to enable notifications will appear, Turn on or say No Thanks, as desired.

  7. Outlook will begin syncing to the server, then be ready for use.

iOS Native Mail App

Delete Account

  1. Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts

  2. Tap your UA Exchange account

  3. Tap Delete Account

  4. Tap Delete to Confirm

Now that the account has been removed, you can add it back with modern authentication.

Add Account

  1. Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts

  2. Tap Add Account

  3. Select Microsoft Exchange

  4. Enter your myBamausername@ua.edu email address and tap next

  5. Tap Sign In

  6. You will then receive a prompt for login.microsoft.com. Enter your myBama password, then tap Sign in.

  7. Authenticate with Duo when prompted.

  8. Configure settings to your preference and tap save.

The steps for adding an account are replicated in the following video:

Accessing email on another type of device?

Visit the Faculty and Staff Email webpage for additional tutorials on accessing email through the Outlook desktop app. If you need further assistance setting up email on a device, please contact your departmental IT support or the IT Service Desk.