Where is the QR code in Outlook?

If you’re trying to sign in to Outlook using a QR code, here’s the catch: Outlook itself doesn’t show a QR code. The QR code lives on your Microsoft account security page (shown in a browser on your computer) and is scanned with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Once that’s done, you just add the same account to Outlook—no QR inside Outlook is required.

Before you start

• A computer with a web browser (signed into your Microsoft 365 or personal Microsoft account)
• Your phone with the Microsoft Authenticator app installed
• Your account’s sign-in method allowed by your organization (if using work/school)

Work or school account: where to get the QR code

1. On your computer, open your Microsoft 365 sign‑in/security page and add Microsoft Authenticator as a sign‑in method.
2. The page will display a QR code.
3. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator → Add account → Work or school account → Scan a QR code.
4. Point your camera at the QR on your computer screen to finish setup.
5. Now open Outlook and add the same account (no QR in Outlook needed).

Personal Microsoft account: where to get the QR code

1. On your computer, open your Microsoft account security page and choose to set up Microsoft Authenticator.
2. A QR code appears.
3. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator → Add account → Personal account → Scan a QR code.
4. Scan the QR shown on your computer and complete the prompts.
5. Open Outlook and add the account normally.

Outlook on iPhone/Android: where to scan

• Outlook doesn’t generate a QR. You scan the QR with Microsoft Authenticator (not Outlook).
• If your IT gave you a setup page or Company Portal screen with a QR, scan it using Microsoft Authenticator, then add the account to Outlook.

Troubleshooting

• No QR code appears: Your admin may have disabled Authenticator setup. Use password + 2FA or contact IT.
• Authenticator won’t scan: Grant camera permission, increase screen brightness, and hold the phone steady.
• New Outlook/Outlook on the web: These apps never show a QR code for sign‑in; use Authenticator QR from the security page.

FAQs

Is there a QR code inside Outlook desktop or Outlook on the web? No. The QR is shown on your account’s security setup page, not inside Outlook.

Can I sign in to Outlook by scanning a QR from the Outlook app? No. You scan the QR with the Microsoft Authenticator app, then add the account to Outlook.

What if my company uses a different app than Microsoft Authenticator? Follow your IT’s instructions; the QR will still be shown on a setup page outside Outlook.

Summary (ordered steps)

1. On a computer, open your Microsoft account/security setup and add Microsoft Authenticator.
2. When the QR code appears, keep it on the screen.
3. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator → Add account → Scan a QR code.
4. Scan the QR and complete setup.
5. Open Outlook and add the account—no QR in Outlook required.

Conclusion

The QR code you’re looking for isn’t inside Outlook. It appears on your Microsoft account’s security setup page in a browser and is scanned using Microsoft Authenticator on your phone. After that, add the account in Outlook and you’re done.