The QR code in Outlook is usually located in the security or authentication settings for your email account. If you’re wondering where to find qr code in outlook, you’re not alone—many users need it for two-factor authentication or account recovery. This guide walks you through every possible location, from desktop apps to mobile versions.
QR codes in Outlook serve as a quick way to link your account to a mobile device or authenticate logins. They appear in different places depending on your version and setup. Let’s break it down step by step.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook On Desktop
On the desktop version of Outlook, QR codes are hidden in security menus. They’re not on the main screen, so you need to dig a bit. Here’s how to locate them.
For Microsoft 365 Or Outlook 2021
Open Outlook on your computer. Click on File in the top-left corner. Then select Account Settings and choose Manage Profiles. A new window pops up. Click on Email Accounts and find your account. Look for a button labeled Change or Security. Inside, you’ll see an option for Two-Step Verification. That’s where the QR code lives.
Steps to follow:
- Go to File > Account Settings > Manage Profiles
- Select your email account and click Change
- Find Security or Two-Step Verification settings
- Look for a QR code image or a button to generate one
If you don’t see it, your admin might have disabled it. Check with your IT department.
For Outlook 2019 Or Older Versions
Older versions place QR codes in the Trust Center. Click File, then Options, and select Trust Center. Click Trust Center Settings and look for Email Security. The QR code is often tied to digital IDs or certificates. It’s less common here, but still possible.
Common locations:
- File > Options > Trust Center > Email Security
- Under Digital IDs or Certificates
- Sometimes in Advanced Security settings
Note: This method is rare now. Most users find QR codes in the two-factor setup instead.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook On Web
Outlook on the web (OWA) has a simpler path. Log in to your account at outlook.com or your company’s portal. Click on the gear icon for settings. Then select View all Outlook settings. Go to Security or Password & security. Under Two-step verification, you’ll see a QR code option.
Detailed steps:
- Log in to Outlook web
- Click the gear icon (top right)
- Choose View all Outlook settings
- Go to Security > Two-step verification
- Click Set up or Manage
- Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
If you don’t have two-factor enabled, you won’t see the QR code. You need to turn it on first. The QR code is generated only during setup.
For Work Or School Accounts
Organizational accounts often use Microsoft Authenticator. Go to My Account portal (myaccount.microsoft.com). Sign in and select Security info. Click Add sign-in method and choose Authenticator app. A QR code appears on screen. Scan it with your phone.
Key points:
- Access via myaccount.microsoft.com
- Security info > Add method > Authenticator app
- QR code shows up instantly
This is the most reliable place for work accounts. The QR code links your phone to your Outlook profile.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook On Mobile
The Outlook mobile app also uses QR codes, but for different purposes. They help you log in quickly or add an account. Open the app and tap your profile icon. Look for Add account or Settings. Some versions show a QR code scanner instead of a code.
For Adding An Account
If you’re setting up Outlook on a new phone, the app might show a QR code on your desktop. On the mobile app, tap Add account. Choose Scan QR code. Then go to your desktop Outlook, open File > Account Settings, and find the Mobile Devices section. A QR code appears there.
Steps:
- On mobile: Open Outlook, tap Add account
- Select Scan QR code
- On desktop: Go to File > Account Settings > Mobile Devices
- Scan the code shown on your PC screen
This method syncs your account instantly. No passwords needed.
For Two-Factor Authentication On Mobile
If you use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, the QR code is in the app setup. In Outlook settings on your phone, go to Security or Account settings. Look for Two-factor authentication. The QR code is displayed there for scanning.
Common issues:
- QR code not showing? Update the app
- Blurry code? Adjust screen brightness
- Code expired? Refresh the page
Mobile QR codes are usually temporary. Scan them within a few minutes.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Authenticator Setup
Microsoft Authenticator is the most common tool for Outlook QR codes. You need to pair the app with your account. On your computer, go to the Microsoft Authenticator setup page (aka.ms/mfasetup). Sign in with your Outlook credentials. A QR code appears on the screen. Open the Authenticator app on your phone, tap Add account, and scan the code.
Alternative path:
- Visit account.microsoft.com/security
- Select Advanced security options
- Click Set up two-step verification
- Choose Authenticator app
- QR code appears
This method works for personal and work accounts. The QR code is generated once and expires after a few minutes.
For Third-Party Authenticator Apps
If you use Google Authenticator or Authy, the process is similar. In Outlook settings, select Two-step verification. Choose Use a different authenticator app. A QR code shows up. Open your third-party app and scan it. The code links to your Outlook account.
Steps:
- Go to Outlook security settings
- Enable two-step verification
- Select authenticator app
- Scan QR code with your app
Make sure your app supports QR codes. Most do.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Account Recovery
QR codes also help with account recovery. If you lose access, Microsoft sends a QR code to your recovery email or phone. Go to the Microsoft account recovery page (account.live.com/acsr). Enter your Outlook email. Follow the prompts. At some point, a QR code appears on screen. Scan it with the Microsoft Authenticator app to verify your identity.
Recovery QR code locations:
- In recovery emails from Microsoft
- On the account recovery webpage
- In the Authenticator app after setup
This QR code is temporary. Use it within 15 minutes.
For Resetting Your Password
When resetting your Outlook password, you might see a QR code. Go to passwordreset.microsoft.com. Enter your email. Choose Use authenticator app. A QR code appears. Scan it with your phone to approve the reset. This adds an extra layer of security.
Steps:
- Visit passwordreset.microsoft.com
- Enter your Outlook email
- Select authenticator app method
- Scan the QR code
- Approve the password change
This works only if you already set up two-factor authentication.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Shared Mailboxes
Shared mailboxes in Outlook also use QR codes for access. If you manage a shared mailbox, go to the admin center (admin.microsoft.com). Select Users > Active users. Find the shared mailbox. Click Mail settings and look for Mobile devices. A QR code appears for adding the mailbox to your phone.
Steps for admins:
- Go to admin.microsoft.com
- Select Users > Active users
- Choose the shared mailbox
- Click Mail settings > Mobile devices
- Scan the QR code
Regular users might not see this. Only admins can generate QR codes for shared mailboxes.
For Delegated Access
If someone gives you delegate access to their Outlook, you might get a QR code. The owner goes to File > Account Settings > Delegate Access. They add you as a delegate. Then a QR code appears for you to scan. This links your account to their mailbox.
Delegate QR code steps:
- Owner: File > Account Settings > Delegate Access
- Add delegate and set permissions
- QR code generated for delegate
- Delegate scans with mobile app
This is rare but useful for assistants.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Teams Integration
Outlook integrates with Microsoft Teams. QR codes appear when linking the two. In Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-ins. Look for Teams integration. A QR code might show up for pairing. Scan it with the Teams app on your phone.
Common places:
- Outlook Options > Add-ins > Teams
- Teams settings > Devices > Pair with Outlook
- QR code on screen for scanning
This connects your Outlook calendar to Teams. It’s handy for scheduling.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Calendar Sharing
Sharing your Outlook calendar via QR code is possible. In Outlook web, open your calendar. Click Share and choose Publish a calendar. A QR code appears for others to scan. This gives them read-only access.
Steps:
- Open Outlook web calendar
- Click Share > Publish a calendar
- Choose permissions
- QR code generated
- Share with others
Desktop version doesn’t have this feature. Use web for calendar QR codes.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Contact Sharing
You can share contacts via QR code too. In Outlook, go to People (contacts). Select a contact. Click Share and choose QR code. A code appears for scanning. Others can add your contact to their phone.
Steps:
- Open People in Outlook
- Select a contact
- Click Share > QR code
- Scan or save the code
This works in Outlook web and mobile. Desktop version lacks this option.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Event Check-In
Outlook events like meetings can have QR codes for check-in. When creating an event, look for Online meeting settings. Some versions generate a QR code for attendees. They scan it to join the meeting or check in.
Event QR code locations:
- In meeting invitation details
- Under Online meeting options
- In the event confirmation email
This is common for Teams meetings. Not all Outlook versions support it.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Device Pairing
Pairing a new device with Outlook often requires a QR code. On your desktop, go to File > Account Settings > Mobile Devices. Click Add a device. A QR code appears. Open the Outlook app on your phone and scan it. This syncs your account.
Steps:
- Desktop: File > Account Settings > Mobile Devices
- Click Add a device
- QR code appears
- Mobile: Open Outlook, scan code
This method avoids typing passwords. It’s fast and secure.
Where To Find Qr Code In Outlook For Security Keys
Some Outlook accounts use physical security keys. These keys have QR codes for setup. Go to Security settings in Outlook. Choose Security key as your method. A QR code appears on screen. Scan it with your security key app to register.
Security key QR code steps:
- Outlook security settings > Security key
- QR code displayed
- Scan with key app
- Key linked to account
This is advanced security. Not all users need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The QR Code In Outlook For Two-factor Authentication?
It’s in the security settings under Two-step verification. On desktop, go to File > Account Settings > Security. On web, go to Settings > Security > Two-step verification. The QR code appears when you set up an authenticator app.
Can I Find A QR Code In Outlook Without Two-factor Enabled?
No. QR codes in Outlook are tied to security features like two-factor authentication or device pairing. If you haven’t enabled these, you won’t see a QR code. Turn on two-factor first.
Why Is My Outlook QR Code Not Showing?
Possible reasons: two-factor isn’t set up, your admin disabled it, or the code expired. Refresh the page or restart the app. Check your internet connection. Update Outlook to the latest version.
How Do I Scan A QR Code From Outlook On My Phone?
Use the Microsoft Authenticator app or your phone’s camera. Open the app, tap Add account, and point the camera at the QR code on your computer screen. The app links automatically.
Is The QR Code In Outlook The Same For All Accounts?
No. Each account has a unique QR code. It’s generated based on your account ID and security settings. Sharing your QR code with someone else won’t work for their account.
Now you know exactly where to find qr code in outlook. Whether on desktop, web, or mobile, the process is straightforward. Start with security settings, enable two-factor if needed, and scan the code with your authenticator app. If you run into issues, check your admin settings or update your software. QR codes make Outlook more secure and convenient—use them wisely.