When setting up your account for the first time, you'll be asked to confirm your mobile phone number and then to select how you would like to secure your account. On this page, you have three options for how you would like to set up two-factor authentication:
Please note: if you've lost access to an old two-factor authentication method and are unable to log in, you can change this by recovering your account.
Option 1: Use text messages (SMS)
Each time you log in to your account, you will be sent a new login code via text message (SMS) that you'll need to enter on the Digidentity web page
- Log in via your profile page and select 'Change two-factor authentication'
- Select 'Add' in the SMS authenticator section
- Enter the mobile phone number you would like to receive your codes through
- You will now be sent a confirmation code to the number you've entered. To confirm the change, enter the confirmation code onto the Digidentity web page
Should you have any trouble using this option, please see: I haven't received my SMS confirmation code
Option 2: Use the Digidentity app (Smart card)
Each time you log in to your account, you'll be asked to confirm the login by entering a five-digit pin on the Digidentity app
- Install the Digidentity app on your smartphone or tablet. You can find our free app on the app store of your device by searching for 'Digidentity' or by clicking the relevant link below:
- Log in via your profile page and select 'Change two-factor authentication'
- Select 'Create' in the Smart card section
To confirm your new authenticator, the steps to follow change slightly depending on your situation:
If you're following these steps on the same device where you've installed the app:
On the following page you will be asked to activate your smart card.
- Select 'Open with the app'
- The Digidentity app should then automatically open on your screen and ask you to create a five-digit pin and confirm it by entering it a second time. Once you've chosen a pin, your smart card will be ready to use.
If you're following these steps on a computer:
On your computer screen, you will be shown a QR code
- Open the Digidentity app on your smartphone or tablet and select 'Scan QR code'
- Hold your smartphone/tablet up to your computer screen, and aim the camera towards the QR code
- Once the QR code has been recognised, the app will ask you to create a five-digit pin and confirm it by entering it a second time. Once you've chosen a pin, your smart card will be ready to use.
Option 3: Use an authenticator app (TOTP)
This option will provide a six-digit code on the Digidentity app that refreshes every 30 seconds. Each time you log in to your account, you'll be asked to enter the most recent code shown
- Install the Digidentity app on your smartphone or tablet. You can find our free app on the app store of your device by searching for 'Digidentity' or by clicking the relevant link below:
- Log in via your profile page and select 'Change two-factor authentication'
- Select 'Add' in the Digidentity authenticator section
- Enter a name for your new authenticator (or leave the randomly-generated name provided by default) then select 'Create authenticator'
To confirm your new authenticator, the steps to follow change slightly depending on your situation:
If you're following these steps on the same device where you've installed the app:
On the following page you will be asked to activate your authenticator.
- Select 'Open with the app'
- The Digidentity app should then automatically open on your screen and you will see there a six-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds. Wait for a fresh code, then return to the Digidentity web page in your web browser and enter the code
You'll need to do this before the 30-second timer runs out
If you're following these steps on a computer:
On your computer screen, you will be shown a QR code
- Open the Digidentity app on your smartphone or tablet and select 'Scan QR code'
- Hold your smartphone/tablet up to your computer screen, and aim the camera towards the QR code.
- Once the QR code has been recognised, you will see a six-digit code on the app that refreshes every 30 seconds. Wait for a fresh code, and then enter it onto the Digidentity web page on your computer
You'll need to do this before the 30-second timer runs out
Continuing with your registration
Once you've updated your two-factor authentication through one of the methods above, to continue with your registration, please see: How do I get back to the registration web page?
If you've already completed your verification, to log in to GOV.UK services, please see: How do I log in to GOV.UK services?