Getting started with the NHS App

The NHS App allows patients to access a range of NHS services. The app can be downloaded on a smartphone or tablet.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started with the NHS App.

Installing the app

  1. Open the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Search for ‘NHS App’.
  3. Install the app.

Registering

You need an NHS login account to use the NHS App. You may already have an NHS login as there are lots of health and care websites and apps that allow patients to use an NHS login. These include NHS services, online pharmacies, patient access services and online consultation services.

To create an NHS login account, you must be aged 13 or over, registered with a GP surgery in England and have an email address and phone number.

  1. Enter your email address and select continue.
  2. Choose a password.
  3. Accept the NHS login terms and conditions.
  4. You will be emailed a security code. Enter this code in the NHS App to confirm your email address.
  5. Enter your mobile number and select continue. Please remember to use a phone number that you have access to, as the app will send a security code to the telephone number every time you log in unless you select remember this device and stop sending security codes.
  6. You will be sent another security code in a text message. Enter this code in the NHS App to confirm your mobile phone number.
  7. If you have entered the correct codes, you can access the NHS App.

Proving who you are

You will need to prove who you are to access services like seeing your GP health record and other personal information. You will need a form of photo ID such as a valid UK passport or UK driving licence. Then you can either:

1. Take a photo of your ID with your mobile phone in the NHS App. You can then complete an automated scan of your face using your mobile phone. This will be used to match your face with the photo ID. Once you have entered your date of birth, NHS number or your name and postcode, your identity should be confirmed within a few hours.

Or:

2. Take a photo of your ID with your mobile phone. You can then record a short video of your face and say 4 randomly generated numbers (you can also use British Sign Language or write the numbers down and show them in the video). Once you have entered your date of birth, NHS number or your name and postcode, your identity should be confirmed within a few hours.

What to do if you do not have photo ID

You can request the following details from the practice in order to prove who you are:

  • The ODS code of the practice.
  • The account ID.
  • A linkage key or passphrase.

Once you have this information, follow the below steps in the NHS App:

  1. Select how to prove who you are without photo ID.
  2. Select Yes – I use online services.
  3. Select Yes – I have all 3 details.
  4. Enter your ODS code, account ID and linkage key.
  5. Enter your full name or date of birth.

Logging in to the NHS App

Enter your email address and select Continue. Enter the password you created when you registered on the app.

Changing your NHS login details on the NHS App

  1. Login to the NHS App.
  2. Select account (the person icon to the top right of the app).
  3. Select settings.
  4. Select manage NHS account.
  5. Select login and security settings.
  6. Then select either change mobile number, or change email address, or change password.

Help and advice

For help with technical problems with NHS login, support is available via the NHS login help centre.

Accessing NHS services in web browser

If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, you can access the services available in the NHS App online on your computer.

You can also change your NHS login details via web browser instead of on the NHS App.