Getting a security code for GOV.UK One Login
How to get a security code to sign in to your GOV.UK One Login and what to do if you're having problems receiving a code.
A security code helps confirm it’s you when you sign in. When you create your GOV.UK One Login, you’ll be sent a security code by email.
You can also choose how you get security codes to sign in. This can be either:
- text message to a UK phone number
- using an authenticator app
If you do not receive a security code by text message
You can try having the code sent again by selecting the send the code again link.
If your phone number is registered outside the UK and your code does not arrive when signing in, select ‘Problems with the code?’ and then ‘Check if you can change how you get security codes’.
If you’re creating your GOV.UK One Login, you should check you have entered the phone number correctly and enter it again if not. You can do this by selecting the ‘use a different phone number’ link.
If you still do not receive the code, it could be because:
- your phone has no reception
- the sender of the text message has been blocked on your device
Getting a code if you have a non-UK phone number
You cannot get a security code by text message if your phone number is registered outside the UK.
You’ll need to use an authenticator app or a UK mobile phone number instead.
Using an authenticator app
You can use an authenticator app to get a security code.
An authenticator app creates a security code that you enter in the same way as a code you get by text message or email.
You can use an authenticator app on your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
Download an authenticator app from your app store or search online for one you can use on your computer.
When you create your GOV.UK One Login, follow the instructions on the Set up an authenticator app page.
If you do not receive a security code by email
- Check that you’ve entered your email address correctly.
- Check your spam or junk folder.
- Try again and select the Send the code again link.
- If you’re using a work or business email address, check with your IT team to make sure that emails from GOV.UK One Login are not being blocked or restricted.
You can also try using a different email address.
If your security code does not work
There are a few reasons why the code you are entering may not work. Check that:
- you entered it correctly
- if you requested more than one code, that you’re entering the most recent code
- it has not expired - the code will expire after 15 minutes
- if you get codes to your phone, you have a UK phone number
If you received a security code and did not request it
If you received a security code by text or email from GOV.UK One Login and were not expecting it, this might be because someone is trying to sign in to your GOV.UK One Login. If this happens, you can change your password to keep your GOV.UK One Login secure.
More about how to change your password.
If you received an unexpected security code and do not have a GOV.UK One Login, you can ignore it.
If you need to change your sign in details
You can change your sign in details, including changing the phone number or email address you use to get security codes.
Contact GOV.UK One Login if you need more help.
Updates to this page
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Added information to explain you can only get security codes to a UK mobile phone number or authenticator app.
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Added sections on : 'Using an authenticator app' to get security codes, and what to do 'If you need to change your sign in details'
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Added guidance about what to do if receive a unexpected security code for GOV.UK One Login
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Added translation