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.
When you create your GOV.UK One Login, you can choose to get security codes by text message or 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.
You can also try using an authenticator app to get a security code instead of a text message.
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
To get a security code by text message if your phone number is registered outside the UK, select ‘I do not have a UK mobile phone number’ when you are asked to enter a phone number.
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 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.
Last updated 2 February 2024 + show all updates
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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