NHS App

The app is available for anyone aged 13+ who is registered with an NHS GP surgery in England.

If you’re a member of the armed forces or are a veteran, service leaver or non-mobilised reservist, you may not be able to use the app (the Ministry of Defence is responsible for providing general healthcare and some areas of specialist healthcare for most serving personnel and mobilised reservists).

If you’re registered at a surgery provided by Defence Medical Services, you cannot currently use the NHS App.

You will need an email address to use the NHS App.

The NHS App can be downloaded on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. You can download the app here using the Apple Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)

Alternatively, you can search the term ‘NHS App’ on the App Store or on Google Play. It is the app with the NHS icon next to its name (see below).

To set up your NHS App for the first time you will need:

• an email address
• a mobile phone number
• your name
• your date of birth
• your postcode.

A six-digit security code will be sent to your email. You will be asked to enter this code to verify your email address and continue.

You will then be asked to give your mobile phone number, and another six-digit security code will be sent by text message to your mobile phone.

A security code will be sent to your mobile phone every time you log in, unless you select ‘remember this device and stop sending security codes’.

You can log in to the app using your email, password and security code that will be sent to you by text message. However, if you press ‘remember me on this device’ you won’t need a security code each time.

You will also be able to log in through biometrics if your device offers that feature, which means using your fingerprint or a scan of your face or iris. This is a highly secure way of logging in, and means you won’t need to use your email, password and security code. Even if your phone has been lost or stolen, no one would be able to access your NHS App.

Before you can access all the functions, you may be required to prove who you are to keep your information secure.

The app may require you to provide photographic ID of one of the following:

• passport
• UK driving licence (full or provisional)
• European driving licence (full)
• European national identity card

The photo can be uploaded or taken directly on the app, and it may take up to 24 hours for the information to pass the checks.

An email will be sent to you once the checks are complete and you will then have full access to the NHS App functions.

The app may also require you to provide video evidence, which can be uploaded directly via the NHS App – the app will show you four digits on the screen and ask that you record yourself saying these numbers, with your face shown clearly.

The NHS App has been designed to keep your information safe and confidential. The app securely connects you to information from your GP surgery.

To keep your access secure, you can also enable various security methods:

you can use advanced security features such as biometrics (fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning) so that only you can access the NHS App, no matter the location of your device.

a security code can be sent to your phone each time you use the app (this feature can be disabled if you choose).

Not at all. It's completely your choice. If you don't want to use the App, you'll still get text messages and letters about your appointments. If you've set up the NHS App but don't want to use it for appointments, you can uninstall the App.