A security code helps confirm it’s you when you sign in. When you create your GOV.UK One Login, you can choose to get security codes by text messagemessage, email 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

1. Check that you’ve entered your email address correctly.
2. Check your spam or junk folder.
3. Try again and select the ‘Send the code again’ link.
4. 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.

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.

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.