Authenticator App for GOV.UK: Set Up Security Codes for One Login

GOV.UK One Login officially supports authenticator apps on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. You can choose an authenticator app when creating your account, switch from text-message codes later, or add an authenticator as a backup method.

If you use a non-UK mobile number, an authenticator app is particularly important because GOV.UK One Login no longer sends sign-in security codes by text to non-UK numbers.

Does GOV.UK One Login Support an Authenticator App?

Yes. GOV.UK One Login officially supports authenticator apps as a way to receive security codes when signing in.

A security code helps confirm that the person entering the password is actually the account owner.

For GOV.UK One Login, security codes can currently be obtained through:

• a text message to a UK mobile phone number;
• an authenticator app.

An authenticator app creates the code directly on your device, so you do not need to wait for an SMS each time GOV.UK asks you to verify your sign-in.

GOV.UK also states that you can use any authenticator app, rather than being restricted to one specific provider.

GOV.UK One Login Is Not the Same as Every GOV.UK Account

This distinction is important.

GOV.UK One Login is gradually becoming the main sign-in system for government services, but it does not yet work with every GOV.UK service.

For example, GOV.UK states that One Login does not currently work with all government accounts and services, including some services such as Universal Credit. Government Gateway is also still used for some services while the transition continues.

So if you are being asked for an authentication code, first check which account you are signing in to.

If the page says GOV.UK One Login, the authenticator instructions in this guide apply.

How to Set Up a GOV.UK Authenticator App

You can choose an authenticator app while creating a GOV.UK One Login or change your existing security-code method later.

Step 1: Download an Authenticator App

Install a compatible authenticator app on your:

• smartphone;
• tablet;
• desktop computer.

GOV.UK does not require one specific app. Its current guidance says you can use any authenticator app that works with the One Login setup process.

If you use Authenticator App by Begamob, open the app and prepare to add a new account.

Step 2: Start GOV.UK One Login Setup

Create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login.

If you are creating a new account and choose an authenticator app as your security-code method, GOV.UK will display instructions on a Set up an authenticator app page.

Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

Step 3: Scan the GOV.UK QR Code

When GOV.UK displays the authenticator setup QR code, open your authenticator app and choose the option to scan a QR code.

Scan the code shown on the GOV.UK One Login page.

The authenticator will then create an entry associated with your GOV.UK One Login.

Step 4: Enter the Security Code

After the account has been added, the authenticator app will generate a temporary security code.

Enter that code into the GOV.UK setup page when prompted.

Once accepted, your authenticator becomes one of the methods used to verify your GOV.UK One Login.

Using Authenticator App by Begamob With GOV.UK One Login

Authenticator App by Begamob can be used to manage compatible authentication codes when a service provides an authenticator setup.

For GOV.UK One Login, the setup flow is:

GOV.UK One Login → Choose authenticator app → Scan setup QR code → Generate security code → Enter code → Confirm

After setup, open Authenticator App whenever GOV.UK One Login asks you for a security code.

Do not manually create a random “GOV.UK” account inside the authenticator before beginning the official setup. The authenticator needs the setup information generated by GOV.UK for your specific account.

How to Sign In to GOV.UK One Login With an Authenticator Code

Once the authenticator is configured, signing in is straightforward.

1. Open a service that uses GOV.UK One Login.
2. Enter the email address associated with your One Login.
3. Enter your password.
4. When asked for a security code, open your authenticator app.
5. Find your GOV.UK One Login entry.
6. Enter the current security code.
7. Continue to the government service.

GOV.UK describes the authenticator-generated code as working in the same general way as a security code received by text message or email.

How to Switch From SMS to an Authenticator App

If your GOV.UK One Login currently sends sign-in codes by text, you can change the default method to an authenticator app.

GOV.UK’s current process is:

1. Sign in to your GOV.UK One Login.
2. Open Security.
3. Under Sign in details, select Manage your sign in details.
4. Find How you get security codes to sign in.
5. Find your current default method.
6. Select Use a different default method.
7. Choose an authenticator app.
8. Follow the setup instructions displayed by GOV.UK.

You can also add an authenticator app as a backup method if you are not already using one as your primary security-code method.

Using a GOV.UK Authenticator App With a Non-UK Phone Number

This is now one of the most important reasons to use an authenticator app with GOV.UK One Login.

As of 2026, GOV.UK states that security codes sent by text message can only go to a UK mobile phone number.

If your mobile number is registered outside the UK, you need to use either:

• an authenticator app; or
• a UK mobile phone number.

Users who previously configured a non-UK phone number are required to switch to one of those supported methods when prompted.

For someone living or travelling outside the UK, using an authenticator app can therefore be more practical than depending on a UK SMS number.