Using the NHS App

The NHS App provides a single, secure way to access a growing range of NHS services in England. As of 2025, its main features include:

Prescriptions

Patients with repeat prescriptions can use the app to nominate a pharmacy, order prescriptions, and track when they will be ready. This replaces the need to call your GP practice for routine repeats. You can also set up electronic prescriptions so your prescription goes directly to your nominated pharmacy without a paper copy.

Appointments

Many GP practices enable appointment booking through the app, including the ability to cancel or rearrange existing appointments. You can also see upcoming hospital outpatient appointments booked through the NHS e-Referral Service (NHS eRS) and manage some specialist referrals directly.

Health records

The app provides access to your GP health record, including:

• Allergies and adverse reactions
• Medications — current and past prescriptions
• Immunisations — including Covid-19 vaccination status
• Test results — blood tests and other results shared by your GP practice
• GP letters and consultations notes — access to these depends on your GP practice's settings
• NHS number — useful when registering with a new GP or hospital

Organ donation

You can register or update your organ donation decision directly through the app.

NHS 111 online

The app links directly to NHS 111 online for symptom checking and urgent care signposting.

Registering for the NHS App involves two steps: creating an NHS login and verifying your identity. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Download and create an NHS login

1. Download the NHS App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), or visit the NHS website on a desktop browser.
2. Select 'Register' and enter your email address.
3. You will receive a verification email — click the link to confirm your email address.
4. Create a password and set up two-step verification (using a second email, phone number, or authenticator app).

Step 2: Verify your identity

To access sensitive information such as medical records, prescriptions, and appointment booking, you must verify your identity. There are three routes:

• Photo ID and selfie (online verification): The most common route. You take a photo of a valid UK passport, driving licence, or European identity card, then take a selfie. NHS login uses face-matching technology to verify you are the same person as in the document. This takes a few minutes and is available 24/7.
• Verification via your GP practice: If you do not have suitable photo ID, your GP practice can verify your identity in person. Ask your receptionist to enable your NHS login — they can do this by confirming your identity against their records. This takes a day or two to take effect.
• Government Verify: Some people can use GOV.UK Verify credentials they already have. This route is less commonly used.

Once verified, your NHS login is linked to your NHS record. This only needs to be done once — it covers all NHS digital services that use NHS login.

Users frequently encounter the following problems when registering or using the NHS App:

Identity verification fails

Photo ID verification can fail if your photo is blurry, the ID is expired, or the selfie does not match clearly. Try again in good lighting. If online verification consistently fails, ask your GP practice to verify you in person instead.

Medical records not visible

You can have a verified NHS login but still see limited records — this usually means your GP practice has not yet enabled data sharing for your account. Contact your practice and ask them to enable your 'online access' or 'detailed coded record'. Some practices do this automatically on registration; others require you to request it.

App does not show appointments

Not all GP practices use the NHS App booking system. If your practice uses a different system (such as SystmOne's Patient Access or Accurx), you may need to use those platforms instead. Ask your practice which booking channel they use.

Two-step verification issues

If you are not receiving verification codes, check your spam folder, ensure your phone number is correct in your NHS login account, or switch to an authenticator app for two-step verification. Contact NHS login support (login.nhs.uk/support) if problems persist.

Changed phone or email

If you have changed your contact details, log in via the website (digital.nhs.uk/nhs-app) to update your NHS login account before the old number or email stops working.

The NHS App makes services more convenient, but using it is never compulsory. Every service available through the app is also available through other channels:

By phone

• GP appointments and prescriptions: Call your GP practice directly. Under the NHS Constitution, you cannot be refused a service simply because you do not use the app.
• NHS 111: Call 111 for urgent care queries — available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Prescription collection: Your nominated pharmacy can accept prescription requests by phone for most repeat prescriptions.

In person

You can attend your GP practice in person to book appointments, request prescriptions, and ask for a printout of your medical summary. Receptionists are trained to support patients who cannot use digital services.

Proxy access

If you cannot manage your own NHS App access due to age, disability, or cognitive impairment, a family member or carer can be set up as a 'proxy user' — meaning they can access and manage certain parts of your NHS App on your behalf. Ask your GP practice to set this up.

Digital inclusion support

If you want to learn to use the app but lack confidence with technology, your local library, Age UK digital inclusion service, or NHS volunteer services may offer free one-to-one support.