NHS app: Walk through Videos and Frequently Asked Questions

Non-urgent advice: What is the NHS app?

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

The NHS App allows patients using the National Health Service in England to:

  • Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them.
  • Book and manage appointments.
  • View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results).
  • Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Register your organ donation decision.
  • Choose how the NHS uses your data.
  • View your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
  • Use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.

(Not all features are available at every GP practice.)

Who can use the NHS app? 

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

Can the NHS App be used outside of the UK? 

If you are registered with a GP surgery in England, you can use the app anywhere outside of the UK.

Helpful to know

  •  Aged 13+
  • Must be registered with GP surgery in England.
  • Armed forces and veterans may not be able to use as the Ministry of Defence is responsible for providing their healthcare, but please check if this applies.

 Find out more about who can use the NHS App.

Non-urgent advice: Downloading the NHS App

How do I download 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).

If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

For further assistance with downloading and accessing the app, watch this useful video: Meet your NHS App (BSL)

Is the NHS App free? 

Yes, the NHS App is completely free to download and use. However, if you order a repeat prescription via the app, you may need to pay your usual prescription costs when collecting it from the pharmacy.

Helpful to know

NHS App is free, but if you order prescriptions via the app you may need to pay your usual prescription charges.

You will need a smartphone or tablet that runs on iOS or Android.

Search ‘NHS App’ in the App Store or on Google Play

If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

For further assistance with downloading and accessing the app, watch this useful video: Meet your NHS App (BSL)

 

Non-urgent advice: How do I set up the NHS app account?

Download the NHS App from your app store (available on iOS and Android) or you can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.

Verify your identity using one of the following methods:

Upload a valid photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) and record a short video for verification.

For detailed guidance, visit the official NHS page on: Use photo ID to prove who you are

Or you can watch this video: NHS App – NHS Login Using Photo ID (BSL)

Non-urgent advice: What should I do if I don't have a valid photo ID?

If you don’t have a photo ID, you can request a linkage key from your GP practice. This is a secure code that connects your NHS App account to your NHS record.

  • Contact your GP practice and ask for a linkage key.
  • Once you have the linkage key, open the NHS App and select the option to verify your identity using the linkage key.
  • Enter the code, along with your Account ID and ODS code (also provided by your GP practice).

For detailed guidance, visit the official NHS page on: What to do if you do not have photo ID
Or you can watch this video: NHS App – NHS Login without using Photo ID (BSL)

Non-urgent advice: What is a linkage key, and why do I need it?

A linkage key is a secure, unique code that connects your NHS App account to your medical records at your GP practice. It is an alternative to using photo ID for verification.

Helpful to know

  • Biometrics are a very secure way of logging in.
  • The app will first ask you to set up a login to confirm it is you.
  • You will need your NHS number, email address, phone number, name, date of birth and postcode.
  • Next, a six-digit security code will be sent to your email, and you should enter this in the app.
  • Then, a six-digit security code will be sent to your mobile number, and you should enter this in the app.
  • You can then log in normally each time, using your email address and password.
  • There is the option of setting up biometrics (fingerprint, face scanning or iris scanning) which will replace the need to enter your email and password.

Non-urgent advice: What is Proxy access in the NHS app? (18 and over)

 

  • Once the GP practice approves your request, they will enable proxy access, allowing you to log in to your own NHS App and manage the other person’s account under your profile.
  • Speak to the GP practice of the person you want to support.
  • Complete a proxy access request form, which typically includes proof of your relationship and consent from the individual, if applicable.
  • To gain assistance in setting up proxy access on the NHS app, click here How to get proxy access – NHS.

If you are wishing to have proxy access to order medications ONLY, please complete the attached proxy online access application form:, please note these forms can also be collected from reception

Proxy Online Access Application Form for Prescriptions

If you wish to allow proxy access for someone to allow more than ordering repeat prescriptions, please complete the following application form, please note that this application request can take a little longer to complete

Online Access Application Form

This needs to be returned to the practice in person. We do need to see 2 forms of identification** for both the patient and the proxy applicant. If you as the the patient, are not able to attend the practice due to being housebound, we can contact you to vouch with information off your medical records.

PLEASE NOTE – to use the NHS app the patient and the proxy must be registered at the same practice. If you are not registered at the same practice, we can still issue you with linkage key details and you can link your accounts via Patient Access. Please see the link for instructions attached if you are not registered at the same practice Getting set up as a proxy | Patient Access Support Portal

** For proxy online access applications - 2 forms of documentary evidence: one must include photographic identification and the other must confirm your address.

Acceptable documents include passports or photo driving licences with photographs and documents bearing the address, such as a bank statement issued in the last 3 months or a council tax bill.  NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBERS OR OTHER UTILITY BILLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Non-urgent advice: Proxy access in the NHS app (11 and under)

Please complete an online access application form for children and young people. This can be downloaded below or collected from reception. We do need to see 2 forms of identification** in person, for yourself and your child’s birth certificate to document parental responsibility. 

If your child is between the ages of 11 years and 13 years of age, you will need to use the telephone ordering system, please contact the practice for this.

If your child is over the age of 13, they can download the NHS app themselves.

Online Access Application Form for Children and Young People

Please note these forms can also be collected from reception

Non-urgent advice: Finding Your NHS Number

You can find your NHS number using any of the following methods:

Complete the form with your details, and you’ll receive your NHS number by email or text.

Through the NHS App:

Log in to the NHS App.

Go to your profile or medical records section, where your NHS number will be displayed.

On Official NHS Documents:

Check letters or emails you’ve received from the NHS, such as hospital appointment confirmations letters.

Your NHS number is often included at the top of these documents.

Using the Online NHS Service:

Visit the Find your NHS number page.

Is my NHS number the same as my National Insurance Number? 

No, your NHS number is different from your National Insurance number. The NHS number is specifically for healthcare purposes, while the National Insurance number is for tax and social security.

Non-urgent advice: NHS App Help and Support

How do patients contact the NHS App support team?

If patients encounter issues while using the NHS App, they can find technical information and support here:

For further assistance, patients can contact the NHS App Support Team using this link:

Page last reviewed: 20 October 2025
Page created: 17 October 2025