Does GOV.UK work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?

Yes. GOV.UK supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.

Is GOV.UK two-factor authentication free?

Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on GOV.UK is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.

What if I lose access to my GOV.UK 2FA codes?

Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact GOV.UK support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.

How to enable 2FA on GOV.UK

← GOV.UK overview Supported

Enable two-factor authentication on GOV.UK to stop unauthorized logins. After setup, GOV.UK asks for a rotating code from MS Authenticator App in addition to your password.

Step-by-step setup

1
Sign in to GOV.UK and open your GOV.UK account security settings.
2
Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.
Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.
3
Scan the QR code with MS Authenticator App.
Open MS Authenticator App, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code GOV.UK displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.
4
Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.
Type the code MS Authenticator App generates to verify and link your GOV.UK account.
5
Save your backup codes.
Store the recovery codes GOV.UK gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

Menu names on GOV.UK can change — the official GOV.UK 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

Frequently asked questions

Does GOV.UK work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?: Yes. GOV.UK supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.
Is GOV.UK two-factor authentication free?: Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on GOV.UK is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.
What if I lose access to my GOV.UK 2FA codes?: Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact GOV.UK support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.

Generate your GOV.UK codes in MS Authenticator App

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

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