Does HMRC (Government Gateway) work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?

Yes. HMRC (Government Gateway) supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.

Is HMRC (Government Gateway) two-factor authentication free?

Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on HMRC (Government Gateway) is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.

What if I lose access to my HMRC (Government Gateway) 2FA codes?

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

How to enable 2FA on HMRC (Government Gateway)

← HMRC (Government Gateway) overview Supported

Enable two-factor authentication on HMRC (Government Gateway) to stop unauthorized logins. After setup, HMRC (Government Gateway) asks for a rotating code from MS Authenticator App in addition to your password.

Step-by-step setup

1
Sign in to HMRC (Government Gateway) and open your HMRC (Government Gateway) 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 HMRC (Government Gateway) 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 HMRC (Government Gateway) account.
5
Save your backup codes.
Store the recovery codes HMRC (Government Gateway) gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

Menu names on HMRC (Government Gateway) can change — the official HMRC (Government Gateway) 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

Frequently asked questions

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

Generate your HMRC (Government Gateway) codes in MS Authenticator App

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

Get the app

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