The NHS App is the official digital platform developed by the NHS that allows patients in England to access a range of healthcare services online.
Through the NHS App, patients can manage GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view parts of their medical record, and access NHS services from their phone or computer.
The app is part of the NHS's wider digital strategy aimed at making healthcare services easier to access and manage digitally.
Important: This guide summarises publicly available NHS information about healthcare services. It is intended for information and navigation purposes and does not provide medical advice.
What is the NHS App
The NHS App is a secure digital service provided by the NHS that connects patients with their GP practice and other NHS services.
It allows patients to access certain healthcare services online without needing to contact their GP practice directly.
The app can be accessed through:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS)
- Android devices
- the NHS website in a web browser
Source: NHS.uk guidance.
Getting Started with the NHS App
NHS App login and identity verification
Patients must verify their identity before accessing the full features of the NHS App.
Verification may include:
- confirming personal details
- uploading photo identification
- facial recognition checks
Once verified, patients can securely access their NHS services through the app.
What you can do with the NHS App
The NHS App allows patients to manage several aspects of their healthcare.
Book or manage GP appointments
Patients can book, cancel, or manage GP appointments through the app if their GP surgery supports online booking.
Order repeat prescriptions
The NHS App allows patients to request repeat prescriptions. Patients can choose a pharmacy where the medication will be sent.
View parts of your medical record
Depending on GP practice settings, patients may be able to view parts of their health record, including:
- current medications
- allergies
- vaccination history
- some test results
Access NHS services
The NHS App also provides access to services such as:
- NHS 111 online
- hospital referrals and appointments
- organ donation preferences
- COVID vaccination records
What the NHS App cannot help you with
Although the NHS App provides access to several healthcare services, it cannot replace direct medical care.
For example, the NHS App cannot:
- diagnose medical conditions
- provide emergency medical advice
- replace urgent care services
- guarantee GP appointment availability
- give access to every part of your medical record
Who can use the NHS App
The NHS App is available to patients registered with a GP practice in England.
Patients must create an NHS login account and verify their identity before accessing the full features of the app.
How to download the NHS App
The NHS App can be downloaded from official app stores. Patients can also access the same services through the NHS website using a web browser.
Downloading the app is free.
Why the NHS App matters
Digital tools like the NHS App are part of the NHS's wider effort to modernise healthcare services.
For many patients, the app can make it easier to manage appointments, prescriptions, and health information without needing to contact their GP practice by phone.
Navigating NHS services
Understanding tools like the NHS App can help patients navigate the healthcare system more easily.
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Frequently asked questions
Sources
This article summarises publicly available information from:
Sources & Information
This article summarises publicly available information from UK health authorities.
Sources may include:
- NHS.uk
- NHS England
- UK Government health publications
Last reviewed: March 2026
This page is intended for healthcare navigation and information purposes only and does not provide medical advice.