Activating the DigiD app from abroad using a code sent by text message

1. Open the DigiD app on your phone or tablet. If you don’t already have it, download the DigiD app to your device and then open it.
2. You’ll see the home screen with an overview of the various steps you’ll need to take. Tap ‘Next’.
3. Enter your DigiD username and password, and tap ‘Next’. Find out what you can do if you forget your username or password.
4. You’ll now be back at the home screen. Tap ‘Next’.
5. Enter a 5-digit PIN of your choice. Remember this PIN because you’ll need it to log in with the DigiD app in the future.
6. Confirm your 5-digit PIN.
7. You’ll now be back at the home screen. Tap ‘Next’.
8. You’ll see a screen with information about the ID check.
9. Tap ‘Skip’ and continue to the explanation under ‘How to activate the DigiD app without ID check’.
10. If you don’t want to do the ID check or your device doesn't have an NFC reader to do the ID check, you’ll receive a code on your phone by text message.
11. Enter the code in the DigiD app.
12. You’ll then be given the choice of whether you want to receive notifications. Indicate your preference and tap ‘Next’.
13. Then you’ll be asked whether you want to add your email address to your DigiD. Or if you’ve already done that, you’ll be asked to verify whether the email address is still correct.
14. Your DigiD app should now be activated.

After activating the DigiD app you can use it to log in to nearly all Dutch government organisations, including the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).

Adding ID check (if possible)

If you have a Dutch identity document that meets the requirements, you can add the ID check to the DigiD app. Then, for example, you can log in to your healthcare provider to check your medical records.

You can only update your phone number using a code sent by text message to the number linked to your DigiD.

If you can no longer receive text messages on your old number, then you can’t activate the DigiD app using a code sent to you by text message. To link your new phone number to your DigiD you’ll have to once again apply for a DigiD and activate it. You’ll then be able to activate the DigiD app with a code sent to you by text message. Your data will not be lost if you apply for a new DigiD.

You may be able to activate the DigiD app using the ID check. You’ll need a Dutch identity document that meets certain requirements and a phone or tablet with an NFC reader.

Reapplying for a DigiD

If you’re unable to activate the DigiD app using the ID check, you’ll have to once again apply for a DigiD and activate it to link your new phone number to your DigiD. You’ll then be able to activate the DigiD app with a code sent to you by text message. Your data will not be lost if you apply for a new DigiD.

If you only see the option of activating the DigiD app using the ID check on your screen then your phone number is not linked to your DigiD. You can’t activate the DigiD app using a code sent to you by text message.

Activating the DigiD app using the ID check

You may be able to activate the DigiD app using the ID check. You’ll need a Dutch identity document that meets certain requirements and a phone or tablet with an NFC reader.

Reapplying for a DigiD

If you’re unable to activate the DigiD app using the ID check, you’ll have to once again apply for a DigiD and activate it to link your new phone number to your DigiD. You’ll then be able to activate the DigiD app with a code sent to you by text message. Your data will not be lost if you apply for a new DigiD.

If you’ve already activated the DigiD app on one device and want to use it on another device, open the app on the new device, tap ‘Next’ and then select ‘Log in with another device’. Then follow the instructions on the screen.

Find out how to download the DigiD app

Username

If you forget your DigiD username you will have to apply for a new DigiD.

Password

If you forget your password you can reset your password at DigiD.nl. You’ll then receive a code by text message and email. However, if the phone number and email address linked to your DigiD are no longer current you will have to apply for a new DigiD.