How to record a short video
To record a good short video, make sure:
- you face the camera directly
- your face is clear and not covered, for example by a hat or glasses
- the video is not too light or dark
Before you record your video, we will show you 4 numbers. You will be asked to tell us what the 4 numbers are. To do this you can say the 4 numbers, sign the numbers using British Sign Language, or write the numbers down and show them instead.
If you ask someone to help you, make sure only your face is in the video. Only you can tell us what the numbers are.
Say the numbers
If you say the numbers, make sure your voice is loud and clear. It may help to write the numbers down first in case you forget them.
Write the numbers and show them
If you write the numbers, make sure they are clear and the paper is not held in front of your face. You should use a thick pen to write down the numbers.
It may be easier to show the numbers before or after you look directly at the camera. We cannot approve you if we cannot see your face clearly in the video.
Sign the numbers using British Sign Language (BSL)
If you sign the numbers, make sure your whole hand is visible and facing the camera. It may be easier to sign the numbers before or after you look directly at the camera.
This is so we can get a clear view of both your face and hands. We cannot approve you if we cannot see your face clearly in the video.
Camera or sound does not work when recording a video
If the camera does not open or record sound when recording a video, this may be a problem with permissions. This may also cause a black screen to show when trying to record a video.
You should make sure the web browser on your device has camera and microphone permissions. You must also give permission for the NHS login website to access your device’s camera and microphone.
iOS devices
If you have an iOS device, updating the iOS operating system software on your device to a newer version may also help, if available. Version 11.2 iOS will always show a black screen when trying to open the camera. There is an Apple support article that describes how to check for updates.
Android devices
If you have an Android device, you should avoid the ‘camera’ option when given a choice of applications to record the video with. You should choose a video option instead, like ‘camcorder’ or ‘capture video’.
How to give your web browser permission to access the camera and microphone
How to give our website permission to access the camera and microphone
Unable to record a video on your device or browser
If reference CID4017 is shown, this means your device or browser does not allow you to record a video. This may be because you are using a laptop or desktop computer that does not have a camera. You will need to switch to a device that does have a camera, like a smartphone or tablet.
If your device does have a camera, there may be a problem with your browser. Go back to the website or app you want to access and try using another browser. If this still does not work try another device, like a smartphone or tablet.
You only need to do this to prove who you are. Once this is done, you can use your NHS login to access websites and apps on any device.
Find out how to prove who you are without using photo ID and a video
What to do if your video file is damaged
We run a virus check on your video file before it is verified. If the file you upload is infected or damaged, you can try and upload another one.
If this keeps happening, there might be a problem with your device. You can try recording a video using a different device and upload it from there. For example, you could borrow a family member’s device to record and upload a video instead. Once verified, you can then use NHS login on your usual device as normal.
Find out how to prove who you are without using photo ID
Camera unavailable when trying to record a video
If your gallery or file manager opens instead of your camera when trying to record a video, you may have an issue with permissions.
You must give permission for your web browser to access the camera and microphone. If your web browser does not have permission, you will not be given the option to use the camera.
You must also give permission for the NHS login website to access your device’s camera and microphone.
If this problem keeps happening even with permissions allowed, there might be a problem with your device. You can try opening your camera app separately to record a video.
If this does not work, you can also try recording a video on another device. For example, you can use another phone or tablet that belongs to you or a family member.
How to give your web browser permission to access the camera and microphone
How to give our website permission to access the camera and microphone
What to do if you cannot record or upload a video
If you are registered for your GP surgery’s online services, you can use your registration details to prove who you are instead of using photo ID and a video.