Changing to a new phone is exciting, but it can also bring a moment of dread when you think about setting up all your essential apps – especially your banking app! Don't worry, it's usually a straightforward process, and Nationwide has designed their app to be secure and relatively easy to transfer.
Let's walk through this step-by-step, ensuring you can access your Nationwide accounts seamlessly on your brand new device.
How to Use the Nationwide App on Your New Phone: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Get Ready! Prepare Your Old Phone (and Yourself)
Before you even touch your new phone, a little preparation on your old device can save you a lot of hassle.
Sub-heading 1.1: Confirm Your Credentials
- Do you remember your login details for Nationwide online banking? This includes your Customer Number, Passnumber, and any memorable information. You'll likely need these for the initial setup on your new device. If you've forgotten any of these, it's much easier to reset them while you still have access to your old, registered device or via the Nationwide website.
Sub-heading 1.2: Check Device Compatibility
- Ensure your new phone meets the minimum operating system requirements for the Nationwide Banking App. As of now, this is typically Android 7.0 or higher, or Apple iOS 14 or higher. While most new phones will easily meet this, it's always a good idea to double-check, especially if you're upgrading from a very old model.
Sub-heading 1.3: Remove Old Device (Optional but Recommended)
- For security, Nationwide allows you to register a limited number of devices. While not strictly necessary before setting up on a new phone, it's good practice to remove your old device once you're successfully set up on the new one.
- How to remove an old device via the app (if accessible):
- Log in to the banking app on your old phone.
- Use the menu to choose Details & settings.
- Choose Manage devices.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove your old device.
- How to remove an old device via the Internet Bank:
- Log in to the Internet Bank on a computer or your old phone's browser.
- Choose the Manage tab.
- Choose My security.
- Choose Manage devices.
- Follow the instructions.
- How to remove an old device via the app (if accessible):
Step 2: Download and Install the Nationwide App
This is the very first interaction you'll have with the Nationwide app on your new phone.
Sub-heading 2.1: Find the Official App
- Open the App Store (for Apple iPhones) or Google Play Store (for Android phones) on your new device.
- In the search bar, type "Nationwide Mobile Banking" or "Nationwide Banking App".
- Look for the official app published by "Nationwide Building Society" or "Nationwide". Be very wary of unofficial apps or those with generic names to avoid fraud.
Sub-heading 2.2: Initiate the Download
- Tap the "Install" or "Get" button.
- You might need to confirm the download using your device's biometric authentication (fingerprint, face ID) or your device's passcode.
- Wait for the app to download and install. This usually takes only a few moments depending on your internet connection.
Step 3: First Launch and Initial Setup
Once the app is installed, it's time to open it up and begin the registration process for your new device.
Sub-heading 3.1: Open the App
- Locate the Nationwide app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer and tap to open it.
Sub-heading 3.2: Welcome Screen and Getting Started
- The app will likely present a welcome screen or a prompt to "Get Started" or "Log In."
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll typically be asked if you're an existing Nationwide customer. Select the appropriate option.
Sub-heading 3.3: Enter Your Details
- This is where your remembered credentials from Step 1 come in handy. You'll generally be asked to provide one or more of the following:
- Your Customer Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Digits from your Passnumber
- Your debit card details (card number, expiry date, security code)
- Carefully enter the requested information. Double-check for typos.
Step 4: Security Verification – The Crucial Step!
This is the most vital part of setting up on a new device, as Nationwide needs to confirm it's really you.
Sub-heading 4.1: Biometric Verification (If Applicable)
- The app may offer you the option to set up Touch ID (fingerprint) or Face ID (facial recognition) for quicker logins. If your device supports this and you wish to use it, enable it and follow the prompts to scan your fingerprint or face. This links your biometric data securely to the app for future logins.
Sub-heading 4.2: Card Reader or One-Time Passcode (OTP)
- Nationwide has strong security measures. You will likely be asked to verify your identity using one of these methods:
- Nationwide Card Reader: If you have a Nationwide card reader, you may be prompted to insert your debit card into it and generate a code. Keep your card reader safe for these situations.
- One-Time Passcode (OTP) via SMS: A common method is to send a one-time code to the mobile number registered with your Nationwide account. Enter this code into the app when prompted. Ensure your registered mobile number is up-to-date with Nationwide.
- Selfie Authentication: Nationwide may ask you to take a selfie for identity verification. This helps confirm it's you by comparing your live photo with their records.
Sub-heading 4.3: Create/Confirm Your Passnumber
- You might be asked to confirm or set up your Passnumber (a short, memorable number you use for login). Follow the instructions carefully.
Step 5: Explore Your New Nationwide App!
Once you've successfully completed the security verification, you should be logged in and ready to go.
Sub-heading 5.1: Account Overview
- You should now see an overview of your Nationwide accounts, including current accounts, savings, loans, and mortgages.
- Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the new layout if it differs from your old phone's app version.
Sub-heading 5.2: Key Features to Explore
- View Transactions: Check recent transactions and view your statements.
- Make Payments: Set up new payments, manage existing standing orders and Direct Debits. You might need your card reader for some new payments.
- Transfer Money: Easily move money between your Nationwide accounts.
- Manage Cards: Freeze/unfreeze your debit card if it's misplaced, report lost or stolen cards, and order new ones.
- Update Details: Review and update your personal details, like address or phone number.
- Set up Alerts: Configure text alerts for transactions or other account activity.
Step 6: Post-Setup Best Practices
A few final steps to ensure ongoing security and convenience.
Sub-heading 6.1: Review Registered Devices
- As mentioned in Step 1, now is a good time to go back into the "Manage devices" section (either in the app or via the Internet Bank) and remove any old phones or devices that you no longer use or own. This enhances your account security.
Sub-heading 6.2: Enable Biometrics (If Not Already Done)
- If you skipped it during the initial setup, consider enabling Touch ID or Face ID. It makes future logins much faster and more convenient, while still being highly secure.
Sub-heading 6.3: Keep App Updated
- Regularly check for updates to the Nationwide Banking App in your phone's app store. Updates often include new features, performance improvements, and crucially, security enhancements.
Sub-heading 6.4: Practice Good Phone Security
- Always use a strong passcode, PIN, or biometric lock on your phone itself.
- Be cautious about using public Wi-Fi networks for banking. If you must, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
- Never share your login details with anyone. Nationwide will never ask you for your full passnumber, card reader codes, or one-time codes.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check Nationwide App Compatibility with My New Phone?
You can usually find the minimum operating system requirements (e.g., Android 7.0+, iOS 14+) on the app's page in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or on the Nationwide website's banking app support section.
How to Reset My Nationwide Passnumber on a New Phone?
If you've forgotten your Passnumber, the app usually has an option to reset it during the login process. You'll likely need to verify your identity using your Customer Number, Date of Birth, and possibly a one-time code sent to your registered mobile, or your card reader.
How to Register a New Device for Nationwide App if My Old Phone is Lost/Broken?
You can still register on your new device by downloading the app and following the initial setup process. You'll need your Nationwide online banking details, and the verification will likely involve receiving an SMS OTP to your registered mobile number or using a card reader if you have one.
How to Deal with "Error" Messages When Logging in on a New Phone?
First, ensure your internet connection is stable. Try force-closing and re-opening the app. If the issue persists, clear the app's cache (in your phone's settings under Apps > Nationwide > Storage). If still no luck, contact Nationwide's customer support.
How to Enable Fingerprint/Face ID on Nationwide App on My New Phone?
During the initial setup, the app usually prompts you to enable biometrics. If you skipped it, go into the app's settings (often under "Details & settings" or "Security") to enable Touch ID or Face ID. You'll need to confirm your existing login details to activate it.
How to Remove an Old Phone from My Nationwide Account?
You can remove old devices via the Nationwide Banking App (under "Details & settings" > "Manage devices") or through the Nationwide Internet Bank (under "Manage" > "My security" > "Manage devices").
How to Update My Registered Phone Number with Nationwide?
You can update your phone number directly within the Nationwide Banking App (often in "Details & settings" or "Your details") or by logging into the Nationwide Internet Bank. You might need to verify the change with an existing registered device or a card reader.
How to Set Up Notifications/Alerts on the Nationwide App?
Once logged in, navigate to the app's settings or preferences section. Look for options like "Alerts," "Notifications," or "Manage preferences" to customize the types of alerts you receive (e.g., login alerts, transaction notifications).
How to Find My Nationwide Customer Number?
Your Customer Number is usually found on your Nationwide statements, welcome letters, or sometimes within the online banking portal (Internet Bank) once you're logged in.
How to Contact Nationwide Support for App Issues?
You can find contact details on the Nationwide website under their "Contact Us" section. They typically offer phone support, secure messaging within the app (once logged in), or in-branch assistance for app-related issues.
