Nafath Digital Identity Guide
Learn what Nafath digital identity means in Saudi Arabia, how it is used for secure online authentication, and how to manage important digital identity services through the Nafath app.
Secure Authentication
Use Nafath to verify your identity when an integrated service requests authentication.
Biometric Verification
Nafath can use biometric verification to confirm your identity during supported processes.
Identity Management
Manage supported digital identity functions directly through the Nafath app.
What Is Nafath Digital Identity?
Nafath is Saudi Arabia’s national digital identity platform operated through the National Information Center. It is designed to help individuals securely verify their identity when accessing digital services.
The Nafath ecosystem connects digital identity verification with government and private-sector service providers. Instead of completing identity verification separately for every integrated service, users can authenticate through the national unified access system.
The Nafath mobile application provides the tools used for authentication, biometric verification and several digital identity management functions.
How Does Nafath Digital Identity Work?
When you access a service that supports Saudi national unified sign-on, the service can send an authentication request to the Nafath application.
Start the Service
Open the website or application of a service provider that supports national unified access.
Choose Unified Sign-On
Select the national unified sign-on option when it is available.
Receive the Nafath Request
A verification request is sent to the Nafath application on your phone.
Approve and Verify
Open Nafath, accept the request and complete the required identity verification.
Nafath Digital Identity Services
The current Nafath app provides several services related to digital identity and identity verification.
Requests Acceptance
Review and accept identity verification requests received from integrated government and private-sector platforms.
Biometric Verification
Verify your identity using supported biometric authentication features.
Digital Identity Activation
Activate your National Digital Identity through the Nafath app without visiting a self-service kiosk.
Mobile Number Update
Update the mobile number linked to your National Digital Identity through the supported Nafath service.
Temporary Suspension
Temporarily suspend the supported digital identity through Nafath.
Location Verification
Verify presence at supported locations during identity authentication.
How to Activate Your Digital Identity Through Nafath
The Nafath User Manual provides a specific service for activating the National Digital Identity linked to Absher without visiting a self-service kiosk.
Open Nafath
Open the Nafath application and go to Settings.
Open Absher Self-Service
Select Activate Your National Digital Identity (Absher).
Enter Absher Details
Enter your ID number and the password used for your Absher account.
Enter the OTP
A verification code is sent to the mobile number used with your Absher account. Enter the code to continue.
Answer the Verification Question
Answer the verification question shown by the service. This provides another identity verification factor.
Complete Fingerprint Verification
Follow the biometric instructions shown on the screen and complete the fingerprint verification.
Fingerprint Capture Instructions
The official manual instructs users to place the left hand horizontally on a flat surface and direct the rear camera toward the fingers.
- Keep the rear camera clean.
- Avoid other objects appearing in the image.
- Make sure all fingers except the thumb are visible in the capture frame.
- Use sufficient lighting.
- Position the phone according to the instructions displayed by Nafath.
How to Update the Mobile Number Linked to Your Digital Identity
Nafath provides a service that allows users to update the mobile number linked to their National Digital Identity (Absher) without visiting a self-service kiosk.
Open Settings
Open the Nafath app and tap Settings.
Select Mobile Number Update
Under Absher Self-service Services, select Update Your Digital Identity Number (Absher).
Enter Your Absher Details
Enter your ID number and Absher password.
Enter the New Mobile Number
Enter the new mobile number requested by the service.
Verify the New Number
An OTP is sent to the new mobile number. Enter it to continue.
Complete Biometric Verification
Follow the fingerprint capture instructions and wait for the verification process to finish.
How to Temporarily Suspend Your Digital Identity
Nafath also provides a service to temporarily suspend the supported National Digital Identity linked to Absher.
Open Nafath Settings
Open the Nafath application and tap Settings.
Select Temporary Suspension
Under Absher Self-service Services, select Temporarily Pause Your Digital Identity.
Enter Your Details
Enter your ID number and the password used in your Absher account.
Answer the Verification Question
Answer the verification question used as an additional identity verification factor.
Confirm the Process
Confirm the suspension by selecting the Proceed option.
Complete Biometric Verification
Follow the fingerprint verification instructions shown by Nafath.
Nafath Biometric Verification
Biometric verification is an important part of the Nafath identity system. Depending on the service, the application may ask you to verify your identity using biometric information.
Face Verification
When face verification is requested, Nafath displays instructions for capturing the user’s face.
- Place your face inside the displayed frame.
- Position the phone according to the instructions.
- Make sure the entire face is visible.
- Keep the rear camera clean.
- Avoid other objects appearing in the image.
- Use sufficient lighting.
- Press Capture when the button turns green.
After successful biometric verification, Nafath displays the appropriate confirmation message.
Nafath Location Verification
Nafath also provides a Location Verification service. This service is designed to verify a person’s presence at a designated location during an identity authentication process.
The official Nafath manual states that this service uses Bluetooth technology to receive location-verification requests while the user is present at the designated location.
How Location Verification Works
Arrive at the Location
Go to the designated location where the verification is required.
Open Nafath
Open the Nafath application and select Location Verification.
Start Verification
Read the displayed instructions and press Start.
Accept the Request
The location-verification request appears in the Requests screen.
Complete Face Verification
Follow the face-verification instructions shown on the screen.
Complete Fingerprint Capture
Follow the instructions to capture the required fingerprint information.
Nafath Requests History
Nafath includes a Requests History screen where users can view previous requests completed through the app.
The history can show the status and dates of previous requests, making it easier to review earlier authentication activity.
Nafath Digital Identity Security & Privacy
Digital identity depends on protecting the information used to verify you. Nafath’s privacy policy describes user information such as contact and device information, face images and verification codes as part of the data handled by the application.
Nafath advises users not to share confidential information or login credentials and recommends using the application on a secure electronic device.
- Do not share your Nafath login information.
- Do not give your PIN or verification information to another person.
- Use Nafath on a secure device.
- Do not approve an authentication request that you did not initiate.
- Contact official Nafath support if you believe someone has obtained your account information.
Common Nafath Digital Identity Problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Digital identity activation fails | Check the ID and Absher information, OTP and verification steps. Follow the biometric instructions shown in Nafath. |
| Fingerprint verification fails | Keep the rear camera clean, use sufficient lighting, keep other objects out of the image and make sure the required fingers are visible. |
| Face verification fails | Make sure your entire face is visible inside the frame and position the phone according to Nafath’s on-screen instructions. |
| Mobile number update does not complete | Make sure you can receive the OTP on the new mobile number and complete the biometric verification process. |
| Authentication request does not appear | Open the Requests section in Nafath. If the service provider still does not proceed, return to that provider and try the authentication process again. |
| Nafath verification succeeds but service does not open | Contact the service provider directly. Nafath’s official support page specifically directs users to the service provider when the problem is accessing that provider’s service. |
How to Get Started With Nafath
If you are new to Nafath, the basic setup starts with installing the official application and signing in using your ID number and Absher password.
During the initial setup, Nafath sends an OTP to the mobile number associated with your Absher account. You then create a 6-digit personal PIN and complete the required biometric verification.
Install Nafath
Use the official Nafath application.
Log In
Enter your ID number and Absher password.
Verify OTP
Enter the verification code sent to your Absher mobile number.
Create Your PIN
Create and confirm your 6-digit personal code.
Complete Biometrics
Follow the biometric verification instructions shown in the app.
Start Using Nafath
Use Nafath when an integrated service requests digital identity verification.
Nafath Digital Identity FAQ
What is Nafath digital identity?
Nafath is part of Saudi Arabia’s national digital identity ecosystem. It provides secure identity authentication and access to integrated digital services.
Is Nafath the same as Digital Iqama?
No. Nafath is a digital identity and authentication platform. Digital Iqama is a digital identity document available through supported government services.
How do I activate my digital identity through Nafath?
Open Nafath, go to Settings, select Activate Your National Digital Identity (Absher), enter your ID and Absher password, complete OTP and verification steps, then complete fingerprint verification.
Can I change the mobile number linked to my digital identity?
Nafath provides a supported service for updating the mobile number linked to the National Digital Identity (Absher). The process includes OTP verification and biometric verification.
Can I temporarily suspend my digital identity?
Yes. Nafath provides a Temporarily Pause Your Digital Identity service through the app’s Settings section.
Does Nafath use biometric verification?
Yes. Nafath supports biometric identity verification. Depending on the service, this can include face or fingerprint verification.
What is the Nafath PIN?
The Nafath PIN is a 6-digit personal code created during the application login and setup process.
What should I do if Nafath verification succeeds but the service does not open?
Contact the service provider directly. Nafath’s official support page advises users to contact the provider when the problem is accessing that provider’s service.
How can I contact Nafath support?
Nafath technical support is available through the call center at 8001221111, X account @NIC_Care and email Support@nic.gov.sa.
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Official Nafath Sources
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