How to Change Your Device on Nafath: Step-by-Step Guide
Nafath links your identity to one specific phone at a time, which is great for security but means that switching to a new phone, whether by choice or after losing your old one, requires going through a formal device change process rather than simply reinstalling the app. This guide explains exactly how to change your registered device on Nafath.
Why Nafath Requires a Device Change Process
Because Nafath verification relies on proving you physically hold a specific registered device, the system needs a secure way to transfer that trust from an old phone to a new one without allowing just anyone to hijack your identity by installing the app on a different device. The change device process exists specifically to handle this transition safely.
Before You Start: What You Need
- Your national ID or Iqama number
- Access to your registered mobile number to receive an OTP
- Your new phone with the Nafath app installed
- Your old device, if still accessible, since some verification paths may use it to confirm the change
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Nafath Device
- Install the Nafath app on your new phone from the official app store.
- Open the app and select the option for existing users or “Change Device” rather than new registration.
- Enter your national ID or Iqama number to identify your existing account.
- Request and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to confirm your identity.
- If prompted, complete any additional identity verification steps, which may include answering security questions or verifying through Absher.
- Set up your new device PIN and enable biometric login if desired.
- Once confirmed, your previous device will automatically be disconnected from your Nafath account.
What Happens to Your Old Device
Once the change device process completes successfully, your old phone loses its ability to approve Nafath requests, even if the app is still installed on it. This is an important security feature: if your old phone is lost, stolen, or sold, completing the device change process on your new phone protects you from someone else using the old device to approve requests in your name.
Changing Devices After Losing Your Phone
If your previous phone was lost or stolen rather than simply upgraded, it becomes even more important to complete the device change quickly, since this immediately revokes the old device’s ability to approve verification requests. If you no longer have access to your registered mobile number either, because it was on the lost phone’s SIM, you may need to first restore access to that number through your mobile carrier before completing the Nafath change.
Common Problems During Device Change
- OTP not received: confirm your registered mobile number is active and has signal.
- Additional verification step fails: this may require visiting an Absher or government relations office if automated verification cannot confirm your identity.
- Old device still shows as active: log out of the app on the old device manually if you still have access to it, in addition to completing the change on the new device.
- Process gets stuck partway through: updating the app to the latest version before retrying often resolves this.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Complete the device change as soon as possible after getting a new phone rather than waiting until you need to log in urgently.
- Keep your registered mobile number active during the transition period.
- Securely wipe or log out of Nafath on your old device once the change is confirmed.
- Set a strong PIN and enable biometrics on the new device right away.
Related Guides
- Nafath Change Device Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips
- How to Register on Nafath: Step-by-Step Guide for New Users
- How to Login to Nafath: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Browse all Nafath guides
Conclusion
Changing your registered device on Nafath is a security-focused process designed to protect your identity during the transition to a new phone. Completing it promptly, with accurate ID and mobile number details on hand, ensures you are not left unable to access essential services during the switch.