Guide summary: This is a troubleshooting and identity-readiness guide, not another basic Nafath sign-up walkthrough. Nafath verifies a digital identity issued through Absher, so successful activation depends on the underlying identity record, the mobile number linked to Absher, the correct credentials and a usable biometric capture. Work through the checks below in order rather than repeatedly reinstalling the app or requesting new codes.
Understand what you are activating
The official Nafath manual describes two related processes. First-time app login links Nafath to the device: you enter your ID number and Absher password, confirm an OTP sent to the mobile number used in Absher, create a six-digit Nafath PIN and complete facial verification. Separately, the app’s Absher self-service menu can activate an Absher-originated national digital identity using an additional verification question and fingerprint capture.
Read the message on screen before acting. “Incorrect password”, “OTP not received”, “biometric verification failed” and “digital identity not activated” are different problems. Do not share an OTP, PIN, password or biometric image with anyone offering remote activation.
Complete an identity-readiness check
- Identity number: use the Saudi national ID or Iqama number attached to the Absher identity. Do not substitute a border number, visa number or passport number unless the official screen specifically requests it.
- Absher credentials: Nafath’s official login flow uses the password associated with Absher. A Nafath PIN is a separate six-digit code created during app setup.
- Registered mobile: make sure you can receive messages on the number recorded for the Absher identity. The OTP is sent there.
- Phone and camera: update the official Nafath app from the store links reached through the IAM website, allow the permissions needed for the requested verification and clean the rear camera lens.
- Capture conditions: use even, sufficient lighting and a plain view without another face, hand or object in the capture area.
Use the official activation sequence
- Open the official Nafath app and choose Login. Enter the ID number and the password used in Absher.
- Enter the OTP sent to the Absher-linked mobile number.
- Create and confirm a six-digit personal PIN. Keep it private and do not reuse an obvious sequence.
- Follow the facial-capture instructions. Keep the whole face inside the frame, hold the phone in line with the face and wait until the capture control turns green.
- If the message concerns activation of the Absher digital identity, open Settings, find the Absher self-service services area and choose Activate your national digital identity (Absher). Enter the requested credentials, OTP and answer to the verification question, then complete the fingerprint capture.
- Wait for the app’s success message before returning to the service that requested authentication.
Troubleshoot the point of failure
The ID number or password is rejected
Check that you are entering the Absher password, not the Nafath PIN. Test access only on the official Absher site or app. If Absher itself rejects the credentials, use Absher’s official recovery route first; changing the Nafath PIN will not repair an Absher password problem.
The OTP does not arrive
Confirm the number linked to Absher and the phone’s ability to receive messages. The Nafath manual also lists Update your digital identity number (Absher) under its self-service settings. That process verifies the new number by OTP and biometrics, and the manual advises checking the update after ten minutes. Use only the option shown in your current official app; if identity verification cannot be completed, get official support rather than registering another person’s number.
Face or fingerprint capture will not complete
For facial verification, clean the rear camera, remove other objects from view, show the entire face and improve the light. For fingerprint capture, the official manual says to place the left hand flat, direct the rear camera towards the fingers, keep all fingers except the thumb inside the frame and wait for the automatic capture. Follow the live instructions if they differ because the app may change.
No approval request appears
Return to the government or private service and start a fresh Nafath request. Open Requests in Nafath, select the number that matches the number displayed by the requesting service, then enter the PIN and complete biometrics if requested. Reject any number you did not initiate. Request history can help confirm whether an earlier attempt was accepted, rejected or completed.
When to get help
Use the contact information and frequently asked questions shown in Nafath’s Settings when the identity data is correct but activation still fails. Contact Absher through its official channels if the underlying account is inactive, locked or attached to an inaccessible mobile number. If you lose the device or suspect misuse, the Nafath manual lists a self-service option to temporarily pause the Absher digital identity; use the official app promptly and contact support if you cannot authenticate.