Home Office updates its "digital reporting" guidance: the UK IEC app and location sharing

On 22 October 2026, the Home Office published an updated version of its "digital reporting" guidance. According to the Home Office, the changes reflect the wider use of this approach. Information has been added on reporting requirements, location sharing, accessibility, technical support and the UK Immigration Engagement and Compliance (UK IEC) app.

What digital reporting is

It is a condition imposed on a person that requires them to report to the Home Office using a mobile phone or another device. It may be imposed as a condition of immigration bail or as a reporting requirement for a person who is not on immigration bail.

A person on immigration bail may also have other conditions, such as reporting in person or restrictions on work or study. All conditions imposed must be followed. The Home Office stresses that digital reporting does not change immigration status and does not mean permission to stay in the UK.

How it works

For each reporting date, the Home Office sends a message. Most people receive one every 2 weeks or every month, and the exact frequency depends on the condition. The message arrives by text message, by email (or both), and in the UK IEC app if the person has downloaded it.

Once someone starts using the app, text messages stop arriving, but emails still do if the Home Office has an email address. You can respond in the app or via the link in the email. App notifications must be switched on.

To respond to a text message, you need to open the link in a browser, choose the "Acknowledge digital reporting" option and, if prompted, allow the device to share its current location. The message also includes an option to give a reason why the person should not be subject to digital reporting. You must respond to every message yourself. A representative or immigration adviser cannot do this for anyone.

Location and data

If the Home Office asks for your location, you must allow the device to access it. The Home Office states that it receives the location only at the moment it is shared and cannot track the device in real time. The data is intended to support enforcement action if bail conditions are breached or, in anonymised form, to support compliance with immigration rules. It may also influence further decisions about the person's status. The location is stored for up to 90 days.

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Not responding and technical problems

You must respond to messages and reminders. Where digital reporting is a condition of immigration bail, not responding may mean a breach of its conditions. For a person not on bail, it may mean failing to meet the reporting requirement.

The Home Office recommends providing personal contact details that only the person themselves can access, and updating them using the option in each message. If you have technical problems, or if someone else handles communication with the Home Office, you can write to the address. When reading the information, you can use the device's accessibility features and translation settings.

What this means for you

The guidance applies only to people on whom the Home Office has imposed a digital reporting condition. It does not apply to most people living in the UK. The source does not mention nationals of any particular countries. People subject to such a condition should watch for messages, respond in person and on time, and keep their contact details up to date.