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

On 22 October 2026 the Home Office published an updated version of its "digital reporting" guidance. It says the changes reflect the wider use of digital reporting. Added information covers 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 requiring a person to report to the Home Office using a mobile phone or other device. It can be imposed as a condition of immigration bail, or as a reporting requirement for someone who is not on immigration bail.

A person on immigration bail may also have other conditions, such as attending face-to-face reporting or restrictions on working or studying. All conditions must be followed. The Home Office stresses that digital reporting does not change immigration status or 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, depending on their condition. Messages are sent by text, 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, but emails continue if the Home Office has an email address. People can respond in the app or via the link in the email. App notifications must be turned on.

To respond to a text, the person opens the link in a browser, selects "Acknowledge digital reporting" and, if asked, allows the device to share their current location. The message also includes an option to say why the person should not be on digital reporting. Each message must be answered personally. A legal representative or immigration adviser cannot respond on someone's behalf.

Location and data

If asked to share their location, a person must allow the device to access it. The Home Office says it receives the location only at the moment it is shared and cannot continuously track the device. The data is meant to support enforcement action if bail conditions are breached or, in anonymised form, to support compliance with immigration law. It may also inform further decisions about a person's immigration status. Location data is stored for up to 90 days.

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Not responding and technical problems

People must respond to messages and reminders. Where digital reporting is a condition of immigration bail, not responding may mean a breach of bail conditions. For someone not on bail, it may mean the reporting requirement has not been met.

The Home Office advises using personal contact details that only the person can access, and updating them through the option in each message. For technical problems, or if someone else manages the person's Home Office communications, they can email. Device accessibility features and translation settings can be used when viewing the information.

What this means for Poles in the UK

The guidance applies only to people the Home Office has given a digital reporting condition. It does not affect most Poles living in the UK. The source does not mention any particular nationality. Anyone subject to such a condition should watch for messages, respond personally and on time, and keep their contact details up to date.