Turn on SMS codes at sign-in from My Profile, and how it differs from Face ID or fingerprint lock.
Childminders who want a code sent to their phone each time they sign in. You need a UK mobile number that can receive texts. It takes about three minutes.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second check when you sign in. After your email and password, KinderStart texts a 6-digit code to your mobile, so someone who knows your password still can't get in without your phone.
Tap your photo at the top right of the Home dashboard. You can also open the Tools tab and tap the card with your name on it.
Find Mobile Phone (for MFA). Type your UK mobile number, for example 07123 456789, then tap Save Profile.
If a number is already saved, the field shows it partly hidden and says "A number is registered. Enter a new number to replace it."
When you save a number, KinderStart texts it a 6-digit code. Scroll to Security, type the code into Verify Your Mobile Number and tap Verify Number. You'll see Number Verified.
If the text doesn't arrive or the code has expired, tap Send a New Code. If you change your number later, you'll need to verify the new one.
Still in Security, switch on Multi-Factor Authentication. With a number saved, it says "Requires SMS code sent to your phone on each login".
When it works, you'll see "Multi-factor authentication enabled successfully."
If you see Phone Required, no number is saved yet: add one and tap Save Profile. If you see Verify Your Number, enter the texted code first.
The code goes only to the number on your profile, by text. If you lose that phone or change number, update your profile before you sign out. KinderStart doesn't support authenticator apps.
Next time you sign in, enter your email and password as usual. You'll see Check Your Phone.
If the code doesn't arrive or runs out, tap Back to Login and sign in again to get a new one.
Go back to My Profile, then Security, and switch off Multi-Factor Authentication. You'll see "Multi-factor authentication disabled."
If your phone supports it, Security also has a switch labelled Face ID, Touch ID or similar. This is different from MFA:
On the lock screen, tap Use password instead to sign in with your email and password.
Your account holds children's medical, safeguarding and contact details. A code sent to your phone means a leaked or guessed password isn't enough on its own to open those records.
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KinderStart strives for accuracy. Competitor features and pricing comparisons are based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details are subject to change by respective providers.