The Bottom Line
- Institutional access typically authenticates you; a personal profile helps you save progress and use the app smoothly.
- If your institution uses OpenAthens/Shibboleth, the correct login route matters.
- Most ‘can’t log in’ issues are mismatched routes (wrong institution option, no linked personal profile, or stale authentication).
The fastest path is: authenticate via your institution (often OpenAthens) → create/confirm a BMJ Best Practice personal profile linked to that authentication → then use the same profile for the mobile app. Once you internalise that these are two distinct layers (authentication vs profile), most problems become obvious.
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Step 1 — Use the institution login route
If your organisation provides access via OpenAthens or Shibboleth, start with the ‘access through your institution’ pathway rather than a generic consumer login.
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Step 2 — Link or create your personal profile
Create a personal profile using the institutional sign-in. This is what enables saved features and app continuity.
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Step 3 — Install the app and sign in the same way
Use the same identity route you used on web (the common failure is attempting a different login method on mobile).
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Step 4 — If you get blocked, check the institution selector
Many access journeys require selecting the correct region/institution option (e.g., NHS in England vs a Trust). Incorrect selection can loop or fail.
A useful mental model
OpenAthens proves you’re eligible. Your personal BMJ profile is what remembers you.
SourceBMJ Best Practice: Access through your institution (OpenAthens/Shibboleth)
Open Link SourceBMJ Group: NHS England access instructions
Open Link