Key points
- 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 Official Sources
Save your place and choose what comes next
Work through this guide (4 steps)
Use the actions from this article to track what you have worked through.
Sign in using the reading controls above to save your steps.
If your organisation provides access via OpenAthens or Shibboleth, start with the ‘access through your institution’ pathway rather than a generic consumer login.
Return to this sectionCreate a personal profile using the institutional sign-in. This is what enables saved features and app continuity.
Return to this sectionUse the same identity route you used on web (the common failure is attempting a different login method on mobile).
Return to this sectionMany access journeys require selecting the correct region/institution option (e.g., NHS in England vs a Trust). Incorrect selection can loop or fail.
Return to this section
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