If you're having trouble verifying your passport, country's national ID, or My Number Card as a World ID Credential, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

General Checks

• Make sure that you’re scanning a physical passport, national ID, or My Number Card.
• Verify that the ID is yours and that it has not expired.
• Confirm that the ID is NFC chip-enabled. For passports, look for the NFC symbol on the cover, which looks like this: .
  • NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless technology that allows your phone to read information from a compatible card, device, or document located in close proximity — for example, when you tap your phone on your passport during verification. Most modern smartphones have NFC built in, and it needs to be turned on in your phone’s settings.
• If you're using a My Number Card (Japan only):
  • Ensure the card is active and not locked or damaged.
  • Make sure you entered the correct date of birth, expiry date, and 4-digit number.

Illumination and Scanning Environment

• Use an area with good lighting and make sure the ID is clear and in focus.
• Remove any phone case or document sleeve that might interfere with NFC scanning.
• Place the ID on a flat and steady surface if possible, and hold your phone steadily above it.

Adjust Your Scanning Technique

• Make sure your phone’s screen is facing up when you tap it on the ID.
• Lift your phone up and try to tap it on the ID again (instead of just sliding it up and down).
• For passports:
  • Try different positions. Depending on the country and document type (passport back cover, front cover, photo page), the NFC chip location may vary.
  • Due to extra shielding on some passport covers, the chip may be difficult to scan from the outside. If your passport has the chip on its front cover, open the passport and try to scan it from the inside. 
  • Position your phone perpendicular to your passport (sideways on top of the passport) for optimal scanning.

Additional Steps if Scanning Still Fails

• Check if your device supports NFC scanning and that NFC is enabled (on iPhone it’s always on).
• Update your World ID App to the latest version.
• Force-close and reopen the app.
• If you're using a My Number Card (Japan only):
  • If the date of birth, expiry date or 4-digit PIN you entered does not match the card’s chip data, you’ll see an error. Use the “Go Back” option to correct and retry.
  • If the card has become locked due to too many failed attempts, you must visit your local municipal office to reset the card before attempting verification again.

Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.