Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will soon have the option to carry their temple recommends digitally, as the Church begins a worldwide rollout of mobile recommends. Starting May 29, members in Utah, Europe, and the eastern United States can choose between a traditional paper recommend or a digital version accessible through the Church’s Member Tools app.
This initiative aims to simplify and enhance the temple experience for members globally.
KSL News reported that, “[o]n Thursday, the church updated some web pages associated with the mobile recommends, which link to guides for members, bishops and branch presidents, and stake and mission presidents.” Additionally, the member guide notes that physical copies of recommends are still an option, but recommend holders may not have both at the same time.
The digital recommend will be available on smartphones and tablets via the Member Tools app and can be scanned at any of the Church’s temples worldwide. The rollout will occur in phases: much of South America and other western areas of the U.S. gained access beginning on May 22, while areas in Africa and Asia will be added two weeks later.
To obtain a mobile recommend, members must have a current temple recommend issued by their priesthood leaders. Those wishing to switch formats can request a change; however, if their priesthood leaders have changed, they will need to undergo a renewal process.
The mobile recommend requires a profile picture approved by a bishop or branch president, a device running at least iOS 16 or Android 8, and the latest version of the Member Tools app. Once set up, the digital recommend can be accessed without internet connectivity, but screenshots will not be accepted at temple entrances.
This move reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into religious practices, providing members with convenient and secure options for temple attendance.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
