Activate SPID Mail: A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Steps

In today’s digital landscape, secure and reliable communication is paramount. For Italian citizens, the Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale (SPID), or Public Digital Identity System, offers a secure way to access online public services. A crucial component of this system is SPID Mail, which allows for legally recognized, secure email communication with public administrations and other entities. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to activate SPID Mail, ensuring you can leverage this valuable tool effectively.

Understanding SPID and SPID Mail

Before diving into the activation process, let’s clarify what SPID is and how SPID Mail fits into the ecosystem. SPID is a digital identity that allows Italian citizens to access online services from public administrations and private service providers that have adopted SPID. It simplifies the process of accessing these services, eliminating the need for multiple usernames and passwords. SPID is managed by accredited Identity Providers (IdPs) such as Aruba, Infocert, Lepida, Namirial, Poste Italiane, Register.it, and Tim.

SPID Mail, often integrated within your chosen IdP’s portal, is a certified email service (PEC – Posta Elettronica Certificata) linked to your SPID identity. This ensures the integrity and non-repudiation of your messages. Unlike standard email, PEC provides proof of sending and receipt, giving your communications legal weight. This makes it ideal for official communications, submissions, and formal exchanges with public bodies and other entities that require documented communication.

It’s important to note that not all IdPs offer a built-in SPID Mail service. Some might require you to activate a separate PEC account linked to your SPID, while others may provide it as part of the overall SPID package. Therefore, understanding your chosen IdP’s offerings is crucial. This guide covers both scenarios to ensure you can activate your SPID Mail regardless of the specific provider.

Prerequisites for Activating SPID Mail

Before starting the activation process, ensure you have the following:

• An Active SPID Account: You must have an active SPID account with a chosen Identity Provider. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to complete the SPID registration process first. This typically involves providing your identification documents (ID card, passport, etc.) and personal information.
• Access to Your SPID Credentials: Have your username and password for your SPID account ready.
• A Valid Email Address: You will likely need access to a standard email address for initial communication and to confirm certain actions during the activation process.
• An Active Mobile Phone Number: Usually, two-factor authentication is enabled, and you will require the mobile phone registered to your account.
• A Payment Method (if required): Some IdPs may require a small payment to activate or maintain the PEC service, depending on the package selected.
• Internet Access: You need a reliable internet connection to access your chosen IdP’s portal and complete the online activation.

Step-by-Step Activation Guide for SPID Mail

The activation process will vary slightly depending on your chosen Identity Provider. However, the general steps are similar. We will cover the general procedure along with specific details for several prominent SPID providers.

General Activation Process

1. Log in to your IdP’s Portal: Visit the website of your SPID provider and log in using your SPID credentials (username and password).
2. Navigate to the Email/PEC Section: Once logged in, look for a section related to email services, PEC, or SPID Mail. This might be under a menu item like “Services,” “My Profile,” or a dedicated section for certified email. The name and location may slightly differ depending on the IdP.
3. Select Activation: Within the PEC section, there will usually be an option to activate the service, which will initiate the activation process.
4. Choose Your Package (if applicable): Some IdPs offer different plans for their PEC services (e.g., different amounts of storage, etc.). If your IdP provides different options, choose the one that best suits your needs.
5. Provide Necessary Information: You may be required to provide additional information during the activation process, such as your chosen email address (sometimes automatically created, sometimes you can choose it) for your PEC account. Be sure that information is correct.
6. Confirm Mobile Phone Verification: The provider usually requires you to confirm your phone number with a two-factor authentication code.
7. Complete Payment (if applicable): If your chosen package requires a payment, follow the prompts to complete the transaction. The payment can be done via credit card, bank transfer, or another method defined by the provider.
8. Review and Confirm: After providing all necessary information and payment details, you’ll typically be presented with a summary of your request. Review everything carefully and confirm your activation.
9. Access Your SPID Mail: After activation, you will likely receive instructions on accessing your new SPID Mail account. This often involves logging in to a specific webmail platform or using a dedicated app provided by your IdP.

Specific Instructions for Popular SPID Providers

Here’s a more detailed look at the SPID Mail activation process for some of the popular providers:

1. Poste Italiane (PosteID):

Poste Italiane’s SPID service is known as PosteID. They offer the option of linking their PEC service, Poste Italiane Certificata, with your SPID account.

Steps:

1. Log into your Poste Italiane account through the designated portal using your PosteID credentials.
2. Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Servizi’ or ‘My Services’ section.
3. Look for the option related to ‘Posta Elettronica Certificata’ or ‘PEC’.
4. If you already have a PEC account with Poste Italiane, you may be prompted to link it to your SPID. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have a PEC yet, the interface will guide you through the activation process, including choosing a plan and providing payment if needed.
5. Complete any verification steps and follow the instructions for accessing your newly linked PEC account.

2. Aruba:

Aruba is another popular IdP that also offers PEC as a separate service, which is not linked by default to SPID but can be linked easily. They also have a dedicated SPID Mail service.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Aruba account through the dedicated portal using your SPID credentials.
2. Navigate to the section related to ‘Certified Email (PEC)’.
3. If you have an existing Aruba PEC, the system might give you the option to link it to your SPID. If you don’t, select the activation option and follow the prompts.
4. You’ll be guided to choose your PEC package and associated costs.
5. You’ll be asked to complete any needed verification and payment procedure if a payment is required.
6. After the completion of the procedure, access the PEC portal that Aruba makes available to the user.

3. Infocert:

Infocert is a widely used IdP providing digital signature and PEC services alongside SPID. Typically, the activation flow is through the Infocert portal.

Steps:

1. Log into your Infocert account using your SPID credentials through the portal.
2. Go to the section for ‘Certified Email’ or ‘PEC’.
3. Choose the activation of PEC service linked to your SPID and proceed as prompted.
4. If you need to activate a new PEC account, choose your preferred plan and proceed by providing the requested data and payment if needed.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the verification process.
6. Access your PEC mailbox through the dedicated webmail platform or app provided by Infocert.

4. Lepida:

Lepida is another well-known SPID provider, especially in specific regions. The process, again, generally uses their platform.

Steps:

1. Access Lepida’s website using your SPID credentials.
2. Look for the section related to ‘Servizi’ or ‘My Services’.
3. Find and choose the option concerning ‘PEC’ (Posta Elettronica Certificata).
4. If you already have a Lepida PEC, you may be prompted to link it. If not, proceed with the new activation.
5. Confirm your details, provide payment information if required, and finish the process.
6. Access the platform or application to use the new PEC account.

5. Register.it:

Register.it provides a comprehensive set of digital services, including SPID and PEC.

Steps:

1. Log into your Register.it account through the designated portal using your SPID credentials.
2. Find the ‘Certified Email (PEC)’ section.
3. If you have a PEC, link it to SPID; otherwise, select the new PEC activation.
4. Follow the prompts to choose your plan, complete the payment (if necessary), and submit your order.
5. Check your email for details on accessing the newly created PEC mailbox.

6. Namirial:

Namirial is another provider focusing on security and digital identification, offering PEC services too.

Steps:

1. Log into your Namirial account through the dedicated portal using your SPID credentials.
2. Find the PEC service section or option.
3. Link your existing PEC if available or proceed to the new activation.
4. Follow the required steps to select a plan, confirm the activation, and complete the payment (if applicable).
5. Refer to your confirmation emails for credentials to access your new PEC mailbox.

7. Tim:

Tim provides SPID and PEC services, usually with a similar activation flow as other IdPs.

Steps:

1. Log into the Tim’s designated portal with your SPID credentials.
2. Navigate to the section related to ‘Certified Email (PEC)’.
3. Choose between linking an existing account or a new activation.
4. Complete the procedure with the required information and a payment if needed.
5. Access the PEC mailbox through the link provided by Tim or their dedicated platform.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the activation process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are common problems and potential solutions:

• Incorrect Login Details: Double-check your username and password. If you’ve forgotten them, use the “forgot password” or account recovery options provided by your IdP.
• Payment Issues: Make sure your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds. If you have recurring payment problems, consider contacting your bank or card provider.
• Verification Errors: Ensure your mobile number is correct and you’re receiving the verification codes. If issues persist, try requesting a new code or contact customer support.
• Service Unavailable: Sometimes, technical issues at the provider’s end might lead to temporary unavailability. Try again later or reach out to their support for clarification.
• Activation Not Finalized: If you have completed all steps but still cannot access your SPID mail, check for confirmation emails from your IdP. You may need to wait a few hours for the activation to be fully processed, or contact customer support.

Best Practices for Using SPID Mail

Once your SPID Mail is activated, follow these best practices for optimal use:

• Always Use SPID Mail for Official Communications: Use SPID Mail for all legally binding communication, especially with public authorities and entities.
• Regularly Check Your SPID Mail: Stay informed by regularly checking your SPID Mail mailbox to ensure you don’t miss important notifications or deadlines.
• Organize Your Messages: Use folders and labels to keep your mailbox organized. This will make it easier to find past communications.
• Keep Your SPID Credentials Secure: Never share your SPID username, password, or verification codes with anyone. Use strong passwords and update them periodically.
• Understand PEC Limitations: Be aware that PEC mailboxes have limited storage, so clean out older messages when they are no longer needed.
• Use Correct Addresses: Make sure you are using the correct PEC address of the recipient. Sending to a standard email address will not provide the necessary legal validity.

Conclusion

Activating SPID Mail is a crucial step in effectively utilizing the Italian Public Digital Identity system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can activate your SPID Mail with ease and start benefiting from secure, legally binding online communications. Remember to choose the Identity Provider that best suits your needs and contact their customer support if you encounter any issues. With SPID Mail, you can navigate online public services with greater confidence and efficiency.