In 2025, the EPFO mandates the usage of the UMANG app for the generation and activation of UANs through Aadhaar face scans. Here's a guide on how to accomplish this.
In a move to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of Universal Account Number (UAN) generation, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a new method for allotting and activating UANs through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based face authentication.
The new system, effective from August 1, 2025, eliminates the need for employer assistance, making the process more accessible and streamlined. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to generate or activate a UAN using the UMANG app:
Generating a New UAN
- Open the UMANG app and select the option "UAN Allotment and Activation."
- Enter your Aadhaar number and your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Give consent by ticking the Aadhaar validation checkbox.
- Tap "Send OTP" and verify the one-time password received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- If prompted, install the Aadhaar Face RD App for face authentication.
- The system checks if your Aadhaar already has a UAN. If no UAN is found, you proceed with face authentication by consenting and allowing a face scan.
- Once face authentication is successful, a new UAN is generated and sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
Activating an Existing UAN
- Open the UMANG app and go to "UAN Activation."
- Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, and the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Tick the consent checkbox for Aadhaar validation.
- Tap "Send OTP" and verify the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Complete the Face Authentication using the Aadhaar Face RD App by consenting to the terms and performing the face scan.
- After successful face verification, your UAN will be activated. You will receive your UAN and a temporary password on your mobile via SMS, and your EPFO records will update accordingly.
It's important to note that face authentication via the Aadhaar Face RD App is mandatory for both generating and activating UANs from August 1, 2025. This fully digital process replaces the traditional dependence on employers or physical visits to EPFO offices.
The new method ensures secure authentication linked directly to Aadhaar biometric data, streamlining member identification and service delivery. It also aims to improve accuracy by directly fetching data from the Aadhaar database, ensuring reliable and up-to-date information.
This process is fast, secure, and accessible globally for Indian residents, except for some exceptions like international employees and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Once activated, members can use their UAN to access services like EPF balance checks, KYC updates, claim submissions, and more through the UMANG app.
[1] UMANG App: https://umang.gov.in/ [2] EPFO: https://www.epfindia.gov.in/ [3] Aadhaar: https://uidai.gov.in/ [4] UMANG App User Guide: https://umang.gov.in/web/guest/umang-app-user-guide [5] EPFO Services: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
In this new system, technology integration, such as the UMANG app and Aadhaar-based face authentication, is utilized to generate and activate Universal Account Numbers (UAN), eliminating the need for employer assistance in business procedures. Furthermore, this technological advancement aims to improve the accuracy and security of financial transactions, correlating directly with the Indian Aadhaar biometric database.
