Patna: The Aadhaar ecosystem is set for a major shift as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new feature that allows users to update their mobile number from home, using only OTP verification and face authentication on the Aadhaar app. The move eliminates the need for documents, biometric centres or standing in long queues.
UIDAI announced the feature on Friday, marking what it described as a significant step toward inclusive digital accessibility—especially for people in remote regions and senior citizens.
How the New System Works
UIDAI said the process has been intentionally kept simple and fully digital. Users will need only a smartphone and the Aadhaar app:
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Download the Aadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Enter the Aadhaar number and the new mobile number.
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Complete OTP verification, sent either to the old or new number.
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Look into the camera for face authentication, matching Aadhaar’s stored biometrics.
The entire update takes just a few minutes and requires zero documentation.
Why Mobile Number Updates Matter
With Aadhaar covering more than 1.3 billion Indians, the mobile number linked to it has become a critical identity layer. It is essential for:
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Banking and digital payments
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Government subsidies
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Income tax verification
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Access to DigiLocker and other digital public infrastructure
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Everyday OTP-based authentication
Losing access to the registered number has long been a major hurdle, forcing users to visit enrolment centres. UIDAI’s new system aims to make this process frictionless.
A Month Ago, UIDAI Launched a New Aadhaar App
The new app—rolled out recently under the Digital India initiative—supports up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device. It allows users to share only essential information through selective disclosure, similar to how a UPI QR scan works.
Key features include:
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Digital Aadhaar-on-phone — no paper copy needed
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Face-scan verification for ID sharing
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Secure login using biometrics
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Multi-language support, including Hindi and English
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Offline access to view Aadhaar details
Unlike the older mAadhaar app, which remains useful for PDF downloads and virtual IDs, the new Aadhaar app is privacy-first and lightweight, built for everyday verification.
How to Set Up an Account on the Aadhaar App
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Install the Aadhaar app.
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Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
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Complete SIM authentication on the registered mobile number.
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Perform face authentication / live selfie match.
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Create a 6-digit PIN.
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Add profiles of up to four more family members using the same steps.
What Users Stand to Gain
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Faster hotel check-ins, SIM activations and bank KYC
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All family Aadhaar profiles accessible on one phone
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Personal information protected through selective data sharing
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No risk of losing physical Aadhaar copies
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Smoother digital transactions and government service access
Aadhaar’s Evolution
Launched in 2009, Aadhaar began as a paper ID card before evolving into a central pillar of India’s digital identity system. With this new update and the upgraded app, UIDAI is pushing Aadhaar deeper into the country’s growing digital ecosystem—aiming ultimately for every service to be online.
