UIDAI’s refreshed Aadhaar mobile app now supports offline QR‑based verification, selective data sharing, biometric locks, and easy updates for mobile numbers and addresses. Users can manage family profiles, protect the e‑Aadhaar PDF with fingerprint or Face ID, and share only required fields with service providers—all from a single Android or iOS app.
What’s New in the UIDAI Aadhaar App
- Selective Data Sharing – Choose specific Aadhaar fields (name, address, photo, etc.) to share via QR code, limiting unnecessary exposure.
- Offline Verification – QR‑based verification works without internet, enabling identity checks in remote locations.
- Biometric & Face‑ID Locks – Secure the app and e‑Aadhaar PDF with fingerprint, iris scan, or Face ID.
- Mobile Number & Address Updates – Update contact details directly from the app, eliminating visits to enrolment centres.
- Family Profiles – Manage Aadhaar records for immediate family members from a single device.
- Secure e‑Aadhaar PDF – Download a password‑protected PDF that remains legally valid for identity and address proof.
How to Download and Set Up the App
- Open the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Search for “UIDAI Aadhaar” or “Aadhaar – UIDAI” and select the official listing.
- Tap “Install” (Android) or “Get” (iOS) to download the app.
- Launch the app and enter your Aadhaar Number, Enrollment ID, or Virtual ID, then verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Choose a biometric lock (fingerprint, iris, or Face ID) and set a personal PIN for PDF access.
- The app will fetch your Aadhaar details and generate a QR code for selective sharing.
From Physical Cards to Digital Identity
Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric database, has traditionally relied on physical cards and the earlier mAadhaar app. Limitations such as data leakage concerns, lack of granular sharing controls, and dependence on constant internet connectivity prompted the need for a more secure, privacy‑focused solution. The new app directly addresses these gaps, offering offline verification and selective sharing that align with global data‑minimisation standards.
Implications for Users and the Ecosystem
Privacy and Security
Biometric locks and QR‑based selective sharing reduce the risk of mass data exposure. Users can now protect the e‑Aadhaar PDF with Face ID or fingerprint, adding a layer of security unavailable in earlier versions.
Operational Efficiency
Service providers can verify identities without invoking live API calls, cutting verification time and network load. This accelerates onboarding for banking, telecom, and e‑governance services, especially in underserved regions.
Reduced Dependence on Physical Cards
Family profiles and easy update mechanisms enable households to manage multiple Aadhaar records from a single device, decreasing the need for physical cards during routine transactions.
Regulatory Alignment
The feature set positions Aadhaar as a compliant digital identity solution, anticipating upcoming data‑protection regulations in India.
Future Outlook
The app’s success will depend on user adoption and the robustness of offline verification infrastructure. Continued promotion of e‑Aadhaar download options suggests a coordinated push toward a fully digital identity framework. For Indian residents, the updated Aadhaar app offers a more secure, private, and convenient way to manage one of the nation’s most critical pieces of personal data.
