mAadhaar App - Download, Setup, Register, Features 2026

What Is the mAadhaar App?

mAadhaar is the official mobile application developed by UIDAI that lets you carry your Aadhaar digitally on your smartphone and access a wide range of Aadhaar-related services. Think of it as a mobile version of the myAadhaar web portal.

Your mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof anywhere in India. Under the Aadhaar Act, the digital Aadhaar displayed in the app carries the same legal weight as a physical Aadhaar card or an e-Aadhaar printout.

The app is available on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store), supports 13 languages (English plus 12 Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, and Urdu), and can be used by anyone with a smartphone.

Note: You'll need a registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar to access mAadhaar app.

How to Download and Set Up mAadhaar

Download

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your phone.

Step 2: Search for "mAadhaar" and look for the app published by UIDAI.

Note: Make sure the developer name says UIDAI, don't download any third-party clone.

Step 3: Tap Install and wait for the download to complete.

Registration

Step 1: Open the app. You'll see a consent form. Tap "I Consent" to proceed.

Step 2: Select your preferred language and tap "Continue".

The app supports 13 languages for menu items and labels, though form fields only accept English input.

mAadhaar app interface showing the Select Language option with multiple regional languages listed. — Select Your Preferred Language

Step 3: Tap "Register my Aadhaar" on the main dashboard.

mAadhaar app home screen showing the Register My Aadhaar section with a red arrow pointing toward the option to add an Aadhaar number. — Tap on the "Register My Aadhaar" button

Step 4: Create a 4-digit PIN/password. This will be required every time you access your profile.

Choose something you'll remember, but not something obvious like your birth year.

Step 5: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code displayed on screen. Tap "Request OTP".

Step 6: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number and tap "Verify".

That's it. Your Aadhaar profile is now registered in the app. You can view your demographic details (name, address, date of birth, gender) and your photo directly from the profile section.

Adding Family Members

You can add up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, as long as all those Aadhaar numbers are linked to the same registered mobile number. Each additional profile requires its own OTP verification. This means if you manage Aadhaar for your parents, spouse, or children, they can all be on your phone.

To add a profile, just go through the same registration process again with a different Aadhaar number.

All mAadhaar Features

The app organises its features into three main sections: the Main Service Dashboard (accessible to everyone), Request Status Services (for tracking online requests), and My Aadhaar (a personalised section that requires profile registration).

mAadhaar app interface showing My Aadhaar section — My Aadhaar Section on mAadhaar App

1. Download Aadhaar (e-Aadhaar)

You can download a digital copy of your Aadhaar directly from the app. This generates the same e-Aadhaar PDF that you'd get from the myAadhaar portal, a password-protected, digitally signed document that's legally valid everywhere.

You can download it using your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID (VID), or Enrolment ID (EID). You can also choose to download a masked Aadhaar, which shows only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number. It is useful when you want to share your identity without revealing the full number.

2. Generate Virtual ID (VID)

The Virtual ID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar. You can share this VID instead of your actual 12-digit Aadhaar number for authentication and e-KYC purposes. The agency performing the verification gets a UID token. They can verify your identity, but they can never derive your actual Aadhaar number from the VID.

To generate a VID in mAadhaar:

Step 1: Log in to the app and go to "Generate Virtual ID."

Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code.

Step 3: Tap "Request OTP" and enter the OTP.

Step 4: Tap "Generate VID." Your 16-digit VID will be displayed on screen and sent to your registered mobile number.

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You can generate one new VID per day. When you generate a new one, the previous VID automatically becomes invalid. The VID doesn't expire on its own, it stays valid until you generate a replacement.

You can also generate a VID via SMS by sending "GVID [last 4 digits of Aadhaar]" to 1947 from your registered mobile number.

3. TOTP Generation

TOTP stands for Time-based One-Time Password. It's an automatically generated temporary password created by the app itself, which you can use instead of waiting for an SMS-based OTP.

This is genuinely useful in two situations: when you have poor mobile network coverage and can't receive SMS, or when OTP delivery is delayed (which happens more often than anyone would like to admit).

To generate a TOTP:

Step 1: Log in to the app with your 4-digit PIN.

Step 2: Under the My Aadhaar section, tap "Get TOTP."

mAadhaar app screen displaying My Aadhaar section with a arrow pointing to the Generate TOTP option. — Click on the "Generate TOTP" button

Step 3: A temporary password appears on screen. Use it immediately, it's time-sensitive and expires quickly.

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The TOTP works for any Aadhaar service that normally requires an OTP, including authentication at banks, telecom operators, and government services.

4. Biometric Lock/Unlock

This lets you lock your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) stored in UIDAI's database. When biometrics are locked, nobody can use your fingerprints or iris for Aadhaar authentication, not even you. This prevents misuse if someone somehow tries to authenticate using your biometrics without your knowledge.

To lock biometrics in mAadhaar:

Step 1: Log in and go to the My Aadhaar section.

Step 2: Tap on "Lock/Unlock Biometrics".

mAadhaar app screen showing My Aadhaar section with a arrow pointing to the Lock/Unlock Biometrics option — Click on the "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" button

Step 3: Authenticate with OTP.

Step 4: Enable the biometric lock.

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Once locked, your biometrics stay locked until you manually unlock them. Unlocking is temporary, it lasts about 10 minutes, then automatically locks again. This means you only unlock when you specifically need biometric authentication for a transaction, and it locks right back afterward.

You can also disable the locking system entirely if you decide you don't want it anymore.

5. Aadhaar Number Lock/Unlock

Separate from biometric locking, this feature lets you lock your actual 12-digit Aadhaar number. When locked, your Aadhaar number cannot be used for authentication at all. You'd use your VID instead.

mAadhaar app screen showing My Aadhaar section with a arrow pointing to the Set Aadhaar Lock option — Click on the "Set Aadhaar Lock" button

This is for people who want the strongest level of protection, they lock the Aadhaar number, generate a VID, and use only the VID for all services. Even if someone gets hold of your Aadhaar number, it's useless for authentication when locked.

6. Address Update

You can update your address directly through the mAadhaar app. You'll need to upload a valid Proof of Address document (utility bill, bank statement, passport, etc.), authenticate via OTP, and pay a fee of ₹50.

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Important: mAadhaar only supports address updates. You cannot update your name, date of birth, gender, or mobile number through this app. For any of those changes, you'll need to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in person.

7. Download Offline eKYC

The offline eKYC feature lets you download a digitally signed XML file containing your Aadhaar details. This file can be shared with service providers for offline identity verification without connecting to UIDAI's central database.

The XML file includes your name, address, photo, gender, date of birth, a hash of your registered mobile number and email, and a reference ID that contains only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number. The full Aadhaar number is not included.

You set a "share code" (essentially a password) when downloading the file, and only someone with that share code can open the XML. This makes it a secure way to share your identity for paperless KYC at banks, telecom companies, and other agencies.

8. Show QR Code / Scan QR Code

Your mAadhaar profile includes a QR code that contains your encrypted Aadhaar data. You can show this QR code to any authorised entity for identity verification. They scan it, and your details are verified instantly.

The app also lets you scan QR codes on physical Aadhaar cards or printed e-Aadhaar documents to verify whether they're genuine.

9. Verify Aadhaar

This feature lets you check whether any Aadhaar number is active and valid. You enter the 12-digit number, and the app tells you if it's a legitimate, active Aadhaar. Useful if you receive someone else's Aadhaar details and want to confirm they're real before proceeding with a transaction.

10. Verify Email/Mobile

You can verify whether a specific email address or mobile number is linked to an Aadhaar number. This doesn't reveal the actual email or number. It just confirms a yes/no match. Useful for organisations that need to verify contact details as part of their onboarding process.

11. Retrieve UID/EID

Forgot your Aadhaar number? Lost your Enrolment ID? The app lets you retrieve both. You authenticate using your registered mobile number, and the UID (Aadhaar number) or EID (Enrolment ID) is sent to your phone.

12. Order PVC Aadhaar Card

You can order a physical PVC Aadhaar card directly from the app. The card costs ₹75 (updated from the earlier ₹50) and is delivered to your registered address. The PVC card is a durable, wallet-sized card with your photo, details, and a secure QR code. More practical for daily use than the standard Aadhaar letter.

13. Request Address Validation Letter

If you've moved to a new address but don't have a conventional Proof of Address document, UIDAI can send a verification letter to your new address. You request this through the app, and a letter with an OTP is mailed to the new address. Once you receive it and enter the OTP, your address is updated.

14. Book Appointment at Aadhaar Seva Kendra

The app lets you schedule appointments at your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Enrolment Centre. This avoids the walk-in queue and saves time, especially for services that require a physical visit (like biometric updates or mobile number changes at a centre).

15. Locate Nearest Enrolment Centre

A simple but handy feature. The app helps you find the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre based on your location or by entering your state, district, and area.

16. Track Request Status

Submitted an address update? Ordered a PVC card? The app lets you check the status of any online request using your Update Request Number (URN) or order reference number.

17. View Authentication History

You can see a record of when and where your Aadhaar was used for authentication. The app shows you which agencies verified your identity, when the authentication happened, and what type of authentication was used (biometric, OTP, or demographic). This is important for spotting any unauthorised use of your Aadhaar.

18. View Update History

Similar to authentication history, this shows all the updates that have been made to your Aadhaar over time: address changes, demographic corrections, biometric updates, etc.

19. Aadhaar Services via SMS (Offline)

Even without an internet connection, you can access certain Aadhaar services by SMS from within the app. This includes locking/unlocking biometrics, generating VIDs, and checking Aadhaar status. The SMS commands are sent to 1947, UIDAI's official helpline number.

This is particularly useful in rural areas or situations where mobile data isn't available.

mAadhaar vs New Aadhaar App

Feature	mAadhaar	Aadhaar App
Aadhaar Account Management
Download e-Aadhaar PDF	✓	✗
Generate Virtual ID (VID)	✓	✗
Generate TOTP	✓	✗
Lock / Unlock Aadhaar Number	✓	✗
Offline eKYC Download	✓	✗
Order PVC Aadhaar Card	✓	✗
Track Request / Update Status	✓	✗
Digital Identity & Verification
Selective Data Sharing (choose fields)	✗	✓
Face Authentication Login	✗	✓
Mobile Number Update from Home	✗	✓
Offline QR Verification (no internet)	✗	✓
Contact Card via QR	✗	✓
Available in Both
Biometric Lock / Unlock	✓	✓
Address Update	✓	✓
Authentication History	✓	✓
Multi-Profile (up to 5 family members)	✓	✓

Troubleshooting Common mAadhaar Issues

Issue	Solution
"OTP not received"	This happens when your mobile number isn't registered with your Aadhaar, or when there's a network delay. Wait a minute before requesting a new OTP. Make sure you're requesting from the number linked to your Aadhaar.
"App not working after update"	Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → mAadhaar → Clear Cache), then restart the app. If that doesn't help, uninstall and reinstall from the Play Store or App Store.
"Cannot add profile"	You can only add profiles whose Aadhaar numbers are linked to the same registered mobile number. If the Aadhaar you're trying to add is linked to a different number, it won't work.
"Biometric unlock not working"	Remember that biometric unlock is temporary (about 10 minutes). If you unlocked it but took too long, it may have locked again automatically. Unlock it again right before you need the authentication.
"Forgot 4-digit PIN"	Go to Settings → Reset Password. You'll need to enter your current password to set a new one. If you've completely forgotten it, you may need to uninstall the app, reinstall it, and register your profile again.

Important Notes

1. mAadhaar profile is valid ID proof.

Your profile displayed in the app is legally accepted as proof of identity anywhere in India. You don't need to carry a physical card.

2. Only download from official sources.

Always install from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, published by UIDAI. Fake mAadhaar apps have been a persistent problem. If in doubt, visit uidai.gov.in for the official download link.

3. Registered mobile number is mandatory for most features.

Without it, you can only access limited services like ordering a PVC card, verifying Aadhaar, locating centres, and scanning QR codes. All the important features require OTP authentication via your registered number.

4. Form inputs are in English only.

While the app's interface is available in 13 languages, all form fields (name, address, Aadhaar number, etc.) accept only English input. This is due to mobile keyboard limitations for regional languages.

5. TOTP is a lifesaver.

If you're someone who frequently faces delayed or missing OTPs, start using TOTP from the mAadhaar app. It generates a one-time password locally on your device, so network coverage doesn't matter.

6. Sync your profile after updates.

If you've completed an address update or any other change, use the "Sync" feature in the My Aadhaar section to refresh your profile with the latest data from UIDAI's database.

7. The app doesn't work outside India.

mAadhaar and its OTP-based services are designed for use within India only.