No More Employer Help Needed: New UAN Only Through Aadhaar Face Authentication on Mobile

EPFO UAN Generation Now Mandatory

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EPFO new

Key Points:

  • Effective August 1, 2025, employees must use Aadhaar-based face authentication on the UMANG app to generate and activate their Universal Account Number (UAN).
  • The new process is fully digital no employer or physical paperwork required for most users.
  • International workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are exempt and may still use employer-assisted UAN generation.
  • Employees can now generate, activate, and download their e-UAN card from their smartphone.
  • The shift promises faster onboarding, instant KYC sync, and advanced security for Provident Fund services.

New Delhi: Effective from August 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a sweeping digital overhaul for all new and existing members. As per the latest circular (July 30, 2025), UAN generation and activation now require Aadhaar-linked face authentication completed through the UMANG app. This move aims to boost security, eliminate paperwork, and provide instant, anytime access to PF services.

What’s Changed?

  • No employer intervention needed: New UANs must be self-generated by employees using their Aadhaar credentials and a live facial scan via mobile.
  • The only exceptions: International employees, as well as citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, can still go through their employer for UAN creation.
  • 100% paperless onboarding and seamless KYC update all details are fetched from the Aadhaar database in real time, minimizing errors.

Why This Matters

This new digital step means employees can:

  • Instantly get their Universal Account Number from anywhere, using just a smartphone.
  • Download the e-UAN card and share it with employers or for job transitions.
  • Instantly access essential EPF features, such as viewing their passbook, updating KYC, filing claims, and more.

Step-by-Step: How to Generate or Activate UAN via UMANG

For New UAN Generation:

  1. Download the UMANG App and Aadhaar Face RD App to your smartphone.
  2. Open UMANG and select “UAN Allotment and Activation”.
  3. Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
  4. Provide consent, and an OTP is sent to your registered mobile.
  5. Enter the OTP to verify.
  6. Complete a live face scan through the Aadhaar Face RD app when prompted.
  7. If your Aadhaar isn’t linked to an existing UAN, a new UAN is generated and sent to you via SMS instantly. You can immediately download the digital copy.

To Activate an Existing UAN:

  1. Go to “UAN Activation” on UMANG.
  2. Input your UAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number.
  3. Verify using the OTP sent to your mobile.
  4. Scan your face through the Face RD app.
  5. On successful verification, your UAN is activated and you receive a temporary password via SMS.

Already Activated UAN Face Authentication for KYC Updates:

  • Use the “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs” option on UMANG for biometric KYC updates and sync with Aadhaar—no more paperwork.

What You Need to Start

  • Aadhaar Number and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
  • UMANG App + Aadhaar Face RD App on your smartphone
  • Internet connectivity and readiness for live facial scan

Benefits & Security

  • Instant UAN and e-UAN card from anywhere
  • No need for employer’s physical intervention for most users
  • Instant access to all PF-related digital services
  • Strengthened security with Aadhaar-based biometric validation
  • Reduced scope for errors and fraud

By adopting this all-digital, Aadhaar-based process, the EPFO aims to make Provident Fund access not only efficient but also future-ready and secure for India’s growing workforce. If you face issues, contact the UMANG helpdesk, or directly reach EPFO support through the app.

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