In a major step towards making Aadhaar-related services simple, secure and completely digital, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to launch a new Aadhaar mobile application later this month. Through this app, Aadhaar holders will be able to update crucial details such as name, address, mobile number and email ID directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need to visit Aadhaar service centres and stand in long queues.
According to UIDAI officials, the new Aadhaar app is likely to be officially launched between January 27 and January 30. The trial phase is almost complete, and the initial response has been highly encouraging. During the trial itself, the app has already recorded over 5 million downloads on the Android platform, while a large number of users have also downloaded it on iOS.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
Why a New Aadhaar App Was Necessary
Until now, any update in Aadhaar details—especially mobile number changes—required a mandatory visit to an Aadhaar service centre. This often resulted in long waiting hours, with even minor updates consuming an entire day. UIDAI’s internal assessment revealed that a significant number of visitors to Aadhaar centres came solely to update their mobile numbers.
Officials said that at the time of enrolment, many Aadhaar holders had registered the mobile number of another family member. Over time, when those numbers became inactive or changed, users began facing repeated problems with OTP-based services such as banking, subsidies and government portals. Taking these practical issues into account, UIDAI adopted a mobile-first approach while developing the new Aadhaar app.
Mobile Number Update Becomes the Biggest Convenience
The most significant feature of the new Aadhaar app is the mobile number update facility. Aadhaar holders will now be able to change their mobile number directly from their phone using face authentication. A fee of ₹75 will be charged for this service, which can be paid online via UPI within the app itself.
Senior UIDAI officials stated that face authentication technology has now become highly advanced and reliable. Since the mobile number linked to Aadhaar is extremely sensitive and connected to nearly all services, strict security standards have been maintained with no scope for compromise.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
- Easy update of address, name and email ID
- Facility to change registered mobile number and address
- Name correction and email ID update services to be added soon
- Option to generate a digital contact card
- Ability to share or scan QR codes to share name and mobile number
The Backbone of Digital Identity
Officials said that Aadhaar has become the primary identity backbone for services such as banking, mobile connections, government schemes, pensions and subsidies. In this context, making Aadhaar services fully available on mobile is being seen as a major leap towards digital governance.
UIDAI has asserted that the new Aadhaar app is not only user-friendly but also meets the highest standards of data security and privacy. In the coming months, more services will be added to the app, significantly reducing Aadhaar holders’ dependence on physical service centres.
The new Aadhaar app is expected to play a decisive role in strengthening India’s digital identity ecosystem, while making Aadhaar-related tasks faster, more reliable and completely mobile-driven for millions of citizens across the country.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
