- By Alex David
- Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) today filed a complaint over the Aadhaar helpline number that was erroneously coded into users' smartphone contact lists with Google, which led to speculation about data compromise. It is also a paid app, which you can download from Google (Android) Play and the App Store (iOS).
This latest release represents additional progress on India’s continuous digital identity revolution, providing users with greater control and security over their Aadhaar data.
Not a Replacement for mAadhaar
UIDAI has stated that this new Aadhaar app is not a replacement for the current mAadhaar. It rather supplements it concentrating on digital storage and sharing in lieu of verification or Aadhaar management at scale.
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The mAadhaar app, however, continues to offer the ability to download digital Aadhaar, order a PVC card, update email or mobile number on record and create a Virtual ID (VID), among other features but the new Aadhaar app makes it easy for users in terms of having a convenient way to store, access and share their current information via the Gaut online platform and that too with full security in action.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
1. Digital Storage and Access
The app allows citizens to bring their Aadhaar on a smartphone — the modern and portable alternative to carrying a printout or a PDF copy. It’s clean in design and safe to perform two-step verification with your Aadhaar.
2. Multiple Profiles in One App
Users can save up to five Aadhaar profiles in the same app — good for those sharing one device as a family. But the Aadhaar numbers added should be linked with the same mobile number as that of the primary account holder.
3. Biometric Lock for Added Security
The app comes with a biometric lock which will safeguard stored Aadhaar data. Once enabled, the biometric is turned on until the cardholder unlocks or disables it at his own discretion for some time. This way, even if someone else can access your phone, your Aadhaar data remains secure.
4. Shareable Verifiable Credentials
Users could share their Aadhaar credentials in the form of verifiable credentials—a digital format where shared data is authentic and unable to be tampered with. The app supports QR code sharing as well, for faster and secure verification in transactions or at any workplace/establishment.
5. Real-Time Updates
Once there is a successful update of the Aadhaar, profile data will be reflected automatically on the app so that you always have access to the latest information.
6. QR Code Scanning
The QR code reading feature also easily allows users to confirm details linked to Aadhaar on the putative QR code for service, thus enabling quick and secure access when they need it.
How to Use the New Aadhaar App
Setting up the new Aadhaar app is simple and takes only a few minutes:
- Download and install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Choose your preferred language from the available options.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- The app will prompt you to send an SMS from your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for verification.
- Enter the OTP received on your phone.
- Perform Face Authentication as prompted.
- Set up a six-digit password to secure your app.
Once that is done, your Aadhaar card will be visible on the profile section of the app. You are also able to mask your Aadhaar number, share it securely, lock biometrics and unlock it online or add up to four more Aadhaar profiles using the same steps.
A Step Toward a Paperless Digital India
With the new app, UIDAI wants to bring a completely paperless and secure identity system in which citizens can update their Aadhaar details on their own anywhere using nothing but a smartphone.
While mAadhaar remains essential for downloads and verification purposes, the new Aadhaar app focuses on security, convenience, and sharing to ensure every Indian can carry their identity digitally whenever and wherever necessary.
In summary:
- The app helps store up to five Aadhaar profiles.
- Offers biometric locking and verifiable sharing.
- Provides a two-step, face-authenticated access process.
- Works alongside, not in place of, the mAadhaar app.
With this launch, UIDAI has further strengthened the robustness of the Aadhaar system and now makes it even more convenient and user-friendly for residents.