- By Alex David
- Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Today, Aadhaar is practically everywhere — from airport check-ins to banking transmissions, SIM verification to government services and countless others. But the physical cards can be cumbersome, and have presented privacy challenges that have led many users to search for safer ways to maintain their identity. Now to address those concerns, the UIDAI has launched a new app that is available on both Android and iPhone taking security, privacy and ease of use into consideration. With face unlock, QR codes for sharing, masked Aadhaar numbers and support for multiple profiles, the app is designed to provide a faster and more secure way of proving your identity. With the help of putting key verification tools on your phone (and many that work even if you don’t have network access), UIDAI is selling this as the next big leap in Aadhaar’s digital evolution.
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How to Download and Set Up the New Aadhaar App
You can have the app up and running in just minutes. Here’s how the process works:
- Visit Google Play or the App Store and download the Aadhaar app.
- Select your preferred language.
- Now, input your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Log in using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Full authentication via facial recognition or biometrics.
- Set a 6-digit password for lock the app.
- Your profile or account is already in use and safe.
Once installed you can see your details, access your QR code, lock or unlock biometrics and create verifiable credentials. Most crucial verification capabilities can function offline as well.
You may add up to five profiles in Aadhaar on a single device provided all profiles are linked to the same registered mobile number. Ensure that the Aadhaar has a proper number associated with it before beginning this setup.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
Face Unlock and Biometric Security
The app itself features facial recognition and biometric lock controls, which are both a strong locking solution in the event that someone gets their hands on your phone.
QR-Based and Masked Identity Sharing
Details of identity can be shared by users using a scannable QR or verifiable credential. The 12-digit Aadhaar number is still hidden, to verify without giving out delicate information.
Multi-Profile Support
Add up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, allowing parents, families or caregivers to manage profiles of their children and dependent members.
Offline Functionality
Offline: Can perform QR verification and a few important features are available offline as well, which means the app is reliable even in case of weak or no internet signal.
Clean, Faster Interface
The new layout is faster and the new overall faster performance is great for light phone users, as well Android experts careering down their screen-swiping super highways.
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Limitations of the New Aadhaar App
Multiple features that you can currently find in the mAadhaar app are not present yet. This can range from downloading Aadhaar PDF, to generating a Virtual ID, ordering PVC cards or verifying the registered email and mobile numbers. These functions of UIDAI are likely to be added gradually.
Another drawback is that it requires a registered mobile number. To handle multiple profiles they all have to be tied to the same number, which is not always realistic for a larger household.
The app is also less available to those who don’t own smartphones or have reliable internet service, particularly in rural areas. UIDAI has stressed that this app is a supplement to — and not a replacement for — the physical Aadhaar card.
Final Thoughts
The new Aadhaar app is an obvious shift to secure, paperless identity management. UIDAI has tried to let users have more privacy with face unlock, masked sharing, offline verification and multi-profile services. The app is a bit of a work in progress as many key features are not yet present, but the core is ready today and solves for many real-world identity problems. A convenient and safer alternative to carrying a physical card. For anyone who has to use Aadhaar for verification on a regular basis, this feature provides an easy and safe method for verifying Aadhaar verifiable details.