UIDAI has recently launched a new Aadhaar App for iOS and Android, offering improved security, multi-profile access, and QR-based sharing of digital ID details. Are you someone who travels frequently and often worries about carrying your ID card and other personal information? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently launched a new Aadhaar mobile application for Android and iOS devices. With this, UIDAI aims to provide Indian residents with the opportunity to manage their Aadhaar cards in a more convenient and secure way.
What does the new Aadhaar app do?
Since the Aadhaar Act of 2016, Aadhaar has become a unique identification number for millions of Indians. Until now, the m-Aadhaar app has allowed residents to access services such as accessing their Aadhaar details, generating a virtual ID, downloading their e-Aadhaar, and more. But the newly launched Aadhaar app isn’t just an update to m-Aadhaar; it also ensures improved security and convenience.
With the new app, users can digitally store their Aadhaar ID on their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry a physical card everywhere. Reportedly, the app supports face-scan authentication and biometric lock features, meaning only registered individuals can access their Aadhaar profiles in the app.
The app also allows sharing of Aadhaar details via QR code or verifiable credentials, and in a masked form, so you don’t need to reveal your full 12-digit number. Furthermore, it allows users to set up at least five Aadhaar profiles that can be managed on a single device, provided they are linked to the same registered mobile number. This also allows users to access some features offline, especially in areas where connectivity may be weak.
Why does this matter?
Carrying a photocopy or physical card can be tedious. Instant access to the Aadhaar card on a smartphone saves time and is more convenient. Secondly, the new app comes with face unlock/biometric lock, which prevents the risk of misuse if your device is stolen or borrowed. Furthermore, QR-based or masked sharing means that the user’s full identity will be less exposed during each verification.
It is ideal for family management with its multi-profile capabilities, allowing parents to manage the Aadhaar details of their children or other family members on a single device. This can be especially useful in households where managing multiple physical cards for everyone is cumbersome. Most importantly, it provides paperless and fast verification. The app supports verifiable credentials and digital sharing, and is in line with India’s efforts towards paperless governance. This can improve access to services, reduce delays, and reduce the need to repeatedly submit physical proof. Its user interface is reportedly more user-friendly than previous apps, making it ideal for tech-savvy and everyday users.
Are there any caveats?
This app may not be helpful for those who don’t have smartphones or have older or low-spec devices. However, the physical card is still important. Furthermore, rural areas with poor connectivity may experience issues. Some reports also indicate that the new Aadhaar app still lacks some functions similar to mAadhaar, such as downloading a PDF of the digital card, ordering a PVC card, verifying email address/mobile number, and generating a virtual ID.
Another potential issue could be the reliance on linked mobile numbers. To add multiple profiles, they must share the same registered number. This could cause some inconvenience for households with different phone numbers.
If a particular service requires the use of an app, people without compatible devices or digital literacy may be excluded. There’s always the risk of missing out on benefits due to such technical barriers.
How to set it up?
Download the Aadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (available on both).
Use your registered mobile number, receive an OTP, authenticate via face-scan or biometrics, and add your Aadhaar profile. If candidates want to manage additional profiles (up to five), link those Aadhaar cards to the same mobile number and add them.
Once setup is complete, you can view your Aadhaar details, receive your QR code, share verifiable credentials, lock/unlock biometrics, and more.
Since setup relies on a mobile number, ensure the correct mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar before starting. Update it through UIDAI if necessary.
Remember, this app is an addition to the mAadhaar app, not a complete replacement. Having a digital Aadhaar on your phone doesn’t mean you can be careless, and it’s important to maintain phone security, biometric locks, and PIN/facial recognition.
The new Aadhaar app is a step forward in India’s identity ecosystem: offering greater convenience, stronger security features, digital sharing, and multi-profile support. This will be a major breakthrough for many users.
At the same time, it’s not a panacea for all problems. Digital access is still uneven, privacy and governance issues remain, and this app doesn’t yet replicate all the features of existing options. Users should adopt it, but with awareness and caution.