Check EPF Balance Without UAN (2026): SMS, Missed Call & App Methods
- Muslehuddin Mohd
- Feb 12
- 6 min read
The landscape of retirement savings access in India has become significantly more digital. In 2026, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) strengthened Aadhaar-linked authentication, mobile-based services, and app-driven access to help members check balances and manage accounts without relying solely on desktop portals or employer intervention.
While the Universal Account Number (UAN) remains central to EPF administration, EPFO now offers multiple ways to retrieve balance information even if you do not remember your UAN credentials, provided your account is active, and your mobile number is registered.
Contents
1. The State of EPF Balance in 2026: Easier Access, Same UAN Backbone
While the Universal Account Number (UAN) continues to be the backbone of every EPF account, EPFO has recognised that members may not always remember login credentials or have easy access to the member portal.
In 2026, EPFO enables balance enquiries through mobile-based services such as
missed calls, SMS, and the UMANG app, allowing members to view key account details without logging into the web portal each time.
These options are particularly helpful for:
Workers who change employers frequently and lose track of their credentials
Senior citizens who prefer mobile-based access
Members in areas with limited internet connectivity
It is important to note that while login-free balance checks are possible, the UAN must still exist and be active in EPFO records. The system simplifies access; it does not eliminate the UAN framework.
2. Understanding the Prerequisite: The "Registered Mobile" Rule
Before using any UAN-less balance enquiry method, one condition is mandatory: your mobile number must be registered with EPFO against your UAN.
EPFO’s automated systems verify balance requests using the mobile number recorded in its database. Aadhaar linkage is essential for KYC updates, claims, and withdrawals, but basic balance enquiries rely primarily on the registered mobile number.
If your mobile number is outdated or missing in EPFO records, missed call and SMS services will not work until it is updated through your employer or the member portal.
3. Method 1: The Missed Call Service (No Internet Required)
This service allows members to check their EPF balance using any mobile phone.
When you place a missed call from your registered mobile number, EPFO’s system verifies the number against your UAN and sends account details via SMS. The verification is based on EPFO’s mobile-UAN mapping, not SIM identity or Aadhaar authentication.
How to do it:
Open your phone’s dialer.
Dial 99660 44425 (or the updated 2026 helpline 011-22901406).
The call will automatically disconnect after two rings.
Within 30 seconds, you will receive an SMS from "AD-EPFOHO".
What the SMS contains:
UAN Number: Even if you forgot it, the SMS provides it.
Member Name & DOB: For verification.
Total Balance: A breakdown of the Employee Share and Employer Share.
Last Contribution: The month and year the last deposit was made by your company.
4. Method 2: The SMS Service (Regional Language Support)
For users in states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, or Punjab, receiving financial data in their native language is a significant advantage.
How to do it:
Send an SMS to 77382 99899 in the following format:
EPFOHO UAN [LAN]
Replace [LAN] with the first three letters of your language.
2026 Language Code Table:
Language | Code | Region Primary Use |
English | ENG | PAN India |
Hindi | HIN | North/Central India |
Marathi | MAR | Maharashtra |
Bengali | BEN | West Bengal / Tripura |
Telugu | TEL | Andhra Pradesh / Telangana |
Kannada | KAN | Karnataka |
Malayalam | MAL | Kerala |
Note: The SMS must be sent from the mobile number registered with EPFO against your UAN. The keyword “UAN” is required in the message format, but you do not need to manually type your 12-digit UAN number.
5. Method 3: The UMANG App (Official EPFO Mobile Access)
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app provides official access to EPFO services through secure mobile authentication.
UMANG allows members to view their EPF passbook using Aadhaar-linked OTP verification or a UMANG MPIN. Facial recognition or biometric authentication is not currently used for EPFO services.
Steps to check balance via UMANG:
Download the UMANG app from the Play Store or App Store.
Log in using your mobile number.
Select EPFO from the list of services.
Choose “View Passbook”
Authenticate using Aadhaar-linked OTP or UMANG MPIN.
While UAN details are used in the background, members are not required to manually enter portal passwords to access balance information.
6. Method 4: Checking via Member Portal (Finding your UAN)
If you need to check your balance after losing your UAN, you can retrieve it using the "Know Your UAN" feature.
Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
Under the 'Important Links' section, click "Know your UAN."
Enter your mobile number and the Captcha.
Enter your Aadhaar number and Name.
An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Once verified, your UAN will be flashed on the screen and sent via SMS.
"Finding your UAN is the first step. If you discover you have multiple UANs from different employers, follow our 2026 UAN Consolidation Guide to merge your balances and prevent your hard-earned money from becoming 'dormant'."
7. Troubleshooting: Why Can't I See My Balance?
Even with digital access, some members may face issues while checking their PF balance. Common reasons include:
A. Missing or Incomplete KYC
If your Aadhaar or bank details are not seeded and approved in EPFO records, automated services such as SMS or missed calls may fail. KYC updates must be completed through the employer or member portal.
B. Old or Non-Contributing Accounts
EPF accounts continue to earn interest even if no contributions are made for extended periods. However, older accounts or accounts with incomplete KYC may not display balances correctly via automated services. In such cases, the EPFO portal or UMANG app usually provides more reliable access.
C. Employer Non-Compliance (ECR Not Filed)
If an employer has deducted PF from salary but failed to file the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR), the contribution will not reflect in the member’s balance. This is a common issue in smaller firms or financially stressed companies.
"Is your missed call getting rejected or returning a 'KYC missing' error? Check out our EPF Troubleshooting Masterclass for 2026-specific fixes for technical glitches and backend sync issues."
8. Strategic Tips for PF Management in 2026
Check Quarterly: Don't wait for the end of the financial year. Checking every three months ensures your employer is compliant.
Interest Credits: Remember that interest is calculated monthly but credited annually. Your 2026 balance will reflect the interest of the previous financial year.
Nomination is Mandatory for Claims: E-Nomination is required for filing EPF withdrawal or settlement claims. While balance viewing may still be possible without nomination, completing e-Nomination is strongly recommended to avoid future claim delays.
9. Conclusion
Checking your PF balance without a UAN login in 2026 is a seamless experience, provided your mobile number is updated. Whether you use the toll-free missed call service at 99660 44425 or the Aadhaar-based UMANG app, the power to monitor your retirement corpus is in your hands.
Regular monitoring not only gives you financial peace of mind but also ensures your employer contributes their fair share toward your future.
"Checking your balance is about tracking your wealth; withdrawing it is about using it. Once you know your total, read our Step-by-Step EPF Withdrawal Guide to understand the latest 2026 rules for faster claim settlements."
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I check my PF balance in Mumbai if I lost my UAN?
You can give a missed call to 99660 44425 from the mobile number registered with EPFO. If your UAN is linked to that mobile number, EPFO will send your balance details via SMS.
Q2: Is there a fee for checking the PF balance via SMS in 2026?
The EPFO does not charge for the service. However, standard SMS charges based on your telecom operator (Jio, Airtel, Vi) in your specific circle (e.g., Delhi NCR or Karnataka) may apply.
Q3: Can I check my PF balance using my Aadhaar number only?
You cannot check your PF balance using Aadhaar alone via SMS. However, you can retrieve your UAN using Aadhaar on the EPFO portal and then access your balance through UMANG or the member portal.
Q4: Why is my PF balance not showing up for my new job in Hyderabad?
It usually takes 45 to 60 days for a new PF account to sync with the central database after the first contribution is deposited by your employer. Ensure your HR has linked your previous UAN to your new Member ID.
Q5: Can I withdraw my PF without a UAN?
No. While you can check the balance without knowing the UAN, a withdrawal or transfer claim requires an activated UAN and a validated Aadhaar-linked OTP for security purposes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rules may vary based on individual records and EPFO processing.
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