No UAN Without Aadhaar Face Authentication: New EPFO Rule Now Live on UMANG App (August 2025 Update)
- Pratyush Banke
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Starting August 2025, Aadhaar-based face authentication is now mandatory for UAN generation via the UMANG app, as per the EPFO’s latest rule. Here's what it means and how to complete the process.
Starting August 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out a major update:
You can no longer generate or activate a UAN (Universal Account Number) the old way.
EPFO has mandated Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) for all new UAN generations. This new process, available exclusively through the UMANG app, auto-fetches user details directly from the Aadhaar database, ensuring the process is secure, error-free, and doesn’t require employer involvement.
What’s Changing?
If you're a new employee entering the workforce or someone who hasn’t yet activated your UAN, here’s the key update:
From now on, you must use your face and Aadhaar (yes, literally!) to generate or activate your UAN.
The process is completely digital, self-service, and paperless, using two apps:
UMANG (for EPFO services)
Aadhaar Face RD App (for face authentication)
Feature / Step | Old Method (Before Aug 1, 2025) | New Method (After Aug 1, 2025) |
Authentication Method | Aadhaar OTP (manual entry) | Face Authentication Technology (FAT) using Aadhaar |
Mobile Number Requirement | Optional (initial stage) | Mandatory (must be Aadhaar-linked) |
Apps Used | None or employer’s portal | UMANG + Aadhaar Face RD app |
KYC / Data Entry | Entered by employer, prone to errors | Auto-fetched from Aadhaar (minimizes errors) |
Time to Generate / Activate | Delayed (depends on employer processing) | Instant (done within minutes by employee) |
Access to EPF Services | After manual activation | Immediate after face scan + OTP verification |
Exemptions | Not applicable | Available for international workers, Nepal, Bhutan |
Your employer is no longer involved in this process, unless you’re from Nepal, Bhutan, or an international worker (who are exempt from this rule).
Why Is EPFO Doing This?
This move is part of EPFO’s 2025 reforms to:
Eliminate data entry errors (your Aadhaar data is the single source of truth)
Cut out middlemen (no more depending on HR teams or agents to generate your UAN)
Speed up access to EPF services like passbook, withdrawals, and KYC updates
Ensure better fraud prevention using biometric verification
In short: smoother, faster, and safer for employees.
What Do You Need?
Here’s your digital toolkit:
A smartphone with a working camera
UMANG App (for PF-related services)
Aadhaar Face RD App (used for face scan authentication)
Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for OTP verification)
Who Needs to Follow This Rule?
This rule applies to:
All new employees who want to generate a new UAN
Existing employees who haven’t activated their UAN
Employees who want to verify or update their EPFO profile via face scan
Exceptions:
International workers
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan working in India can still follow the older, employer-assisted route.
Step-by-Step: How to Generate or Activate UAN with Aadhaar Face Authentication for UAN
For New UAN Generation:
Install both UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps.
On UMANG, tap “UAN Allotment and Activation.”
Enter your Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Give your consent and verify via OTP.
Complete the live face scan using Aadhaar Face RD app.
If eligible, a new UAN will be generated and sent via SMS. You can also download the e-UAN card as a PDF.
For Activating an Existing UAN:
Go to UMANG → “UAN Activation.”
Provide your UAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number.
OTP + face scan = activation.
You’ll receive a temporary password via SMS for login.
Already Activated UAN? Do This:
Use the “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs” option on UMANG to re-verify or update your photo and address as per Aadhaar.
What Makes This a Game-Changer?
No paperwork. No employer follow-up. No manual data entry. Everything is auto-fetched from Aadhaar, which means less chance of errors that often lead to PF claim rejections.
Instant access to EPFO services Once you activate your UAN using face authentication, you can start using:
Your PF passbook
KYC updates
Claim filing
e-UAN card download …and more, right away.
You’re in control. This puts the power back in the hands of employees, reducing delays and dependency.
Troubleshooting & Things to Watch Out For
Your Aadhaar must be linked to your mobile number (for OTP).
Camera permissions must be enabled for the face scan.
Use a well-lit area and follow app instructions carefully.
If stuck, reach out to UMANG or EPFO’s helpdesk.
Legal Backing
This mandate is based on the official EPFO circular dated July 30, 2025, and is effective nationwide from August 1, 2025.
You can view the official circular here: EPFO Circular – UAN Activation via Face Authentication
Final Thoughts: A Big Win for Digital India?
While the new system may take a bit of getting used to, especially for people with limited digital access, it’s a bold step toward self-service EPF access, increased security, and error-free onboarding.
Employers should encourage their staff to adopt this early, and employees should take a few minutes to activate their UAN to avoid any delays in PF services.
One face scan now unlocks your entire EPF future.
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