EPFO shifts UAN activation, generation to UMANG app with Aadhaar face authentication. Here's how users can do it
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Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers can no longer activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) or generate a new UAN through the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Member Portal. Following a major technology upgrade, both services have been moved to the government's Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app, where users must complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT).
The change comes after EPFO restored its upgraded Unified Member Portal following a scheduled maintenance exercise. According to the retirement fund body, the overhaul includes software upgrades and database consolidation aimed at improving the speed, security, and reliability of its digital services.
The move changes the way crores of salaried employees' access one of the most important services linked to their provident fund accounts. Subscribers seeking to activate or generate a UAN must now do so exclusively through the UMANG app.
UMANG app
To activate a UAN, users need to download the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, log in or register using their mobile number, and navigate to EPFO Services. They must then select UAN Services Through Face Authentication, choose UAN Activation, and enter their 12-digit UAN, Aadhaar number, and the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. After providing consent for Aadhaar authentication, users must complete the face authentication process by following the on-screen instructions. Once verification is successful, the UAN is activated and a confirmation message is sent.
What is UAN?
A UAN is a unique identification number assigned to every EPF member and remains unchanged throughout an employee's career, irrespective of job changes. An activated UAN enables members to access a range of online services, including checking provident fund balances, downloading passbooks, transferring PF accounts when switching jobs, filing withdrawal claims, updating Know Your Customer (KYC) details, and accessing other EPFO digital services. Without activating the UAN, many of these facilities remain unavailable.
How to register?
The upgraded system also allows employees who already have an EPF account but were never allotted a UAN to generate one. Such members can obtain a UAN by verifying their registered mobile number, providing the required member details, and completing the authentication process. Once verified, the system generates a UAN and links it to the existing EPF account.
How will subscribers can retrieve UAN via updated system?
Subscribers who have forgotten their UAN can also retrieve it through the updated system. They will need to verify their registered mobile number, upload the required identity or address proof, and authenticate the one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number. After successful verification, the UAN details are made available to the subscriber.
EPFO has clarified that the changes do not affect death claim settlements. Eligible nominees and legal heirs can continue filing death claims through the existing process.
The latest changes reflect EPFO's continued push towards Aadhaar-backed digital verification for member services. While the mandatory face authentication step adds an additional layer to the process, it is intended to strengthen identity verification and reduce the risk of unauthorised access to provident fund accounts.
For employees looking to activate a UAN, generate a new one or recover forgotten credentials, the UMANG app is now the primary platform. EPFO has advised subscribers to ensure that their Aadhaar details and registered mobile number are up to date, as both are essential for completing the verification process.