New Official Aadhaar App Prioritizes Security, Digital Services

NEW DELHI (Azat TV) – The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has rolled out a significantly updated official Aadhaar app, designed to offer enhanced security, improved user-friendliness, and expanded digital services for millions of Aadhaar cardholders across India. This new application effectively replaces the older mAadhaar app, signaling a renewed focus on secure and accessible digital identity management in line with contemporary digital governance initiatives.

Launched amid increasing demand for secure online authentication and identity services, the new Aadhaar app provides a comprehensive platform for managing Aadhaar details directly from a smartphone. It introduces critical features such as an offline mode for authentication, seamless mobile number updates, and robust security protocols, ensuring that users can interact with their Aadhaar information with greater confidence and convenience.

Downloading the Official Aadhaar App

For Aadhaar cardholders looking to utilize the new features, downloading the official app is the first essential step. UIDAI strongly advises users to download the application exclusively from official app stores to mitigate security risks associated with unofficial or fraudulent versions. The process is straightforward:

• For Android users: Visit the Google Play Store and search for “Aadhaar App.” Ensure the developer is listed as UIDAI before downloading and installing.
• For iOS users: Navigate to the Apple App Store and search for “Aadhaar App.” Verify UIDAI as the official developer.

Existing users of the previous mAadhaar app are advised by UIDAI to migrate their profiles to the new application and subsequently uninstall the older version to prevent confusion and ensure access to the latest updates and security features. This transition is crucial for maintaining data integrity and benefiting from the app’s advanced capabilities.

Key Features and Enhanced Security for Aadhaar Holders

The updated Aadhaar app comes packed with a suite of features designed to streamline Aadhaar management and bolster security:

• Digital Aadhaar Card: Users can access their Aadhaar card in digital formats, including PDF and QR code, for easy sharing and verification without needing physical documents.
• Offline Mode: A significant enhancement, the offline mode allows users to access their Aadhaar information and perform certain authentications without an internet connection, utilizing encrypted QR codes for verification by authorized personnel.
• eKYC for Services: The app facilitates eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) for authenticating identity across various services, including banking, mobile recharges, and government platforms.
• Aadhaar Lock/Unlock: For enhanced privacy and fraud prevention, users can lock or unlock their Aadhaar number, preventing unauthorized authentication attempts until unlocked with an OTP.
• QR Code Scanning: The app integrates QR code scanning capabilities for quick and secure Aadhaar verification in different service scenarios, such as hotel check-ins.
• Multiple Profiles: Users can add up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, making it convenient for families to manage their Aadhaar details.
• DPDP Act Compliance: In alignment with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the app reduces the need for verifiers to store photocopies of Aadhaar cards, promoting data minimization and privacy by allowing users to share a masked Aadhaar ID or QR code.

These features, coupled with updated encryption and authentication protocols, significantly enhance the protection of personal and biometric data, reducing the risks of data misuse.

Seamless Updates and Data Control via Aadhaar App

Beyond basic access, the new Aadhaar app empowers users with greater control over their personal information. One of the most critical functionalities is the ability to update personal details, particularly the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar account. While initial setup or updates requiring biometric authentication still necessitate a visit to an Aadhaar Enrollment Center if no mobile number is linked, the app simplifies subsequent updates.

Users can navigate to the “Update Section” within the app, select “Mobile Number Update,” and verify their identity using Aadhaar-linked biometric details (fingerprint or iris scan). This ensures that contact information remains current, which is vital for OTP-based verifications and secure access to services. Similarly, users can submit requests to update other details like address, name, gender, and date of birth.

Setting up the app involves opening it after installation, logging in with an Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID), and verifying identity with an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. UIDAI emphasizes the importance of keeping the app updated to access the latest features and security patches, recommending strong security measures like biometric and two-factor authentication.

The launch of this new Aadhaar app by UIDAI marks a pivotal step in India’s journey towards robust digital infrastructure, providing citizens with a secure, centralized, and accessible tool for managing their digital identity and interacting with a wide array of public and private services. By focusing on enhanced security and user empowerment, the app strengthens the foundation of digital governance and personal data control.