New Aadhaar App: Services, Features and Aadhaar Card Lock/Unlock Process (Complete Beginner Guide)
UIDAI has launched the new Aadhaar App, which replaces the old mAadhaar app. It is a privacy-focused digital identity app where you can keep your Aadhaar on your phone, verify your identity with face authentication, share Aadhaar with QR code, check your usage history and lock or unlock your biometrics in one tap. In this guide, I explain everything step by step in simple words so that any beginner can use the app easily.
Quick Summary: Download the “Aadhaar” app from Play Store / App Store → select language → enter Aadhaar-linked mobile number → verify OTP → complete face authentication → set a 6-digit PIN → use all services.
1. What is the New Aadhaar App?
The new Aadhaar App is the official mobile application of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It works like a digital wallet for your Aadhaar. UIDAI launched it in January 2026 and from July 1, 2026 the old mAadhaar app has been phased out. Your Aadhaar details are not lost: the app only shows information already stored in the UIDAI database.
New Aadhaar App vs old mAadhaar App
| Feature | mAadhaar (Old) | New Aadhaar App |
|---|---|---|
| Face Authentication | No | Yes |
| QR-based sharing with consent | Limited | Yes, with selective sharing |
| Biometric Lock / Unlock | Basic | One-tap in app |
| Family profiles | Yes | Yes, improved |
| App PIN | Password | 6-digit PIN / phone biometric |
| Status | Phased out from July 1, 2026 | Official UIDAI app |
2. Available Services in the New Aadhaar App
✔ Face Authentication
Verify your identity by scanning your face after OTP. No need to give photocopies again and again.
Verify your identity by scanning your face after OTP. No need to give photocopies again and again.
✔ QR Code Aadhaar Sharing
Share your verified Aadhaar through a QR code. You can choose which details to share (selective sharing) and even use a masked Aadhaar.
Share your verified Aadhaar through a QR code. You can choose which details to share (selective sharing) and even use a masked Aadhaar.
✔ Biometric Lock / Unlock
Lock your fingerprint, iris and face data so that nobody can misuse them, and unlock only when you need authentication.
Lock your fingerprint, iris and face data so that nobody can misuse them, and unlock only when you need authentication.
✔ Download e-Aadhaar
Download your e-Aadhaar anytime from the app without visiting a cyber cafe.
Download your e-Aadhaar anytime from the app without visiting a cyber cafe.
✔ Authentication History
See when and where your Aadhaar was used, so you can spot any suspicious activity.
See when and where your Aadhaar was used, so you can spot any suspicious activity.
✔ Book Appointment at Aadhaar Seva Kendra
Book a slot for enrolment or update at an Aadhaar centre directly from the app.
Book a slot for enrolment or update at an Aadhaar centre directly from the app.
✔ Update Mobile Number and Address
UIDAI has introduced options to update the registered mobile number and address from home, using OTP and face authentication, where available.
UIDAI has introduced options to update the registered mobile number and address from home, using OTP and face authentication, where available.
✔ Family Aadhaar Profiles
Add Aadhaar profiles of your family members in the same app and manage them easily.
Add Aadhaar profiles of your family members in the same app and manage them easily.
✔ Offline Verification
Verify Aadhaar through QR even when internet is limited, which is useful for paperless KYC.
Verify Aadhaar through QR even when internet is limited, which is useful for paperless KYC.
Important: Photograph, fingerprints and iris details cannot be updated through the app. For biometric updates you must visit an Aadhaar centre.
3. How to Download and Set Up the New Aadhaar App
Requirements: an Android or iPhone with internet, and the mobile number that is linked with your Aadhaar (OTP will come on this number).
- Download: Open Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone) and search “Aadhaar“. Install the app published by UIDAI only.
- Open the app and allow the permissions asked (camera for face scan, notifications).
- Select Language of your choice.
- Accept Terms & Privacy Policy and choose to register.
- Enter Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it, then enter the OTP.
- Face Authentication: Keep your face in the frame in good light and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Set a 6-digit PIN (or enable phone fingerprint/face unlock) to protect the app.
- Your Aadhaar is ready on the home screen. You can now use all services.
Switching from mAadhaar: Just install the new app and register again with OTP and face authentication. Your Aadhaar data stays with UIDAI, so nothing is lost.
4. Aadhaar Lock and Unlock: Which One Do You Need?
Many beginners get confused here, so understand the two types of lock:
| Type | What it does | Where to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric Lock | Blocks use of your fingerprint, iris and face for authentication. | New Aadhaar App / myAadhaar website |
| Aadhaar (UID) Lock | Stops your Aadhaar number from being used for authentication; a Virtual ID (VID) is then used. | myAadhaar website / SMS |
A) How to Lock Biometrics in the New Aadhaar App
- Open the Aadhaar App and enter your 6-digit PIN.
- Go to the Biometric Lock (Lock/Unlock Biometrics) option from the home screen or menu.
- Read the information shown and choose Lock Biometrics.
- Verify with OTP if asked.
- You will see a message that your biometrics are locked.
B) How to Unlock Biometrics in the New Aadhaar App
- Open the app and log in with PIN.
- Go to Biometric Lock and tap Unlock Biometrics.
- Verify with OTP / face authentication.
- Biometrics are unlocked. Complete your work (bank KYC, SIM, etc.).
- Lock again after your work is done for better safety.
Tip: Biometric unlock is temporary in many cases and the lock may switch on again automatically after some time. Always check the status in the app.
C) How to Lock / Unlock Aadhaar (UID Lock) on the myAadhaar Website
- Open myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click Login.
- Enter Aadhaar number, captcha and OTP.
- Open Lock/Unlock Aadhaar (Lock/Unlock Biometrics) section.
- For UID lock, enter your Virtual ID (VID), name, PIN code, captcha and send OTP.
- Verify the OTP and click Enable to lock. To unlock, use the same page and choose Disable with your VID.
D) Lock Aadhaar by SMS (from your registered mobile)
- Generate VID: send
GVID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar>to 1947. - Get OTP: send
GETOTP <last 4 digits of Aadhaar>to 1947. - Lock: send
LOCKUID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> <OTP>to 1947. - Unlock: send
UNLOCKUID <last 6 digits of VID> <OTP>to 1947.
Check the exact SMS format on the UIDAI website before sending, as formats may be updated.
5. When Should You Lock Your Aadhaar?
- If you do not use biometric Aadhaar authentication regularly.
- After giving Aadhaar copy for KYC or SIM or bank work.
- If you suspect that your fingerprints or Aadhaar number are being misused.
- For elderly family members and children for extra safety.
Remember: When Aadhaar or biometrics are locked, services needing that authentication (for example AePS cash withdrawal, biometric KYC) will not work until you unlock.
6. How to Share Aadhaar Safely with QR in the App
- Open the app and select your profile.
- Tap Share via QR / Show QR.
- Choose the details to share (name, photo, DOB, address) and prefer masked Aadhaar.
- Let the verifier scan the QR, and then close the QR screen.
7. Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| OTP not received | Check that your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and network is working. If the number is not linked, update it at an Aadhaar centre. |
| Face authentication failed | Use good light, remove cap/mask/glasses, keep camera clean and hold the phone steady. |
| Forgot PIN | Use the reset PIN option and register again with OTP and face authentication. |
| Cannot add family profile | Make sure the family member’s Aadhaar has an active linked mobile for OTP. |
| Fake app | Install only the app published by UIDAI from the official store. |
8. Safety Tips
- Never share your OTP or app PIN with anyone.
- Do not download Aadhaar-related APKs from unknown websites.
- Keep biometrics locked when not in use.
- Check authentication history regularly.
- Use masked Aadhaar wherever full number is not needed.
- UIDAI never asks for your OTP or PIN on phone call or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is the new Aadhaar App free?
Yes, downloading and using the app is free. Some services like PVC card printing have separate charges.
Yes, downloading and using the app is free. Some services like PVC card printing have separate charges.
Q2. Is mAadhaar still working?
UIDAI has phased out mAadhaar from July 1, 2026, so you should move to the new Aadhaar App.
UIDAI has phased out mAadhaar from July 1, 2026, so you should move to the new Aadhaar App.
Q3. Will I lose my Aadhaar data if I switch?
No. Your Aadhaar record stays in the UIDAI database. The app only displays it.
No. Your Aadhaar record stays in the UIDAI database. The app only displays it.
Q4. Can I update my fingerprint or photo in the app?
No. Photo, fingerprint and iris must be updated at an Aadhaar centre.
No. Photo, fingerprint and iris must be updated at an Aadhaar centre.
Q5. Can I use the app without the linked mobile number?
No. OTP on the linked mobile number is required for registration.
No. OTP on the linked mobile number is required for registration.
Q6. Does locking biometrics stop my Aadhaar from being valid?
No. Your Aadhaar remains valid; only biometric authentication is blocked until you unlock.
No. Your Aadhaar remains valid; only biometric authentication is blocked until you unlock.
Conclusion
The new Aadhaar App makes your identity safer and your work easier: face authentication, QR sharing, biometric lock/unlock, e-Aadhaar download and appointment booking, all in one place. Install the official app, set your PIN, and lock your biometrics when you are not using them. If this guide helped you, share it with your family and friends so that everyone can use Aadhaar safely.
The new Aadhaar App makes your identity safer and your work easier: face authentication, QR sharing, biometric lock/unlock, e-Aadhaar download and appointment booking, all in one place. Install the official app, set your PIN, and lock your biometrics when you are not using them. If this guide helped you, share it with your family and friends so that everyone can use Aadhaar safely.
