Business
EPFO: UAN Activation Now Only Through UMANG App With Mandatory Aadhaar Face Authentication
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has discontinued the Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and new UAN generation features on its unified member portal. Provident fund subscribers must now complete these processes exclusively through the government's Umang mobile application, using mandatory Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT).
EPFO (Photo Credits : PTI)
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has discontinued the Universal Account Number (UAN) activation and new UAN generation features on its unified member portal. Provident fund subscribers must now complete these processes exclusively through the government's Umang mobile application, using mandatory Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT).
According to the EPFO, the transition follows a major database consolidation and software upgrade designed to enhance the speed, security, and reliability of its digital services.
How to Activate Your UAN via the Umang App
To activate a UAN under the revised framework, subscribers need access to a smartphone with the Umang application and the "Aadhaar Face RD" application installed.
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Download and Sign In: Install the Umang app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
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Locate Services: Search for "EPFO" in the app and navigate to UAN Activation under the UAN Services Through Face Auth category.
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Submit Identification Details: Enter the assigned UAN, Aadhaar number, and registered mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP).
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Complete Face Scan: After OTP verification, the app prompts a facial scan via the device's camera. Ensure proper lighting until a green verification indicator appears.
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Finalize Activation: Review the displayed personal details (such as name and date of birth) and submit. A temporary password will be sent to the registered mobile number via SMS. EPFO To Launch E-PRAAPTI Portal by August-End: Here’s How Members Can Recover Money From Inactive PF Accounts.
Generating and Retrieving UAN Details
Subscribers who need to generate a new UAN or retrieve a forgotten number can continue to access specific options across the Umang app and the EPFO portal:
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Generating a New UAN: Employees can generate a new UAN through the portal by verifying their Aadhaar-linked mobile number via OTP, selecting an official ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID), and submitting the request.
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Retrieving a Forgotten UAN: Members can check their UAN on the portal under "Know Your UAN" or through the Umang app’s Employee Centric Services. Alternatively, members can send an SMS with the text
EPFOHO UANto7738299899from their registered mobile number. EPFO Claim Status Explained: What ‘Pending’, ‘Under Process’, ‘Settled’ and Other PF Claim Messages Mean.
Background and Key Policy Guidelines
The UAN serves as an 12-digit identification number linking multiple Member IDs allotted to an individual by different employers under the Employees' Provident Fund scheme.
EPFO regulations strictly prohibit holding duplicate UANs. If an individual receives a second UAN upon changing jobs, they must initiate a UAN merger request through their regional EPFO office along with supporting documentation from their employer. Additionally, for recently activated accounts encountering login delays, the retirement body advises waiting up to 24 hours for database synchronization before attempting to log in.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2026 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
