Forgot Your UAN? Here’s How EPFO Members Can Retrieve It Online
The Universal Account Number is a unique identifier that allows EPF members to manage their provident fund accounts online, and it is required to check PF balance, download passbooks, transfer accounts, and submit withdrawal claims.
Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) members who have forgotten their Universal Account Number (UAN) can retrieve it online in a few simple steps, either through the official EPFO Member Portal or the government's UMANG mobile application. The Universal Account Number is a unique identifier that allows EPF members to manage their provident fund accounts online, and it is required to check PF balance, download passbooks, transfer accounts, and submit withdrawal claims.
Why The UAN Matters
The UAN links all of a member's EPF IDs across different employers under a single account, and it enables subscribers to access EPF services online, update KYC details, track contributions, and file claims without visiting an EPFO office. Losing track of this number is common, especially for those who have switched jobs multiple times, but recovering it does not require a visit to a regional office. EPFO Vishwas 2026 Scheme: Who Can Apply, Reduced PF Damages, Eligibility and Online Process.
How To Retrieve UAN Via The EPFO Portal
Members who have forgotten their UAN can visit the EPFO Member Portal and open the "Know Your UAN" page, then enter their registered mobile number and select an identification document such as Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID. The next steps involve filling in the required details along with the captcha code, followed by OTP verification sent to the registered mobile number. Once verification is successful, the UAN is displayed on screen and also sent via SMS.
If the portal displays multiple UANs, it may indicate duplicate UANs linked to the member's records, which should be resolved directly with EPFO. EPF vs Mutual Funds: Why EPFO Says Provident Fund Should Be the Foundation of Your Retirement Plan.
How To Retrieve UAN Via The UMANG App
Members can also recover their UAN through the UMANG app. This involves opening the app, searching for EPFO, selecting Employee Centric Services, and tapping "Know Your UAN." After entering the registered mobile number and captcha, and verifying via OTP, users can choose Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID as their identification method to complete the process.
Other Recovery Options
Besides the portal and the app, EPFO also offers an SMS-based recovery service. Members with a mobile number registered with EPFO can send an SMS in the format "EPFOHO UAN" (followed by the preferred language code) to 7738299899 to receive their UAN details via text.
Those who have previously registered on the portal can also log in and download their EPF passbook, where the UAN is mentioned. For further assistance, EPFO's customer care helpdesk can be reached at 1800 118 005.
Things To Keep In Mind
The online retrieval process works only if the member's mobile number is already registered with EPFO. Those without internet access can rely on the SMS or helpline options instead of visiting an EPFO office in person.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 02:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).