EPFO Makes Face Authentication Mandatory for UAN Generation via UMANG

The EPFO has made it compulsory to use Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) to generate or activate UAN number through the UMANG app. This step is aimed at making the process smoother, faster, and paperless for users.

What Does the Latest EPFO Circular Say?

According to a new circular from the EPFO, if you are using the UMANG app to generate or activate your UAN, you must now use face authentication. For this, you will need two apps on your smartphone:

• The UMANG app
• The Aadhaar Face RD app

This change only applies to the UMANG-based method. If you are going through your employer to get a UAN, the old process is still valid. This is especially true for exceptional cases like:

• International Workers
• Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan

What Are the Services Available with Face Authentication?

Once you’ve installed both apps and set up your face authentication, you’ll be able to:

• Generate a new UAN
• Activate an existing but unverified UAN
• Do face-based authentication for already active UANs

These features are fully self-service. You don’t need to contact your employer or any EPFO office to complete the process.

How Does the New Process Work?

Here’s how you can generate or activate a UAN using the UMANG app with face authentication:

1. Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number
2. Give your consent for Aadhaar-based verification
3. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile
4. Complete a live face scan using the Aadhaar Face RD app
5. Receive your UAN via SMS, with all Aadhaar-linked details already filled in

Once your UAN is active, you can access services like viewing your EPF passbook, updating KYC, and even linking your demat account if required for certain services.

Why Did EPFO Bring This Change?

This change is meant to:

• Avoid errors by using Aadhaar data directly
• Prevent duplicate or wrong entries
• Speed up access to EPFO’s digital services

This update follows an earlier rule from April, where face authentication was optional. Now, it’s compulsory for all UMANG-based UAN requests.

Read more: RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.5% in Aug 2025: What Does this Means for Car Loan EMIs?

Conclusion

The EPFO’s move to make Aadhaar-based face authentication mandatory for UAN generation on UMANG will make the process quicker and more reliable. With this new update, members can easily manage their EPF accounts using just their smartphone, reducing the need for paperwork or employer involvement.

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