5 min readNew DelhiNov 15, 2025 09:02 AM IST
First published on: Nov 12, 2025 at 09:49 AM IST
Are you among those who frequently travel and are often hassled by ID cards and other personal artifacts? Well, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new Aadhaar mobile application for iOS and Android devices. With this, UIDAI aims to offer Indian residents a more convenient and secure way to carry their Aadhaar cards.
What does the new Aadhaar app do?
Ever since the Aadhaar Act of 2016, Aadhaar has become the unique identity number for millions of Indians. Until now, the mAadhaar App allowed residents to access services such as their Aadhaar details, generate virtual IDs, download their e-Aadhaar, etc. But the newly launched Aadhaar App is far more than a mere update to mAadhaar as it also ensures enhanced security and convenience.
With the new app, users can store their Aadhaar ID digitally on their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry the physical card everywhere. The app reportedly supports face-scan authentication and biometric lock features, meaning only the registered person can access the Aadhaar profile in the app.
The app also allows the sharing of Aadhaar details via QR code or verifiable credentials, and in a masked form, so you don’t have to reveal your full 12-digit number. Besides this, it allows users to set up at least five Aadhaar profiles that can be managed on the same device, provided they are linked to the same registered mobile number. It also allows users to access some features offline, especially in areas where connectivity may be weak.
Why does it matter?
Carrying a photocopy or a physical card can be tedious. Instant access to your Aadhaar card on your smartphone saves time and is more convenient. Secondly, the new app comes with face unlock/biometric lock, preventing the risk of misuse in case your device is stolen or borrowed. Moreover, the QR-based or masked sharing means less exposure of a user’s full identity details at every verification.
It is ideal for family management with its multi-profile capabilities which lets a parent manage Aadhaar details of their children or other family members in one device. This can be particularly useful in households where managing multiple physical cards for all is cumbersome. Most importantly, it accords paperless and faster verification. The app supports verifiable credentials and digital sharing and this aligns with India’s push for paperless governance. This could also likely improve access to services, reduce delays, and limit the need to submit physical proofs over and over again. The user interface is reportedly more user friendly than earlier apps, making it ideal for tech-savvy and everyday users.
Are there any caveats?
For those without smartphones or with older or low-spec devices this app may not be of any help. However, the physical card still matters. Also, rural areas with poor connectivity may face issues. Some reports also suggest that the new Aadhaar app does not yet have some functions as seen on mAadhaar such as downloading digital card PDF, ordering a PVC card, verifying email address/mobile number, and generating a virtual ID.
Another potential issue could be reliance on linked mobile numbers. In order to add multiple profiles, they must share the same registered number. For households where different phone numbers are used, this may cause some inconvenience.
There could also be the risk of exclusion, if a certain service mandates the use of the app, then those without compatible devices or digital literacy may be left out. There is always a risk of being excluded from benefits because of such technical hurdles.
How to set it up?
Download the Aadhaar App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (it is available on both).
Use your registered mobile number, receive the OTP, authenticate via face-scan or biometric, add your Aadhaar profile. If you want to manage additional profiles (up to five), link those Aadhaar cards to the same mobile number and add them.
Once setup is complete, you can view your Aadhaar details, retrieve your QR code, share verifiable credentials, lock/unlock biometrics, etc.
Because the setup relies on the mobile number, ensure your Aadhaar has the correct mobile number registered before starting. Carry out updates via UIDAI if needed.
Remember, the app is in addition to, not a full replacement of, the mAadhaar App. Digital Aadhaar on your phone does not mean you should get complacent, and maintaining the security of the phone, biometric lock, PIN/face recognition is crucial.
The new Aadhaar App is a step forward in India’s identity-ecosystem: more convenience, stronger security features, digital sharing and multi-profile support. For many users this will be a genuine win.
At the same time, it is no panacea for all ills. Digital access continues to be uneven, privacy and governance issues persist, and the app does not yet replicate all features of existing alternatives. Users should adopt it, but with awareness and caution.
The new Aadhaar App by UIDAI introduces face authentication, multi-profile support, and digital ID sharing features for Indian residents. (Image: App Store) 
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