Aadhaar App Launched with a Simpler and Faster Way to Access Your Digital ID

India's digital identity ecosystem has just gotten a big boost with the launch of the government's new "Aadhaar" app, designed by the Unique Identification Authority of India. While one has always been able to access Aadhaar details from the UIDAI website, DigiLocker, or the mAadhaar app, this newly introduced Aadhaar app has one single, streamlined purpose: letting you instantly present or share your Aadhaar ID from your smartphone whenever required.

It is an application that focuses on simplicity, speed, and secure access. It does feature multi-layered security, starting with 6-digit PIN access to fingerprint authentication, so even if the phone gets lost, your Aadhaar will remain safe.

Not a replacement, but an intelligent companion to mAadhaar.

The UIDAI has clarified that this application does not replace the mAadhaar app or the physical Aadhaar card; rather, it is a lightweight companion for instances when one needs to show or share Aadhaar details urgently, like in the following situations:

• Mobile number verifications

• Routine KYC checks

• Telecom or SIM identity verification

• Financial or government service authentication

The updating of demographic information, generation of VID, finding enrollment centers, or more advanced services will still have to be done through the mAadhaar app or on the website of the UIDAI.

And in areas devoid of any network connectivity, a physical Aadhaar card becomes vital.

What sets the new Aadhaar app apart?

This is not an upgrade to the older versions; this is an all-new, independent Aadhaar viewer with faster authentication and easier access.

Once logged in, the app fetches your Aadhaar data directly from UIDAI servers, including:

• Aadhaar number

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Father's Name

• Gender

• Complete residential address

You can even download an official PDF of your Aadhaar from within the app, making it quite handy to make quick submissions online.

For millions of Indians who rely on Aadhaar for various services, such as banking, taxation, passport applications, and government schemes, this app works like a mobile identity wallet.

Top Features of the New Aadhaar App

It aims at user convenience while laying emphasis on safety. Major highlights of the app include:

1. Add Up to Five Aadhaar Profiles

Immediately after you've signed up, the app provides an opportunity to “Add Another Profile.

This allows you to store the Aadhaar details of your:

• Parents

• Spouse

• Children

• Family members

You can add up to five profiles and, thereby, have a single destination for your entire household's Aadhaar IDs.

2. Aadhaar Card Masked by Default

For privacy, your Aadhaar card remains masked until you tap it.

This will prevent your Aadhaar number from getting exposed accidentally in public.

A single tap shows the full card when necessary.

3. Biometric Lock Feature

This is perhaps the most powerful addition: The application allows setting up a biometric lock, which prevents any third party from authenticating your Aadhaar through:

• Fingerprint

• Face recognition

This is aimed at preventing unauthorized eKYC and misuse. The facility was earlier available after logging into the UIDAI website, which in turn proved cumbersome due to the OTP requirement.

Now, seconds are enough inside the app.

4. Complete Record of Recent Aadhaar Usage

“Recent Transactions” shows where and when your Aadhaar was used for verification. For example: The telecom providers, upon buying a new SIM. Income Tax Department during tax filing Banks while updating KYC This transparent log lets you keep track of how your Aadhaar is being used.

How to Register on the Aadhaar App

Getting started with the Aadhaar app is quick and hassle-free:

1. Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Open the app and allow the necessary permissions.

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and tap Continue.

4. Accept the Terms & Conditions and select Proceed.

5. Choose whether to use your Aadhaar-linked mobile number or a different number.

6. OTP verification happens automatically in the background (thanks to SMS permissions).

7. Complete face authentication by aligning your face in the circle.

8. Set a 6-digit PIN to lock the app.

Once done, your digital Aadhaar is ready to use anytime.

Why UIDAI Created This New App

Instead of loading more features onto the already complex mAadhaar app, UIDAI opted to develop a simple, purpose-built app focused purely on:

• Quick access

• Fast verification

• Secure sharing

This approach removes confusion, reduces app clutter, and ensures users who only need a digital ID can access it without dealing with advanced features.

The mAadhaar remains the “service-heavy” app, while the Aadhaar app becomes the lightweight “show-your-ID” tool.

Aligned With India’s Digital Identity Vision

The launch also aligns with broader Digital India goals, where the government aims to make essential services easily accessible through mobile-first platforms. Millions of Indians rely on Aadhaar for daily tasks, and this app significantly simplifies their digital identity experience.

Globally, countries are shifting toward digital identity wallets:

• Singapore – SingPass

• Australia – myGovID

• European Union – Digital Identity Wallet (coming soon)

India’s Aadhaar app fits into this global movement by offering a secure, always-available digital identity that minimizes reliance on physical cards.

The new Aadhaar app is a smart, minimalistic, and secure way to carry your Aadhaar card digitally.

It doesn't try to replace the mAadhaar app; instead, it fixes a long-standing problem giving citizens a quick way to show or share Aadhaar whenever required.

For daily identity verification, telecom checks, or routine KYC processes, this app proves to be faster, lighter, and more user-friendly.

As India continues to digitise public services, this app represents another step toward simplifying and securing digital identity for every citizen.