UIDAI Is Shutting Down mAadhaar Switch to the New Aadhaar App Before It Stops Working
- Snehal Pandey
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has declared a revolutionary step. The application mAadhaar used by many Indians since years is no more and will soon be replaced by the new Aadhaar application which will be available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
If you are a user of mAadhaar at present, then the following information will be of great help to you.
New Aadhaar App
UIDAI’s new Aadhaar App is the designated replacement for its previous mAadhaar App. The new app was created with enhanced privacy and security capabilities, along with an improved user interface.
The new app supports several Indian languages. It also has QR-based verification and biometric locking, which were either not available or had limited availability in the old app.
According to UIDAI, the objective of the new Aadhaar App is straightforward; giving users more control over their Aadhaar data.
Why Is UIDAI Replacing mAadhaar?
The old mAadhaar app served its purpose, but it had limitations. As digital identity use grows across India, the need for a safer, more flexible app became clear.
The new app addresses several gaps:
It gives users control over what data they share
It supports modern verification methods like QR codes
It lets users lock biometric data directly from the app
It works in multiple Indian languages
UIDAI wants to make Aadhaar-based services safer and more accessible for everyone.
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Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
1. Selective Share
This is one of the biggest upgrades. Earlier, verifying your identity often meant sharing your full Aadhaar details.
Now, the new app lets you choose exactly what to share. Through the Selective Share feature, you can share only specific fields such as:
Name
Age
Address
Photograph
Gender
Aadhaar status
Your full Aadhaar number stays hidden. This reduces the risk of misuse significantly.
2. QR-Based Offline Verification
The app now lets you generate a QR code that can be scanned at authorised verification points. This means you can verify your identity without sharing your Aadhaar number or internet access at the verification point.
It is a faster, safer way to authenticate.
3. Biometric Locking
This is a powerful security feature. You can now lock your fingerprint, face, and iris authentication data directly from the app.
If you are not actively using biometric services, locking them prevents anyone from misusing your biometric data without your knowledge.
4. Face Authentication During Setup
When you first set up the new app, it asks you to complete a face verification step. This adds an extra layer of security right from the start.
5. Multiple Language Support
The app now supports multiple Indian languages during setup and use. This makes it more accessible for users across different states.
6. Family Member Profiles
Just like the old app, the new Aadhaar app lets you add up to five family member profiles. However, these need to be added manually they will not transfer from mAadhaar automatically.
What Will NOT Transfer from mAadhaar?
This is the most important thing users need to know before making the switch.
UIDAI has confirmed that no data will migrate automatically from the old mAadhaar app to the new one. You will have to set everything up again from scratch.
Here is what will not carry over:
Downloaded Aadhaar PDFs
Saved QR codes
Cached information
Family member profiles
Every profile including your own and any family members will need to be added manually in the new app.
How to Download and Set Up the New Aadhaar App
Setting up the new app takes just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Install the official Aadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Open the app and select your preferred language.
Step 3: Enter the mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and verify it using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 5: Complete the face verification step. Make sure your face is clearly visible and well-lit during this step.
Step 6: Set up a six-digit PIN or enable biometric authentication to secure the app.
Step 7: Add your Aadhaar profile manually. Remember data from mAadhaar will not transfer on its own.
Step 8: If you need to add family members, repeat the process separately for each profile.
Things You Should Keep in Mind
Move fast. Your mAadhaar app won't work anymore as soon as it becomes officially phased out. Though there is no fixed date set by UIDAI for this yet, you must move to the new app immediately.
Your mobile number is key. Your mobile number will serve as a basis for registration in the new app. In case you lose access to your phone number and your device, your Aadhaar-linked services will get disturbed for some time until you regain access again.
Create biometric lock on app installation. After installing the new app, you must create your biometric lock right away.
Use only trusted sources. Download the app only from the official Play or App Store.
New Aadhaar App vs mAadhaar App
Feature | mAadhaar | New Aadhaar App |
Selective data sharing | Limited | Yes full control |
QR-based offline verification | Basic | Improved |
Biometric locking | Not available | Yes |
Face authentication | No | Yes (during setup) |
Multi-language support | Limited | Yes |
Family profiles | Up to 5 | Up to 5 (manual setup) |
Data migration from old app | — | No (manual re-entry needed) |
There is no doubt that the new Aadhaar app is an improvement over mAadhaar. Not only does it increase user privacy, but it also offers improved security measures as well as a streamlined user interface.
The only downside is that data cannot be transferred automatically, meaning that it would require a few additional minutes for initial profile creation.
However, once that is done, you are bound to realize that the new app is a much more superior choice, particularly when considering such options as selective document sharing and biometric protection. If you have been using mAadhaar until now, then the time is ripe for change.
For more information, visit the official UIDAI website or check the app listing on the Play Store or App Store.
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