UMANG UAN Activation Guide: Why EPFO Moved It to the App and How to Do It Easily

In case you have just tried registering your UAN through the EPFO online portal, you must be having a difficult time. Though the registration facility exists on the website itself, it no longer takes you through the entire procedure. Instead, the system directs you to download the UMANG app, where you will then need to go ahead with the activation process.

Though this decision taken by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) may be baffling for some first-time applicants, the truth is that the entire process of UAN activation is relatively easy.

Why UAN Activation Is More Important Than Ever

The Universal Account Number (UAN), by virtue, becomes the key to opening the lock of the PF account. Without an activated UAN, the PF account does not become functional at all.

By having the UAN activated, one unlocks the door to all the facilities offered by the EPFO. From checking the balance, viewing passbook, monitoring deposits to withdrawals whenever necessary, everything becomes possible through an activated UAN. Moreover, an activated UAN becomes very handy while changing jobs since it facilitates seamless transfers of PFs from one employer to another.

Additionally, linking of Aadhaar, PAN, or any bank accounts cannot happen until and unless the UAN becomes activated.

Things You Need Before Starting

It’s wise to get everything sorted out before proceeding to activate your account. It will save a lot of time for you and prevent any mistakes from happening.

First, you require your UAN, Aadhaar, and a mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card. It’s important since you will be needing to verify your account using OTP verification.

How to Activate UAN Using UMANG App

And now, everything has become app-driven, and here's how you can activate UAN via the UMANG application without making any mistake:

Begin with downloading and launching the UMANG app on your smartphone device. Then, head to the EPFO tab where you would have the choice of activating UAN.

Next up, insert your UAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number associated with the Aadhaar card. Upon clicking the submit button, an OTP would be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed further.

Also, sometimes you might be required to authenticate yourself through Aadhaar-based facial recognition. This step has been introduced recently as an additional layer of security.

Upon the successful verification of all provided credentials, your UAN would be activated. A notification about the same would reach you including your login credentials.

What Has Changed in the EPFO System?

Before, users could initiate their UAN on the EPFO site itself. Although the choice still appears, it no longer works.

Now, EPFO has streamlined the entire process using the UMANG application. This reflects the government’s efforts toward digitalization through mobile-first initiatives. One significant inclusion is the Aadhaar authentication process, which adds an additional layer of security but mandates users to update their Aadhaar information.

Though the procedure is straightforward, here are a few things you should not ignore. To begin with, it is crucial that your mobile number be registered with Aadhaar. This is usually the primary reason behind failed activation attempts.

Make sure that you verify all the information provided by you, including the UAN and Aadhaar number. Inaccuracy in any field might cause a delay.

Fortunately, you will need to activate your UAN only once. The moment it is activated, you will never need to go through the process again. Simply login and access your PF account.

From the EPFO website to UMANG mobile application, it may seem troublesome at the beginning, but it makes the whole process simpler. All of it is available in a single mobile application and can be easily verified using Aadhaar.

If you have not activated your Universal Account Number (UAN), then now is the perfect time for doing so. This process will take just a few minutes, and once it's done, you'll be able to manage your PF account independently.