New Aadhaar App Announced: Full Features, Download Details, and All You Need to Know
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken a big leap forward in India’s digital identity space with the launch of its all-new Aadhaar mobile app. Unveiled by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 8, 2025, the new app comes with a host of powerful features aimed at making Aadhaar services more secure, accessible, and user-friendly. Currently available in beta, this revamped app promises to redefine how Indian citizens access and use their Aadhaar information.
In a country where Aadhaar plays a critical role in everything from opening bank accounts to accessing government schemes, a mobile-first and secure approach to identity verification is a welcome upgrade. Here’s a detailed look at what the new Aadhaar app brings to the table, how to download it, and why it’s a game-changer in digital identity management.
Aadhaar in the Digital Age: The Need for a Smarter App
Aadhaar, India’s 12-digit unique identity number, has become an essential part of every citizen’s interaction with government and private services. From biometric verification at banks to registering for new SIM cards, Aadhaar is used across a wide spectrum of daily needs.
However, the earlier mobile applications were limited in scope, often requiring physical copies or one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS to complete identity verification. The new app has been built from the ground up to solve these pain points with intelligent features that increase both security and ease of use.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
1. Face Authentication for Login and Verification
One of the most revolutionary updates is the Face ID authentication system. Instead of relying solely on mobile OTPs or passwords, users can now use facial recognition to log in and verify their identity. This method not only enhances security but also adds a convenient, contactless method of verification—ideal for public settings.
2. QR Code Scanning for Instant Verification
The app introduces a QR-based verification feature, enabling Aadhaar authentication through the scan of a unique QR code. This is especially useful in places like hotels, airports, hospitals, and service centers where identity proof is frequently requested.
Instead of handing over a physical copy of your Aadhaar or sending scanned copies, you can simply display and scan the QR code in real-time, ensuring minimal data exposure and faster processing.
3. Selective Data Sharing
A new layer of privacy has been added through selective data sharing. Users can now decide what pieces of their Aadhaar information they wish to share—such as just their name and date of birth, or address only. This prevents the over-disclosure of personal information, making Aadhaar sharing safer and more in line with modern data protection standards.
4. Offline Functionality with TOTP (Time-Based OTP)
To reduce dependence on mobile networks, the app includes a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) system. This feature generates an OTP on the device itself, which can be used to authenticate identity even when the user doesn’t have SMS access.
This is a major improvement for users in rural or low-connectivity areas, ensuring they can still complete digital transactions and verifications without delay.
5. Biometric Lock and Unlock
The app also gives users the ability to lock and unlock their Aadhaar biometrics, such as fingerprints and iris scans. When locked, these biometric details cannot be used for verification, thereby reducing the risk of misuse. Users can unlock them temporarily whenever needed and relock them later for added security.
6. Support for Multiple Profiles
The updated app supports up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device. This makes it ideal for families, allowing them to manage their Aadhaar details and services from a shared device without switching between multiple accounts.
7. Multilingual Interface
With support for 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and others, the app is designed to cater to a diverse population. The language toggle is easy to use, making the app more accessible across regions and age groups.
Services Available on the New Aadhaar App
Beyond identity verification, the new app is a one-stop solution for most Aadhaar-related services, such as:
- Downloading an e-Aadhaar
- Updating address online
- Viewing authentication history
- Locating nearby Aadhaar enrollment or update centers
- Requesting Aadhaar reprint
- Generating or retrieving Virtual ID (VID)
- Scanning QR codes to verify authenticity
These services make it easy for users to manage their Aadhaar without visiting a center or dealing with paper documents.
How to Download the New Aadhaar App
The app is currently available in beta, meaning users can try it out while UIDAI collects feedback for future updates. Here’s how you can download and set it up:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Search for “mAadhaar – UIDAI” and make sure the app is developed by the official UIDAI authority.
- Install the app on your device.
- Launch the app and set a 4-digit password for security.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Enrollment ID.
- Verify your mobile number by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- You can now access all the services and features from the home dashboard.
Note: If you have the older version of the mAadhaar app installed, it’s recommended to uninstall it before downloading the new version to avoid compatibility issues.
Why This Update Matters
The newly launched Aadhaar app is more than just an update—it’s a significant step toward making identity verification safer and more citizen-friendly. With features inspired by global best practices, such as biometric locking, selective data sharing, and facial recognition, the app strikes a strong balance between privacy and convenience.
It also aligns with India’s growing push for a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, similar to how UPI revolutionized digital payments. By offering offline capabilities and minimal data exposure, the Aadhaar app ensures that digital identity services are inclusive—even in areas with poor connectivity.
Looking Ahead: Future Improvements and User Feedback
As the app is still in its beta phase, UIDAI has encouraged users to provide feedback. This phase will allow developers to iron out bugs, improve UI/UX, and add even more citizen-centric features. Future updates are expected to include deeper integration with government services, push notifications for Aadhaar activity, and AI-driven fraud alerts.
Conclusion
The new Aadhaar app is a major upgrade in India’s identity verification ecosystem. From face ID and QR verification to selective data sharing and offline authentication, the app is built with the modern Indian citizen in mind. As digital services continue to grow in importance, a robust and privacy-focused Aadhaar app ensures that individuals can securely manage their identity from anywhere, anytime.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or someone just looking to make Aadhaar tasks easier, this app is well worth downloading and exploring. It’s not just an app—it’s a gateway to safe, smart, and simplified identity access for a billion-plus people.
