Tech for Beginners Part 29: Aadhaar Basics: mAadhaar, Online Updates and Masked Aadhaar

Aadhaar is part of daily life in India: opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, claiming a subsidy or filing your taxes. Yet many people still carry a laminated photocopy everywhere and hand it to anyone who asks. You can do much more, and do it more safely, from your phone. This is Part 29 of our Tech for Beginners series, and the start of a section on Aadhaar, DigiLocker and government apps. Today we will explain how to download your e-Aadhaar, use UIDAI's official app, which details you can update online and which need a visit to a centre, and why and how to share a masked Aadhaar.

Install government apps only from official stores, as we explained in Part 5. To scan documents for online updates, use the tips from Part 8 on your phone camera and document scanning. And remember the golden rule from Part 21: never share an OTP.

A note on changes: UIDAI updates its apps, services and fees from time to time. The details below were checked against UIDAI's official pages at the time of writing. Always confirm on uidai.gov.in or myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in before you pay or submit anything.

Aadhaar in plain words

• Aadhaar is a 12-digit identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), linked to your demographic details (name, date of birth, gender, address) and biometrics (photo, fingerprints, iris).
• Your registered mobile number is very important: most online Aadhaar services work through OTPs sent to it.
• A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar that you can use instead of your Aadhaar number for some services. You can generate a new one any time.

Is your mobile number linked?

Before using online services, check that your current mobile number is registered with Aadhaar. On myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or the official app, there is an option to verify your mobile number or email. If it is not linked or has changed, you will need to update it: the new Aadhaar app offers mobile number update, or you can visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.

The official apps and website

UIDAI offers:

• The myAadhaar portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, for downloads, updates and status checks.
• The Aadhaar app, UIDAI's newer official mobile app, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. According to UIDAI, it offers services such as mobile number update, address update, biometric lock and unlock, authentication history, e-Aadhaar download and tracking requests.
• The older mAadhaar app, which many people still have installed. Check UIDAI's website for which app it currently recommends.

Check that the developer is UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) before installing. Ignore look-alike apps.

Setting up the Aadhaar app

1. Install the official Aadhaar app from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Choose your language.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and accept the terms.
4. Choose the SIM with your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
5. Complete face authentication using your phone's camera when asked.
6. Set a 6-digit PIN to protect the app. Do not use an easy PIN or share it.

Download your e-Aadhaar

e-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF copy of your Aadhaar, digitally signed by UIDAI. It is as valid as the physical Aadhaar letter.

1. Open myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in (type it yourself) and choose Download Aadhaar, or use the download option in the app.
2. Enter your Aadhaar number (or Enrolment ID or VID) and the captcha.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
4. Tick the option for masked Aadhaar if you want one (see below).
5. Download the PDF.
6. To open it, enter the password: usually the first four letters of your name in capital letters followed by your year of birth (for example, RAVI1985). The download page explains the format.

Store the PDF safely in your phone or in DigiLocker (Part 31). If you print it, use your own printer or a trusted shop, and make sure the file is deleted from any shop computer afterwards. Do not save it in shared folders or send it in group chats.

What is a masked Aadhaar and why use it?

In a masked Aadhaar, the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden (shown as xxxx-xxxx), and only the last four digits are visible. Your name, photo, and other details still appear, and the QR code can be used to verify it.

Why it is safer

• Hotels, shops, gyms, societies and many offices only need to confirm your identity, not store your full number.
• If a copy is lost, leaked or misused, a masked copy reveals less.
• Your full number, combined with other leaked data, can be used by fraudsters to make their calls sound convincing.

When you may need the full number

Some official purposes, such as certain bank, tax or government benefit processes, may still need the full number. Share it only when genuinely required, and only with trusted organisations.

Updating your details online

Here is what you can typically do without visiting a centre, based on UIDAI's information at the time of writing:

• Address update: online through myAadhaar or the Aadhaar app by uploading a valid proof of address. UIDAI lists the accepted documents, such as a passport, bank passbook, electricity or water bill (recent), or ration card. A fee applies (UIDAI lists Rs 75 for address update through the app).
• Document update (submitting fresh proof of identity and address): UIDAI recommends updating documents at least once every 10 years. Through myAadhaar, it is free for a limited period (UIDAI currently states until 14 June 2027); at a centre, a fee applies.
• Mobile number: through the new Aadhaar app, or at a centre.

Usually at an Aadhaar centre

• Changes to name, date of birth or gender.
• Biometric updates (photo, fingerprints, iris), including the mandatory updates for children.

Find your nearest centre through the locator link on UIDAI's website, and book an appointment online where available.

Steps for an online address update

1. Scan or photograph your proof of address clearly in colour (Part 8 shows how).
2. Log in to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or the Aadhaar app with your Aadhaar number and OTP.
3. Choose Address update.
4. Enter the new address in English exactly as it appears on your document; it will be transliterated into your local language. Check both carefully.
5. Upload the document and pay the fee if shown.
6. Save the Service Request Number (SRN) from the screen or SMS, and track your request with it. UIDAI says updates can take up to 30 days.

Using a Virtual ID instead of your number

A Virtual ID (VID) lets you prove your identity for some services without revealing your Aadhaar number. It is a 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar, and you can replace it whenever you like.

1. Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and look for the VID generator option.
2. Enter your Aadhaar number, the captcha and the OTP.
3. Choose to generate a VID (or retrieve your current one).
4. Your VID arrives by SMS on your registered mobile number.

Where a service accepts a VID, use it instead of your full number. If you think your VID has been misused, simply generate a new one.

Aadhaar for children

Children below five years get a Baal Aadhaar, linked to a parent's Aadhaar, without fingerprints or iris scans. Children's biometrics must be updated as they grow, usually around ages 5 and 15. According to UIDAI's fee list at the time of writing, these mandatory biometric updates are free within specified age bands, so do not delay them. Without an updated biometric, a child's Aadhaar may face problems for school admissions, scholarships or exams. Visit an Aadhaar centre with the child and the existing Aadhaar details.

Order a PVC Aadhaar card

If you want a wallet-sized card, you can order an Aadhaar PVC card through UIDAI's website for a small fee, delivered by post. Order only from the official site; other shops' "smart Aadhaar cards" are not issued by UIDAI.

Aadhaar safety tips

• UIDAI does not call or message asking for your OTP. Never share it with callers.
• Do not leave photocopies at shops; if you must give one, write the purpose and date across it.
• Lock your biometrics when you do not need them (Part 30 shows how).
• Delete e-Aadhaar PDFs from shared computers after printing.

Frequently asked questions

Is a printed e-Aadhaar as valid as the original letter?

Yes. UIDAI states that e-Aadhaar, being digitally signed, is as valid as the physical copy.

Can I update my address without a document?

UIDAI has offered a route using the head of family's consent in some cases. Check the current options on myAadhaar.

My mobile number is no longer active. What now?

You will need to update it, either via the official app if available to you or at an Aadhaar centre, before you can use OTP-based services.

What is next

Try this today: download your masked Aadhaar and save it safely, and check that your registered mobile number is correct. In the next part of Tech for Beginners, we will lock your Aadhaar biometrics, check your Aadhaar usage history and learn to spot Aadhaar-related scams.