EPFO New Feature: Generate UAN at Home With Face Authentication, Complete KYC and Download Passbook on Your Phone

EPFO Umang App Updates: Now, generate and activate your UAN number from the comfort of your home using Aadhaar face authentication on the Umang app. New features for downloading passbooks and updating KYC have also been introduced.

A major source of stress for salaried employees is about to vanish for good. Whether you have just started a new job or have had PF deductions for years without yet obtaining a UAN, there is welcome news for you. The era of making repeated trips to the PF office and dealing with bureaucratic paperwork hassles is now over.

According to sources, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out a significant update to the UMANG app as part of its digital service expansion. Now, any employee in the country can generate a new UAN number from home using their smartphone. Furthermore, tasks ranging from UAN activation to e-KYC updates and passbook downloads can be completed instantly via mobile.

What is this new technology, and how does it work?

The standout feature of this process is that you no longer need biometric devices, fingerprint scanners, or visits to the office. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially launched this facility on the Umang app.

According to sources, the entire process will now rely on face authentication technology. Your phone's front camera will scan your face and instantly verify your identity against the UIDAI Aadhaar database. This will curb fraud and ensure verification is completed in seconds. Get these 4 major benefits once your UAN is activated

Once your UAN is activated via mobile, you can avail yourself of several key government services directly on the UMANG app:

• Check PF balance: View the total amount and interest accumulated in your account whenever you wish.
• Download passbook: Download the complete statement of monthly PF contributions.
• Track claim status: View the real-time status of any online withdrawal application you have submitted.
• Update KYC details: Update information such as bank account details, PAN card, etc., from the comfort of your home without any hassle.

How to generate a new UAN via mobile? Here is the step-by-step process

This facility will prove to be a boon, especially for young people and employees entering the workforce for the first time. To generate a new UAN, you need three things: a valid Aadhaar number, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and the 'Aadhaar Face RD' app installed on your phone.

Open the UMANG app: Launch the UMANG app on your smartphone and navigate to the 'UAN Allotment and Activation' option.

Enter details: Input your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it, then tick the consent box.

OTP verification: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number; enter it on the screen and submit.

Face-scan process: The system will automatically check if a UAN already exists against your Aadhaar. If no existing UAN is found, you will be directed to the face-scan page.

Scan your face: After providing consent on the screen, scan your face using your phone's front camera via the 'Aadhaar Face RD' app.

UAN generated instantly: Once your face is successfully matched, your new UAN will be generated immediately and sent to your mobile via SMS. Existing UAN holders can also activate their accounts via mobile

The process has become significantly easier for employees whose UAN has already been generated by their company or the EPFO ​​but has not yet been activated.

Simply go to the UMANG app and select the 'UAN Activation' option. Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number. After entering the OTP, your phone's camera will scan your face. Once verification is successful, your UAN will be activated immediately, and you will receive a temporary password on your phone. Additionally, your verified photo and address will be automatically updated in the EPFO ​​records.

What is the 'Aadhaar Face RD' app, and why is it necessary?

This is the official facial authentication app developed by UIDAI. According to sources, this app eliminates the risk of identity theft or unauthorized withdrawal of PF funds by an imposter. It uses your phone's front camera to capture a live photo and verifies that the person in front of the screen is indeed the one associated with the Aadhaar number being used.

What should you do if the verification or face scan fails?

The process may sometimes get interrupted due to slow internet or poor lighting conditions. There is no need to panic in such situations:

Move to a well-lit area and position the camera directly in front of your face.

If there is a delay in receiving the OTP, wait a while and select the 'Resend OTP' option.

If the message 'UAN Already Exists' appears on the screen, try activating your existing UAN.

If face authentication fails repeatedly, you can immediately seek assistance from the official EPFO ​​support team or helpdesk.