EPFO's big decision: Now new UAN can be generated only through UMANG app, know the complete process..

If you have not activated your Universal Account Number (UAN) yet, then from August 1, 2025, any online service of EPFO will not be accessible to you. Under a new rule, EPFO has made the generation and activation of UAN mandatory through Face Authentication Technology (FAT) from the UMANG app. Now, UAN must be activated for all digital services related to EPF, like balance check, withdrawal, KYC update, or downloading the e-UAN card.

What is the new rule of EPFO?

From August 1, 2025, EPFO has decided that the allotment and activation of UAN will be done only in the UMANG app through Aadhaar-based face authentication technology. The circular of EPFO ​​reads- “To avoid errors and simplify the process, it has been made mandatory that from now on, UAN generation will be done only through FAT in UMANG app.”

Why is UAN activation necessary?

UAN activation is mandatory to join EPFO's online services like EPF withdrawal, balance check, e-KYC update, e-UAN card download, claim status, and ELI program.

What is the UMANG app?

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is the official multi-service mobile app of the Government of India, in which hundreds of digital services of the central and state government are available on a single platform. It has been jointly developed by MeitY and NeGD.

Who is exempted from this process?

EPFO has clarified that the same process will remain applicable for international workers and citizens of Nepal-Bhutan. That is, in such a case, UAN can still be generated through the employer.

New EPF Face Authentication Services in UMANG App
EPFO has introduced 3 new services in the UMANG app, which are based on FAT technology:

Direct UAN Allotment and Activation (for those who do not have UAN yet)

Activation of existing UAN

Face Authentication of existing UAN (for EPFO record update)

How to generate and activate a new UAN?

If you do not have a UAN, you can generate and activate a new UAN yourself from the UMANG app by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Open the UMANG app and select the "UAN Allotment and Activation" option

Step 2: Enter your details like Aadhaar number and mobile number. Tick the consent box for Aadhaar verification.
Step 3: Tap on "Send OTP" and enter the OTP received on Aadhaar Aadhaar-linked mobile
Step 4: If the option to install Aadhaar Face RD App appears on the screen, download it from the Play Store
Step 5: In case no old UAN is found, start “Face Authentication”
Give consent on the screen and complete the face scan
Step 6: As soon as the face verification is successful, a new UAN will be generated and sent to your mobile via SMS
If UAN is created but not active, how can it?
Step 1: Open the UMANG app and go to "UAN Activation"
Step 2: Fill in all the required details like UAN number, Aadhaar number, mobile number and tick the consent checkbox.
Step 3: Tap on "Send OTP" and verify with OTP
Step 4: Now do "Face Authentication". After the face scan, UAN will be activated.
Step 5: After activation, you will receive your UAN and temporary password via SMS. Also, your photo and address will be updated in EPFO records.

How to do face authentication of an already activated UAN?

Step 1: Go to "Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs" in the UMANG app

Step 2: Give consent on the screen and scan the face

Step 3: The system will verify your identity through the UIDAI API and fetch Aadhaar details for the UAN-registered mobile number

Step 4: Once the verification is complete, EPFO records will be automatically updated

Now, any EPFO member can generate a UAN on their own, activate it and use all the services of EPF without visiting any employer or office. Once the face authentication is completed, viewing the passbook, making a claim, updating e-KYC and downloading the e-UAN card is possible immediately.

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