New Aadhaar App to Replace mAadhaar: Here's What Changes and How Users Can Switch

By Siddhi Jain | Jun 14, 2026, 22:59 IST

UIDAI Introduces a More Secure Aadhaar Experience With Face Authentication, QR Verification and Privacy Controls

Millions of Aadhaar users may soon need to switch to a new mobile application as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) begins the gradual phase-out of the existing mAadhaar app.

The new Aadhaar app has been designed to provide stronger privacy protection, enhanced digital identity verification, and greater control over personal information. UIDAI is encouraging users to start adopting the new platform, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.

The move is part of a broader effort to modernize Aadhaar services while reducing the risk of misuse of personal data.

Why Is UIDAI Replacing mAadhaar?

UIDAI introduced the new Aadhaar app on January 28, 2026, with the objective of improving security and simplifying identity verification.

Unlike the older app, the new platform focuses heavily on:

Digital identity sharing
Face-based authentication
QR-code verification
User-controlled data access
Enhanced privacy protection

The authority believes these features can reduce dependence on physical Aadhaar copies and minimize unnecessary sharing of sensitive information.

The Biggest Change: Less Need for Aadhaar Photocopies

Traditionally, people have often been asked to provide Aadhaar photocopies for services such as:

Hotel check-ins
SIM card purchases
Rental agreements
KYC verification
Various government and private services

This practice sometimes resulted in users sharing more personal information than necessary.

The new Aadhaar app aims to change that.

Instead of handing over photocopies, users will be able to verify their identity digitally using secure QR codes and share only the specific information required for a transaction.

This selective-sharing approach is expected to improve privacy and reduce the chances of unauthorized use of Aadhaar details.

Key Features of the New Aadhaar App

The upgraded platform introduces several new capabilities designed to improve both convenience and security.

Face Authentication

Users can verify their Aadhaar identity using facial authentication technology, reducing reliance on physical documents.

QR Code-Based Verification

Identity verification can be completed by scanning a secure QR code, enabling faster and safer authentication.

Biometric Lock and Unlock

The app allows users to lock or unlock their Aadhaar biometrics directly from their mobile device with a few taps.

This feature helps users maintain greater control over their biometric information.

Selective Information Sharing

Instead of revealing complete Aadhaar details, users can choose to share only the information needed for a particular service.

Multiple Aadhaar Profiles

The new app supports adding up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, making it useful for families managing multiple accounts.

Easier Profile Management

Users will be able to access various Aadhaar-related services, including profile management and updates, through a streamlined interface.

Free Aadhaar Document Update Facility Extended

Alongside the app transition, UIDAI has extended the free online Aadhaar document update facility.

Users can continue updating:

Identity documents
Address-related documents

through the official Aadhaar portal without paying any fee.

The free update window has now been extended until June 14, 2027.

This extension gives users additional time to ensure that their Aadhaar records remain accurate and up to date.

Do You Need to Transfer Data From mAadhaar?

No.

UIDAI has clarified that users do not need to manually migrate data from the existing mAadhaar application.

After downloading the new Aadhaar app, users simply need to:

Verify the mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Complete face authentication
Set up their profile again within the new application

Once these steps are completed, the app becomes ready for use.

How to Switch to the New Aadhaar App

The transition process is straightforward.

Step 1

Download the new Aadhaar app from:

Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Step 2

Sign in using your Aadhaar-linked credentials and complete OTP verification.

Step 3

Perform the required face authentication or biometric verification process.

Step 4

Create a six-digit security PIN for future access.

Step 5

Complete profile setup and begin using the new app.

After successful activation, users may choose to remove the older mAadhaar app if they no longer need it.

What Can Users Do After Switching?

Once setup is complete, the new Aadhaar app allows users to:

View Aadhaar details
Verify identity digitally
Share selected information securely
Manage biometric settings
Access Aadhaar-related services
Complete QR-based authentication

The goal is to make Aadhaar usage more secure, paperless, and user-friendly.

The Bottom Line

The transition from mAadhaar to the new Aadhaar app marks a significant shift in how digital identity verification will work in India. With features such as face authentication, QR-code verification, biometric controls, and selective information sharing, the new platform is designed to give users greater privacy and convenience.

As UIDAI gradually phases out mAadhaar, users are encouraged to download the new app and familiarize themselves with its features to ensure uninterrupted access to Aadhaar-related services in the future.