EPFO UAN Activation Update: Members Must Now Use UMANG App Instead of Portal, Aadhaar Face Authentication Mandatory

EPFO UAN Activation Update: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a significant change in the way members activate their Universal Account Number (UAN). Following the recent upgrade of its Unified Member Portal, the organisation has discontinued the online UAN activation and direct UAN allotment services available through its website.

Going forward, EPFO members will be required to use the UMANG mobile application to activate their UAN or generate a new one. The revised process also makes Aadhaar-based Face Authentication mandatory, a move aimed at improving security, preventing fraud, and enhancing the overall user experience.

The change comes after EPFO completed a major system upgrade on July 3, introducing a more secure verification mechanism for its digital services.

Why Has EPFO Removed UAN Activation from the Portal?

The latest portal upgrade focuses on strengthening digital security and ensuring that only genuine users can access critical EPF services.

According to the notification issued after the system upgrade, the website will no longer support:

• Online UAN activation
• Direct UAN generation through the portal

Instead, these services have been shifted exclusively to the UMANG application, where Aadhaar Face Authentication is used to verify the identity of members before activation.

The introduction of facial authentication is intended to reduce identity-related fraud and provide a more reliable verification process than traditional OTP-based methods.

What Is Changing for EPFO Members?

Employees who are opening a new EPF account or activating an existing UAN must now complete the entire process through the UMANG app.

The activation process requires:

• A valid Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Aadhaar number
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Successful face authentication using the smartphone's front camera

Once verification is completed, the UAN is activated immediately, and a confirmation message is sent to the registered mobile number.

How to Activate UAN Using the UMANG App

EPFO has outlined a simple step-by-step process for members:

1. Download the UMANG App

Install the UMANG application from your smartphone's official app store and register using your mobile number.

2. Open EPFO Services

After logging in, search for EPFO Services on the app's homepage and open the section.

3. Choose Face Authentication Service

Select "UAN Services Through Face Authentication."

4. Tap on UAN Activation

Choose the UAN Activation option to begin the verification process.

5. Enter Required Details

Provide the following information:

• 12-digit UAN
• Aadhaar number
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number

6. Accept Aadhaar Authentication Consent

Read and accept the consent terms required for Aadhaar verification.

7. Complete Face Authentication

Use your phone's front camera and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face for identity verification.

8. Receive Confirmation

Once the authentication is successful, your UAN will be activated automatically, and you will receive an SMS confirmation on your registered mobile number.

Important Points to Remember

Before starting the activation process, members should ensure the following:

• Aadhaar is linked with an active mobile number.
• Personal information such as name, date of birth, and other details in Aadhaar exactly match the records available with EPFO.
• The smartphone being used has a functional front camera and a stable internet connection for seamless face authentication.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in authentication errors or delays in activation.

Services Still Available on the EPFO Portal

Although UAN activation has been removed from the Unified Member Portal, several important online services continue to remain available.

Members can still use the portal to:

• Retrieve their UAN through the Know Your UAN service.
• Submit death claim requests.
• Recover forgotten UAN details using registered mobile number verification.
• Access other routine EPF account-related services that remain unaffected by the latest update.

Why Face Authentication Matters

EPFO's decision to adopt Aadhaar-based Face Authentication reflects a broader shift toward secure digital identity verification across government services. Unlike password- or OTP-based systems, facial authentication provides an additional layer of protection, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to misuse EPF accounts.

The transition also aligns with the government's efforts to strengthen digital governance while offering a safer and more seamless experience for millions of EPFO subscribers.

With UAN activation now exclusively available through the UMANG app, members are advised to complete the new verification process using Aadhaar Face Authentication and keep their Aadhaar and EPFO records updated to avoid any inconvenience.