New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a major digital overhaul, making the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app mandatory for the generation and activation of Universal Account Numbers (UAN) beginning August 1, 2025. This move introduces Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) as the centrepiece of a streamlined, user-centric system designed to boost data security and eliminate errors in the process.

Key change: UMANG central to EPFO onboarding

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EPFO's new face scan feature lets you activate UAN through UMANG app: Step-by-step guide

According to the latest official circular, all new UAN allotments will now be conducted exclusively through the UMANG app, utilising FAT to verify member identity. This digital shift is aimed at ensuring smooth and error-free onboarding for both new and existing EPFO members, while reducing dependence on employers and physical offices.

Who must use the UMANG app?

From August 2025, any employee seeking to:

  • Generate a new UAN,
  • Activate an existing UAN, or
  • Update EPFO records through biometric face authentication

Must complete the process on the UMANG app using their Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the Aadhaar Face RD app. The only exceptions are workers from Nepal, Bhutan, and international employees—these groups remain eligible to generate UANs through their respective employers.

Step-by-step: How the new process works

Generating a New UAN:

  • Access the UMANG app and select ‘UAN Allotment and Activation’.
  • Enter Aadhaar number and the linked mobile number.
  • Provide digital consent and verify with an OTP.
  • Complete the face scan authentication using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
  • If eligible, you will receive your new UAN via SMS.

Activating an Existing UAN:

  • Use the same app and select ‘UAN Activation’.
  • Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.
  • After OTP validation and face authentication, your UAN is activated, and a temporary password is sent for confirmation.

Updating Records for Existing UANs:

  • The ‘Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs’ option on UMANG allows for easy photo and address updates directly to the EPFO database.

Why this matters

EPFO states that the new system will:

  • Enhance the accuracy and security of member data,
  • Empower workers with self-service tools,
  • Reduce paperwork and bottlenecks caused by employer dependency.

Once a UAN is generated or activated, members gain instant access to a spectrum of services, including viewing their EPF passbook, claim filing, downloading the e-UAN card, and KYC updates—all from their smartphone.

A major leap toward digital transformation

By mandating the UMANG app and integrating advanced Aadhaar-based face authentication, EPFO is embarking on a major push toward automation, transparency, and user empowerment across India’s social security framework. The update is expected to especially benefit millions entering the workforce, offering them a faster, more reliable, and fully digital onboarding experience.