EPFO Introduces Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication for UAN Activation via UMANG App

In a major relief for millions of employees across India, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out a new facial recognition-based method for UAN generation and activation. This Aadhaar-powered face authentication process simplifies and secures the process—eliminating paperwork, reducing errors, and ensuring a smoother experience for employees.

Why This Change Matters

Until now, the process of activating a Universal Account Number (UAN) often proved cumbersome. Many users faced issues such as:

• OTP failures

• Incorrect Aadhaar details

• Mismatched mobile numbers

• Delays in employer facilitation

In 2024–25 alone, only 44.68 lakh of the 1.26 crore issued UANs were activated—just 30% success rate. With the latest technology intervention, the EPFO aims to significantly boost this activation rate and make the system more accessible.

How to Activate UAN Using Face Authentication via UMANG App

Here’s a step-by-step guide to easily activate your UAN through the UMANG app, using only your smartphone:

Download the UMANG App

• Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store

• Developed by the Government of India for unified access to various public services

Install the AadhaarFaceRD App

• This app enables secure facial recognition in sync with Aadhaar

Navigate to UAN Services

• Open UMANG > Search “UAN Allotment and Activation”

Enter Aadhaar and Mobile Number

• Use the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar

Enter OTP & Give Consent

• Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked number

• Tick the checkbox for consent

Use Face Detection

• Allow camera access

• Take a live photo

• When a green outline appears, your face will be authenticated

UAN Activation Complete

• If the biometric matches the Aadhaar database, your UAN will be instantly activated

• You’ll receive the UAN via SMS and can also download it via UMANG or EPFO portal

Benefits of Aadhaar-Based Facial Recognition

• No paperwork or employer involvement required

• Secure and accurate identity verification

• Prevention of fraud and impersonation

• User-friendly process accessible via mobile

This move represents a significant shift towards digital empowerment of the workforce, reducing dependency and ensuring greater control and transparency in PF-related services.

What This Means for Employees

You no longer need to rely on HR teams or third-party agents to activate your UAN. With just two apps and a few clicks, your EPFO account can be fully functional, enabling access to:

• PF passbook

• Claim status

• KYC updates

• Withdrawal and transfer services