EPFO Makes UAN Process Simpler: Now Create and Activate Your UAN Instantly Using Face ID on UMANG App

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified the process for the Universal Account Number (UAN) allotment and activation. An official notification has been issued by the EPF department, stating it is now using Aadhaar’s Face Authentication Technology (FAT) to add three new features to the UMANG app. This will make it easier and smoother for employees and EPF members to use the app, including for tasks like getting their UAN.

Three new facilities for UAN allotment, activation in UMANG App

New EPF members can now access these UAN-related services directly through the UMANG app:

• Instant UAN Allotment and Activation: For users who don’t have a UAN, this service allows them to quickly generate and activate it on the spot.
  
• UAN Activation of Already-Issued UANs: This facility allows already-issued UANs that have not been activated to complete the activation process.
  
• Face Authentication for Already Activated UANs: This facility utilizes face recognition for secure identification authentication and updating of EPFO records.
  

How to Use Face Authentication to Get and Activate Your UAN

According to the latest EPFO circular, workers can now easily create and activate their UAN through Face Authentication Technology, without any support from EPFO officials or employers. The UAN (Universal Account Number) is a key identification number for EPF members. It stays the same throughout your career, even if you change jobs—each PF account from different employers gets linked to this one UAN. To use this feature, you need to download the UMANG App and the Aadhaar Face RD App from the Play Store. Once both apps are installed, you can finish the process using your smartphone, making it quick and hassle-free. After generating and activating your UAN, you can also download your e-UAN card in PDF form, which can be easily shared with new employers for EPFO onboarding. This revised method simplifies the UAN process and ensures safe and instant access to EPF services.

Advantages of Using Face Authentication Technology, FAT

Using Face Authentication for UAN activation provides many key benefits:

• Secure Aadhaar Verification: User details are sent directly from the Aadhaar database, making the process reliable and accurate.
  
• Quick UAN Activation: The UAN gets activated immediately after it’s generated—no need for any extra steps.
  
• Quick Access to EPFO Services: As soon as the UAN is active, users can use EPFO features like checking their EPF passbook, updating KYC, filing claims, and more.
• Lower Risk of Fraud: Biometric face authentication adds strong security, reducing the chances of identity misuse or data tampering.

Requirements for Instant UAN Allotment and Activation

To use any UAN-related service on the UMANG app, make sure you have:

• A valid Aadhaar number
  
• Access to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar (for OTP verification)
  
• The Aadhaar Face RD App is installed (for face scan authentication)
  

Service 1: UAN Allotment and Activation

For users who don’t have a UAN and want to get one:

• Step 1: Open the UMANG app and look for the link reading “UAN Allotment and Activation.”
  
• Step 2: Enter details like Aadhaar number and mobile number, and for Aadhaar verification, check the consent box.
  
• Step 3: Click on “Send OTP” and authenticate using the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked number.
  
• Step 4: Install the Aadhaar Face RD App if prompted.
  
• Step 5: If there is no existing UAN, start with Face Authentication: Provide consent and tap “Face Authentication” A face scan will be performed
  
• Step 6: After verification, the system generates a UAN and sends it to your mobile by SMS.

Service 2: UAN Activation

For users who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it yet:

• Step 1: Open UMANG and find the “UAN Activation” tab.
  
• Step 2: Enter the details mentioned like UAN Aadhaar number, Mobile number, and Consent for Aadhaar validation.
  
• Step 3: Click on “Send OTP” and verify it through your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
  
• Step 4: Go ahead with Face Authentication with the assistance of UIDAI API.
  
• Step 5: After successful verification is done:

1. Your UAN gets activated
2. You will receive the UAN and a temporary password via SMS.
3. Your EPFO database is updated with your photo and address

Service 3: Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs

For users who have an active UAN and need to update EPFO details:

• Step 1: Open UMANG and look for the link reading “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs”.
  
• Step 2: Fill in the consent and go forward with Face Authentication.
  
• Step 3: The system uses UIDAI API to verify identity and fetches UAN Aadhaar details registered mobile number
• Step 4: EPFO records are automatically revised with the verified information.