Aadhaar

Aadhaar: Your Digital Identity and e-KYC Solution

The Aadhaar mobile application is the official government portal for managing your 12-digit unique identity number directly from your smartphone. This essential tool transforms your Aadhaar card into a dynamic, secure, and portable digital asset. Users download the Aadhaar app to access a suite of services that verify identity, lock biometric authentication for security, and share e-KYC details with registered agencies without physical documents. The primary value of the Aadhaar application lies in its ability to provide instant, verifiable proof of identity for a multitude of official and financial transactions, all while giving users complete control over their personal data.

Generating a Time-Based QR Code for Verification

Users can generate a secure, time-limited QR code that contains their latest demographic details. To use this, one must open the Aadhaar app and navigate to the QR code section. The system will prompt for a password to authenticate the user. Once verified, a QR code is displayed on screen, which authorized verifiers can scan. This code expires after a brief period, ensuring data is not misused if the screen is captured. This feature provides a contactless and paperless method for instant identity verification at airports, banks, or other establishments.

Locking and Unlocking Biometric Authentication

This critical security feature allows users to disable biometric authentication (fingerprint/iris) linked to their Aadhaar number. Within the Aadhaar app, users select the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option. After entering their password, they can toggle the lock on. This action prevents any entity from using their biometrics for Aadhaar-based verification, adding a powerful layer of protection against potential misuse. Users can temporarily unlock their biometrics only when they need to perform a specific authentication, then promptly lock them again, all through the Aadhaar application interface.

Viewing and Sharing e-KYC Documents Securely

The app provides a digital, password-protected version of the user’s Aadhaar details, known as XML-based e-KYC. To access this, users log into the Aadhaar app and select the ‘Download Aadhaar’ or ‘Share e-KYC’ function. After password authentication, they can view a digital record of their KYC data. They can then share this encrypted file via email or other digital means with a requesting service provider. This eliminates the need to submit physical photocopies, streamlining processes for opening bank accounts or obtaining SIM cards while enhancing data security.

Checking Aadhaar Authentication History

This function offers complete transparency by logging all authentication events linked to a user’s Aadhaar number. By accessing the ‘Aadhaar Authentication History’ section in the Aadhaar app, users can see a chronological list of every time their identity was verified, including the date, time, and type of authentication used (e.g., biometric, OTP). This allows individuals to monitor activity and quickly identify any suspicious or unauthorized verification attempts, making the Aadhaar application a vital tool for personal security oversight.

Updating Registered Mobile Number and Address

While the actual update request is submitted through the UIDAI website, the Aadhaar app plays a crucial role in managing the process. Users can track the status of their update requests directly within the application. Furthermore, after initiating an address update online, the Aadhaar app is used to scan a QR code on the document proof, linking it digitally to the request. This integrated workflow ensures users can manage and monitor vital profile changes conveniently from their mobile device.

Locating the Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center

For tasks requiring in-person visits, such as biometric updates for children, the Aadhaar app includes a location-based service to find the closest enrollment center. Users enable GPS and select the ‘Locate Enrollment Center’ feature. The app then displays a list of nearby centers on a map, along with contact details and directions. This functionality, integrated into the Aadhaar application, saves time and effort by helping users find official support centers quickly and efficiently.

Key Features

  Generate time-bound QR codes for secure, instant identity verification.

  Lock and unlock biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized use.

  Securely view and share encrypted e-KYC documents with service providers.

  Monitor a detailed history of all Aadhaar authentication events.

  Track update requests and manage profile change procedures.

  Locate the nearest enrollment center using integrated GPS mapping.