UIDAI confirms major Aadhaar app update, Enables mobile number change without centre visit

India(BHARAT)’s Unique Identification Authority of India(BHARAT) (UIDAI) on Wednesday said its recently introduced Aadhaar mobile application will soon enable users to update the mobile number associated with their Aadhaar card from their phone.

The new Aadhaar app, launched for Android and iOS on November 9, 2025, initially enabled users to store and carry their Aadhaar digitally – along with a suite of features like QR-code sharing, biometric locks, and managing multiple family member profiles on one device.

Now, with the upcoming mobile number update feature, UIDAI said users will no longer be required to visit an Aadhaar centre or stand in queues to update their phone number. Instead, the entire process will be done from within the app and will require two layers of verification – one-time password (OTP) and face authentication.

The authority made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), where it said the feature will be available soon – but not on an exact date, for now, to all.

Previously, Aadhaar apps like the older mAadhaar still required users to visit an enrolment centre, even for updating demographic information like a mobile number.

Once available, the mobile-number update feature is expected to enhance user experience by extending the Aadhaar app’s utility beyond just a digital identity viewer to a more complete and functional identity management tool. It will allow people to maintain up-to-date contact information without the friction of paperwork or the hassle of visiting Aadhaar centres – a big plus for convenience and accessibility.

In the meantime, core features of the Aadhaar app remain the same: after downloading the app and registering your 12-digit Aadhaar number, you must verify with OTP, do face authentication, and create a 6-digit PIN. Once that’s set up, you can add a total of five Aadhaar profiles if you want to share one phone number for family members, as well as view your digital Aadhaar card, share it via QR-code, and enable biometric locks for added security.

That said, the new app is not meant to fully replace mAadhaar. UIDAI said the two will continue to co-exist, with the new Aadhaar app taking more focus on digital identity uses and selective data sharing, while mAadhaar will continue to enable document-centric services.

In all, the change is set to push for a more frictionless, mobile-first experience with Aadhaar – in line with India(BHARAT)’s broader emphasis on digital governance and paperless identity verification.