The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced that the existing mAadhaar app will soon be phased out, encouraging users to move to the newly launched Aadhaar application. According to the authority, the new app has been designed to offer a smarter, faster, and more secure digital identity experience for Aadhaar holders across the country.
The announcement was shared through UIDAI's official communication channels, where the authority described the new Aadhaar app as a major upgrade featuring advanced verification tools, improved privacy controls, and enhanced user convenience.
Why Is the mAadhaar App Being Discontinued?
UIDAI has confirmed that the current mAadhaar application is approaching retirement as part of its effort to modernize Aadhaar-related digital services. The new Aadhaar app introduces a range of upgraded features that aim to simplify identity verification while providing users with greater control over their personal information.
The platform supports 13 Indian languages, making it accessible to users from different regions and linguistic backgrounds.
New Aadhaar App Comes With QR-Based Verification
One of the biggest highlights of the new Aadhaar app is its QR code-based identity verification system.
Users can securely share their Aadhaar details through a generated QR code, allowing authorized agencies and service providers to verify identity without requiring physical documents.
The feature is expected to make Aadhaar verification quicker and more convenient across various services, including travel, banking, telecom, and government-related applications.
Selective Share Feature Enhances Privacy
The new app also introduces a privacy-focused feature called Selective Share.
This tool allows users to decide exactly which Aadhaar details they want to share, instead of revealing their complete Aadhaar profile.
With Selective Share, users can choose specific information such as:
- Name
- Photograph
- Age
- Gender
- Mobile number
- Address
- Aadhaar status
This gives individuals more control over their personal information and helps reduce unnecessary data exposure.
Easier Profile and Family Management
UIDAI has added several convenience-focused features to the new Aadhaar app.
Users can update Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers and addresses directly through the platform, reducing dependence on physical visits for basic profile management.
The app also includes a Family Profile section, allowing users to add and manage information for up to five family members from a single account.
This feature is expected to make Aadhaar management easier for households handling multiple profiles.
Biometric Lock Feature Strengthens Security
To improve data protection, the new Aadhaar app introduces a Biometric Lock feature.
Using this option, users can lock:
- Fingerprint authentication
- Facial authentication
- Iris authentication
This security measure helps prevent unauthorized use of biometric data. If required, users can unlock their biometrics directly through the app for verification purposes.
The feature provides an additional layer of protection against identity misuse and fraud.
What Happens to Existing mAadhaar Users?
UIDAI has not yet clarified whether user profiles and settings from the mAadhaar app will automatically migrate to the new Aadhaar app.
As a result, existing users may need to download the new application and complete the profile setup process again after installation.
More details regarding migration and data transfer are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Available on Android and iPhone
The new Aadhaar app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Individuals can download it from:
- Google Play Store
- Apple App Store
The rollout is part of UIDAI's broader effort to improve digital identity services and reduce reliance on physical documentation.
New Aadhaar App Crosses Major Milestone
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) revealed that the new Aadhaar app had already crossed 21 million downloads within just three months of its launch.
According to the ministry, the app is helping users access Aadhaar-related services more efficiently while reducing the need to visit physical enrollment or update centers.
Many common Aadhaar tasks can now be completed directly from a smartphone, making identity management more convenient than ever before.
Final Thoughts
The retirement of the mAadhaar app marks a significant step in UIDAI's digital transformation strategy. With QR-based verification, Selective Share controls, biometric security features, family profile management, and support for multiple languages, the new Aadhaar app aims to provide a safer and more user-friendly experience.
As the transition progresses, users are encouraged to download the new app and familiarize themselves with its upgraded features to ensure uninterrupted access to Aadhaar services.
