Are you among the people who travel frequently and often face hassles regarding ID cards and other personal items? Good, The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has rolled out the new Aadhaar mobile app for iOS and Android devices. With this, UIDAI aims to provide Indian residents a more convenient and secure way to carry their Aadhaar cards.
Since the Aadhaar Act of 2016, Aadhaar has become the unique identity number for millions of Indians. So far, the mAadhaar app allows residents to access services like their Aadhaar details, create virtual IDs, download e-Aadhaar, etc. But the newly launched Aadhaar app is much more than just an update to mAadhaar as it also ensures enhanced security and convenience.
With the new app, users can store their Aadhaar ID digitally on their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry the physical card everywhere. The app is said to support face scan authentication and biometric lock features, which means only a registered person can access the Aadhaar profile in the app.
The app also allows Aadhaar details to be shared via QR code or verifiable credentials, and in a disguised form, so you don’t have to reveal your full 12-digit number. Additionally, it allows users to set up at least five Aadhaar profiles that can be managed on the same device, provided they are linked to the same registered mobile number. It also allows users to access some features offline, especially in areas where connectivity may be poor.
Why does it matter?
Carrying a copy or physical card can be tedious. Instant access to your Aadhaar card on your smartphone saves time and is more convenient. Secondly, the new app comes with face unlock/biometric unlock, eliminating the risk of misuse if your device is stolen or borrowed. Furthermore, QR-based or masked engagement means less exposure of the user’s full identity details at each verification.
It is ideal for family management with its multi-profile capabilities that allow a parent to manage the Aadhaar details of his or her children or other family members in a single device. This can be especially useful in households where managing multiple physical cards for everyone can be cumbersome. Most importantly, it allows for faster and paperless verification. The app supports verifiable credentials and digital engagement, which is in line with India’s drive towards paperless governance. It is also likely to improve access to services, reduce delays, and reduce the need to submit physical evidence over and over again. The user interface is said to be more user-friendly than previous apps, making it ideal for both tech-savvy users and casual users.
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Are there any caveats?
For those who don’t have smartphones or have old or low-spec devices, this app may not be useful. However, the physical card is still important. Rural areas with poor connectivity may also face problems. Some reports also suggest that the new Aadhaar app does not yet have some functions as seen in mAadhaar like downloading the digital card in PDF format, ordering a PVC card, verifying email address/mobile number, and creating a virtual ID.
Another potential problem is the reliance on linked mobile phone numbers. In order to add multiple profiles, they must share the same registered number. For families using different phone numbers, this may cause some inconvenience.
There may also be a risk of exclusion, if a particular service requires the use of the app, those without compatible devices or digital literacy may be excluded. There is always a risk of being excluded from benefits due to such technical hurdles.
How to set it up?
Download the Aadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (available on both).
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Use your registered mobile number, get your One Time Password (OTP), authenticate via face scan or biometrics, and add your Aadhaar profile. If you want to manage additional profiles (up to five), link these Aadhaar cards to the same mobile number and add them.
Once the setup is complete, you can view your Aadhaar details, retrieve your QR code, share verifiable credentials, lock/unlock biometrics, etc.
Since the setup is mobile number based, make sure your Aadhaar has the correct mobile number registered before starting. Make updates via UIDAI if necessary.
Remember that the app is an addition to the mAadhaar app and not a complete replacement for it. Digital Aadhaar on your phone doesn’t mean you have to be complacent, keeping your phone secure, biometric lock and PIN/face recognition is crucial.
The new Aadhaar app is a step forward in India’s identity ecosystem: more convenience, stronger security features, digital sharing, and multi-profile support. For many users, this will be a real win.
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At the same time, it is not a panacea for all ills. Digital access remains uneven, privacy and governance issues remain, and the app doesn’t yet replicate all the features of existing alternatives. Users must adopt it, but consciously and cautiously.
(tags for translation) UIDAI New Aadhaar App
