mAadhaar to be discontinued, govt announces new Aadhaar app: Check details here

The government has confirmed that the mAadhaar app will soon be discontinued as UIDAI rolls out a new Aadhaar app with upgraded security and QR-based verification features. The new platform focuses on selective data sharing, biometric controls, and multi-layer authentication for safer digital identity access.

In Short

• mAadhaar app to be phased out soon, confirms UIDAI
• New Aadhaar app adds QR sharing and face authentication
• Free Aadhaar document update service extended till June 14, 2027

The government has announced that the old mAadhaar app will soon be discontinued, which would be a major change in how Aadhaar services will work on smartphones going forward. The move is part of a push by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to bring tighter security, better control over personal data, and a more modern digital verification system for users across the country. In a post shared on X, Aadhaar's official account confirmed the change and asked users to move to the newly launched Aadhaar app.

The post said, "mAadhaar will discontinue soon. Download the new Aadhaar App and experience faster access, smarter features & enjoy services at your fingertips. It is designed to make your Aadhaar experience simpler, and more convenient than ever."

The new app is not just a visual redesign of the older mAadhaar platform. It changes the way Aadhaar verification and identity sharing work in daily life. The earlier version of the app often displayed complete Aadhaar details during authentication. The new platform instead focuses on selective sharing of information and stronger identity checks before access is granted.

New Aadhaar app brings QR sharing, face authentication

One of the biggest additions is secure QR-based Aadhaar sharing. This feature is aimed at making in-person verification smoother at hotels, hospitals, government offices, and other service counters. Instead of exposing full Aadhaar details, users can now share only the required information through QR verification.

The authentication system has also received a major upgrade. Earlier, Aadhaar access largely depended on OTP verification sent through SMS. The new system adds more layers to identity verification. Along with OTPs, users may now need face authentication and QR verification depending on the service being accessed. This is being introduced to reduce misuse and improve security around digital identity access.

The app also gives users more direct control over their biometric information. People can now lock or manage fingerprint, face, and iris authentication data directly through the app. UIDAI believes this will reduce the risk of unauthorised access, especially on shared or public devices.

How to set up the new Aadhaar app

Setting up the new Aadhaar app is slightly more detailed than the old mAadhaar onboarding process. Users first need to download the official “Aadhaar” app from verified app stores like Play Store. After selecting their preferred language, they must enter the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar account and verify it using an OTP.

Some users may also be asked to complete face authentication during setup. Once done, they can create a PIN or enable biometric unlock before adding their Aadhaar number and completing another OTP verification. The multi-step setup process is designed to confirm a user’s identity at different stages rather than depending on a single login method.

The transition to the new app comes at a time when UIDAI has also extended its free online Aadhaar document update service. According to an official memorandum, users can continue updating and verifying their identity and address documents free of cost on the myAadhaar portal until June 14, 2027. Earlier, this facility was scheduled to remain free only until June 15, 2026.

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