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mAadhaar in 2026: Features, Setup, and Whats Changing
Aadhaar was once synonymous with a physical card and accompanying photocopies. mAadhaar changed that. Developed by UIDAI the application enables users to carry their identity digitally rather than relying on paper documentation, presenting a verifiable form of identification wherever required. Functionality includes display of a live Aadhaar record, offline-accessible eAadhaar biometric locking on-demand Virtual ID generation, and a QR code for verification that eliminates the need for physical copies.
One point requires clarification at the outset: mAadhaar is being phased out. UIDAI launched a new official Aadhaar application in January 2026 which incorporates all existing mAadhaar functionality while additionally introducing face authentication. Users initiating a new setup should therefore use the current Aadhaar application rather than mAadhaar.
Table of Content
Functional Capabilities of mAadhaar
The application consolidates the majority of routine Aadhaar-related tasks within a single platform. Core functionality includes:
- Display of a verifiable Aadhaar record on a mobile device with offline access via saved eAadhaar
- Biometric locking covering fingerprint iris and face to prevent unauthorized use with the option to lift the lock when required
- Generation or retrieval of a 16-digit Virtual ID as needed
- Transmission of a digitally signed QR code that functions without internet connectivity
- Ordering of a ₹50 PVC Aadhaar card for physical delivery
Two additional features are exclusive to the 2026 application and were not available in mAadhaar: face authentication and a usage history log recording when and where the Aadhaar record has been accessed.
Setup Procedure
Given the discontinuation of mAadhaar the following steps apply to setup on the current application. Users should have their Aadhaar-registered mobile number available as the process depends on it.
- Download the official Aadhaar application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete the captcha verification
- Verify via the OTP sent to the registered mobile number then establish a profile PIN
- Complete face authentication when prompted under adequate lighting conditions
- Setup is complete the profile and eAadhaar are now stored on the device for offline use
Users transitioning from mAadhaar are not required to manually transfer information. The new application should be installed and accessed using the existing Aadhaar number and mAadhaar PIN followed by OTP verification and profile reconfiguration. Following completion mAadhaar may be uninstalled.
Generating a Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP)
TOTP refers to a Time-based One-Time Password a six-digit code generated by the application itself refreshed automatically every 30 seconds. This serves as an alternative to SMS-based OTP and is particularly useful in circumstances where mobile network connectivity is unavailable.
To generate a TOTP access the profile section and select the TOTP option (occasionally labeled “one-time-password”). The generated code accompanied by a countdown timer must be entered into the relevant UIDAI service before expiration. As the code is generated locally on the device rather than transmitted via SMS TOTP also functions effectively where a single registered mobile number manages OTPs for multiple Aadhaar profiles.
Biometric Locking and Unlocking
Biometric data fingerprint iris or face may be locked to prevent unauthorized authentication until the user elects to unlock it. This is managed via “My Aadhaar” Biometric Settings where the lock function may be activated. UIDAI recommends maintaining this lock as the default setting as it imposes no inconvenience on the user while substantially reducing the risk of misuse.
Where biometric verification is genuinely required unlocking is performed from the same interface. Manual re-locking is unnecessary as the unlock period is time-limited and reverts automatically. Under the new application biometric locking extends to face authentication as well given its status as an independent verification method.
Use of the Virtual ID (VID)
The Virtual ID is a single-use 16-digit number that may be provided in place of the actual Aadhaar number. To generate one access the VID generator and request an OTP (or use TOTP as an alternative); the application will display the VID and additionally transmit it via SMS. Only one VID remains active at any given time with generation of a new VID automatically deactivating the previous one.
This function is particularly useful where a service mandates an Aadhaar number but the user prefers not to disclose the actual number. This process remains unchanged under the new application.
QR Code-Based Sharing
Rather than providing a physical photocopy users may present a digitally signed QR code for scanning directly from the application. This code contains the user’s name address photograph and a masked Aadhaar number; given UIDAI’s digital signature any tampering is immediately detectable upon scanning. This function operates without internet connectivity enabling verification at locations such as hotel front desks or offices without requiring either party to be online.
This feature represents a significant focus of UIDAI’s 2026 initiatives with the objective of phasing out physical photocopy verification entirely in favor of QR-based confirmation. The new application extends this functionality further incorporating secure consent-based sharing protocols.
mAadhaar vs. the New Aadhaar App: Feature Comparison
| Feature | mAadhaar (Retiring) | New Aadhaar App |
| Download / VID / QR | Available | Available |
| Biometric lock | Fingerprint iris | Fingerprint iris and face |
| Face authentication | Not available | Available |
| Usage history log | Not available | Available |
Written By
Reviewed ByLast Updated: 2nd July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the mAadhaar application?
mAadhaar is UIDAI’s official mobile application for Aadhaar management. It enables users to download their eAadhaar lock biometric data generate a Virtual ID and share information via QR code. UIDAI is discontinuing the application during 2026 in favor of a new Aadhaar application that retains equivalent functionality while adding face authentication accordingly new setups should be conducted on the current application.
Is mAadhaar an official and secure application?
Yes. mAadhaar is the authentic UIDAI application and its replacement is equally official. Both applications remain secure provided they are downloaded exclusively from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store as fraudulent imitation applications represent a genuine phishing risk. The signed QR code and biometric lock function provide additional security layers though verifying the publisher identity as UIDAI is advisable before installation.
How is a TOTP generated on mAadhaar?
Access the Aadhaar profile within the application and select the TOTP (or “one-time-password”) option. A six-digit code will display alongside a countdown timer refreshing every 30 seconds; this code should be entered into the relevant UIDAI service before expiration. Since the code is generated locally rather than transmitted via SMS TOTP continues to function in the absence of mobile network signal.
What features does mAadhaar provide?
The application supports downloading and carrying Aadhaar information locking and unlocking biometric data generating or retrieving a Virtual ID sharing a signed QR code offline and ordering a PVC card for ₹50. A TOTP generator provides OTP functionality without requiring network signal. The new application additionally introduces face authentication and a usage history log.
Can mAadhaar function without internet connectivity?
Partially. Once the profile is established the saved eAadhaar and signed QR code may both be displayed and verified offline useful in settings such as hotels or offices lacking internet access. Internet connectivity remains necessary for initial profile setup SMS-based OTP delivery and data refresh. QR code display and TOTP generation are specifically designed to operate offline.
How is an Aadhaar profile added to mAadhaar?
Within the application select the register or add profile option enter the Aadhaar number and verify via the OTP sent to that Aadhaar’s registered mobile number. As each profile requires independent OTP verification family members may be added provided their registered mobile numbers are accessible. The new application follows an identical setup process with the addition of face authentication.
How many profiles can mAadhaar support?
A single installation supports up to five Aadhaar profiles each verified independently via OTP sent to its associated registered mobile number. This functionality enables a single device to manage Aadhaar records for multiple family members with each profile maintaining independent verification.
How is mAadhaar downloaded?
The official UIDAI application should be installed via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store which as of 2026 refers to the new Aadhaar application given the discontinuation of mAadhaar. Third-party download sources should be avoided as fraudulent versions are commonly distributed through such channels. Following installation registration is completed using the Aadhaar number and OTP verification via the registered mobile number.
