How to Activate UAN Using Face ID on UMANG – Step-by-Step
From August 1, activate your EPFO UAN only through face scan via UMANG app. Learn how the new rule works and steps to generate and activate your UAN.
image for illustrative purpose
Starting August 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enforced Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) for allotting and activating Universal Account Numbers (UAN) via the UMANG app. This move aims to streamline and secure the UAN process, as per the latest circular issued by EPFO.
According to the notification, UAN generation will only be permitted through the FAT-enabled UMANG platform. Members must use facial verification linked with Aadhaar for access. This rule is applicable to new and existing users who wish to activate their UAN independently.
Employees wishing to access EPFO online services—including claim filing, balance checks, and profile updates—must ensure their UAN is activated via UMANG with facial authentication. Participation in schemes such as the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Program also requires an active UAN.
The traditional UAN generation route through employers remains for international employees and workers from Nepal and Bhutan, who are not subject to FAT compliance.
Developed by MeitY and NeGD, the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app integrates multiple government services into one platform. The app now includes three new services for EPF users:
1. Fresh UAN allotment and activation using FAT
2. Activation of previously issued but inactive UANs
3. Face authentication for updating EPFO records for active UANs
Steps to Generate and Activate UAN via UMANG
For users without a UAN:
1. Open UMANG and choose "UAN Allotment and Activation"
2. Submit Aadhaar number and mobile number; agree to Aadhaar verification
3. Use OTP to validate identity
4. Install Aadhaar Face RD App if prompted
5. Complete face scan for authentication
6. UAN will be generated and shared via SMS
For users with unactivated UANs
1. Go to "UAN Activation" in UMANG
2. Enter UAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number
3. Confirm Aadhaar consent and submit OTP
4. Proceed with facial verification using UIDAI API
5. UAN gets activated and details are sent via SMS
Users who already activated their UAN can now update EPFO records through biometric validation:
1. Navigate to "Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs" in UMANG
2. Provide Aadhaar-based consent
3. Face scan via UIDAI API updates EPFO with latest photo, Aadhaar, and mobile number
Post-authentication, members can instantly access their EPF passbook, file claims, update KYC, and download their e-UAN card in PDF. No employer assistance is required for these functions.
To use FAT, members must install both the UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps from the Play Store. A smartphone with a camera is mandatory to complete the verification steps.
