Starting August 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a mandatory face authentication process for generating and activating Universal Account Numbers (UAN) through the UMANG app. This change aims to enhance security, eliminate errors, and make the process more user-friendly by allowing employees to self-service their UAN generation and activation without relying on employers.
What is the New UAN Generation Process?
From August 2025, all new UAN allotments must be done exclusively through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) via the UMANG app. This system pulls verified data directly from the Aadhaar database, ensuring accuracy and reducing manual errors that were common in the previous process. Employees need to use two smartphone applications: the UMANG app for EPFO services and the Aadhaar Face RD app for facial scan authentication. The face authentication replaces older methods requiring employer involvement, streamlining the entire procedure and speeding up access to EPFO services.
Who Must Use Face Authentication?
This new face authentication requirement applies to:
- New employees generating their first UAN.
- Existing members who have a UAN but have not yet activated it.
- Current UAN holders who want to update their EPFO records with biometric verification.
However, exceptions exist for some groups. International workers, as well as citizens of Nepal and Bhutan working in India, can still use the traditional employer-assisted method due to practical and legal reasons.
Benefits of Face Authentication for UAN
Using face authentication brings several advantages:
- Error-free data: Since biometric verification fetches details from Aadhaar, it eliminates data discrepancies.
- Enhanced security: Biometric authentication reduces the risk of identity fraud.
- Faster processing: Employees get instant generation and activation of UAN without waiting for employer approval.
- Greater convenience: The entire process is digital, allowing users to complete it anytime from their mobile devices.
- Direct control: Employees can manage their provident fund accounts on their own without middlemen or delays.
How to Generate and Activate UAN Using UMANG App
The process involves a few straightforward steps:
- Download the UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app from the app store.
- Open UMANG and select “UAN Allotment and Activation.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Verify your mobile via OTP sent by UIDAI.
- Proceed with face authentication by granting camera access and following the facial scan prompts.
- Once verified, the system generates the UAN and sends the details to your mobile.
- You can download the digital e-UAN card instantly for use with your employer.
Activating an Existing UAN
For those who already have a UAN but have not activated it:
- Open UMANG and select “UAN Activation.”
- Provide your UAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.
- Verify mobile number OTP.
- Complete face authentication.
- Upon successful verification, your UAN will be activated, and you will receive a temporary password for EPFO portal access.
Updating Records with Face Authentication
If your UAN is already active but you want to update your details via biometric verification:
- Use UMANG’s “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs” service.
- Consent to the process and complete face scan authentication.
- Your EPFO records will update automatically with the authenticated Aadhaar information.
What You Need to Get Started
- A smartphone with a camera.
- UMANG app installed for accessing EPFO services.
- Aadhaar Face RD app installed for face authentication.
- A mobile number linked with your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
Accessing EPFO Services After Activation
Once your UAN is active, you can instantly utilize various EPFO services online such as:
- Checking your EPF account balance.
- Downloading your passbook.
- Filing claims.
- Updating KYC details.
- Downloading and sharing your e-UAN card for employer onboarding.
This new process ensures your EPF journey is more secure, faster, and more convenient.
Conclusion
The mandatory face authentication for UAN generation via the UMANG app is a significant step toward digitizing and securing EPF services. It empowers employees to manage their provident fund accounts independently with fewer errors and enhanced security. This self-service, paperless process eliminates delays caused by intermediaries and promotes direct access to benefits, making provident fund management seamless and reliable for all eligible members.
