The Aadhaar card is an essential document for Indian citizens today, as it can be used as address and identity proof for all purposes—opening a bank account, filing taxes, or taking government schemes. But what if your registered mobile number is deactivated or modified? Can one update their mobile number in Aadhaar online? This piece unearths the facts about how and all that you would want to know, like downloading an Aadhaar card online via your mobile number.
Why Mobile Number Linking with Aadhaar Matters
Your mobile number linking with Aadhaar is crucial so that you are able to get access to a lot of services quite easily. The reasons are:
About the Author: This piece is written by Rohan Mahapidar.
1. OTP Verification: Most Aadhaar-related operations like updation of information, identity verification, or even downloading the Aadhaar card from the website involve OTP (One-Time Password) verification to the registered mobile number.
2. Authentication: Aadhaar-linked services like linking the bank account, e-KYC, and access to subsidies all require your mobile number connected to Aadhaar for the authentication process.
3. Communication: Update, biometric update, or other Aadhaar-related messages are communicated to the registered number.
With these huge benefits, it is necessary to update your mobile number as soon as possible if your number has been changed.
Can Mobile Number Be Updated in Aadhaar Online?
So far, Aadhaar card mobile number update can’t be done online completely. Other demographic updates such as name, address, date of birth, and gender can be done online at the UIDAI website. For Mobile Number updates, one has to physically visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Post Office Aadhaar Services.
Procedures for Changing Mobile Number in Aadhaar Offline
Changing mobile number in the Aadhaar is a very manual process requiring a one-time physical presence at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The steps are as below:
Offline Means of Changing Mobile Number in Aadhaar
Changing your mobile number in Aadhaar would require you visiting the Enrolment Centre or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The procedures include:
1. Reaching the Aadhaar Centre Nearby: Visit the official website of UIDAI, uidai.gov.in, to know the closest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.
2. Scoped Documents: It is said that no identity documents are necessary for updating a mobile number as such. But it is always advisable to carry your original Aadhaar card for your and the officer’s reference.
3. Fill Out the Form: Ask for the Aadhaar Update/Correction form at the center and write your new mobile number in the appropriate box.
4. Give Biometrics: For verification purposes, you can be required to furnish biometric authentication (iris scan or fingerprint).
5. Pay Fee: As per UIDAI Guidelines, a nominal fee (currently Rs 50) is prescribed for any update in the Aadhaar.
6. Acknowledgment: After submission, you will be provided an acknowledgment receipt along with a URN (Update Request Number).Keep this with you to check your update status online.
Keep this handy to track your update status online.
Within five to ten days, your mobile number will be updated, and you will be able to receive OTPs and access services attached to Aadhaar.
Download Aadhaar Card Online by Mobile Number
While mobile number updates aren’t currently available online, many other services, including Download Aadhaar Card Online by Mobile Number, are accessible with your registered number. Here’s how to download Aadhaar card online using your mobile number:
Via UIDAI’s Official Website
1. UIDAI Website: Go to uidai.gov.in and click on “Download Aadhaar.”
2. Enter the Details: Enter your Aadhaar number, Enrollment number (EID), or Virtual ID (VID) while or else use a registered phone number for verification.
3. Get OTP: Upon sending the details, click on Send OTP. One-time password will be received on the registered number.
4. Get OTP Verified: Enter the OTP given in the respective field and proceed.
5. Download Aadhaar Card: After authentication, the person would be required to download the card in PDF format. The document is password-protected, and usually, the password is made of the first four letters of the name of the person in all-capitals followed by the year in which he/she was born.
Through mAadhaar App
1. Download mAadhaar App: Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Register Your Mobile Number: Register inside the app with your mobile number that has linkage with Aadhaar.
3. Download Aadhaar: On the “Download Aadhaar” page, enter the required credentials.
4. Receive OTP: The OTP will be received on your registered mobile number. Complete the verification process to download your Aadhaar card directly in the app.
These are extremely easy to use if your Aadhaar is connected with your mobile number. If not recently updated, update first offline your mobile number by addressing the issue.
Mobile Number Update for Aadhaar Without Documents
Most individuals are worried about whether additional documents need to be provided for a mobile number update. UIDAI has clearly mentioned that address proof or identity proof or any document is not needed just for mobile number update. Authentication of updates through biometrics like fingerprint or iris scan is enough. The procedure becomes very simple and easy in this manner.
Advantages of Mobile Number Update in Aadhaar
Updating your mobile number guarantees convenient access to the wide range of services related to Aadhaar. Some of the benefits are:
1. Safe Updates: If you want to update your demographic information or download your Aadhaar card online based on your mobile number, an updated link provides secure OTP-based verification.
2. Simple Transactions: Most financial transactions, e.g., KYC for opening a bank account, have Aadhaar verification and are made simple through OTP in your mobile.
3. Avail Aadhaar Services: Facilities like request for change of address, retrieval of lost Aadhaar, and identity verification are heavily dependent upon the registered mobile number.
4. Be Advised: UIDAI sends vital updates and changes through SMS on your registered mobile number.
Alternatives to Update Mobile Number
If a trip to an Aadhaar Center appears to be cumbersome, UIDAI is seriously taking the postal route. Post offices with Aadhaar facilities now provide the facility to update the mobile number, which is a convenient option for rural and semi-urban residents. Although this service is picking up pace, the personal visit remains the most common method of mobile number updates till date.
General Problems Encountered with Mobile Number Update
Even though it is important, most individuals will have some issues when updating their mobile number on Aadhaar. These are:
1. Center Availability: Individuals from rural areas might face difficulty in finding the Aadhaar Enrolment Centers around.
2. Delays: While the process is fast, delays during updates sometimes take place due to some technical issues or improper submissions.
3. Unauthenticated Numbers: Mobile numbers given out must be actual live numbers who can receive OTPs; if an unauthenticated number or a number is deactivated, it shall be rejected at the verification.
To avoid these issues, preparation and patience are essential.
Conclusion
The process of changing a mobile number in Aadhaar still very much requires a person going to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra/Post Office. As much of a hassle as it may appear to some, the value of keeping the proper mobile number registered with your Aadhaar card cannot be beaten to the letter. From downloading Aadhaar cards online with your mobile number to getting important Aadhaar-related reminders, the registered number makes several procedures possible and keeps them safe.
If you want to get your mobile number update, try the above steps, be vigilant about newer UIDAI services, and keep your Aadhaar-linked details accurate at all times. Although the future will certainly bring online facility for mobile number updation, at present offline updation is the only means to ensure compliance and usage of the vast number of services Aadhaar facilitates.