How to generate or activate your UAN (2026)
Last checked against official sources:
Drafted from official sources; final human double-check pending — details could shift slightly.
Many UAN guides still tell you to use 'Activate UAN' on the EPFO Member Portal. That's out of date. Under EPFO's circular of 30 July 2025, UAN allotment and activation moved to the UMANG app with Aadhaar face authentication.
You'll need a phone with the UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app, and access to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar for the OTP.
Can this be done online?
Fully online
Steps
- Install the UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app
- In UMANG, open EPFO services → 'UAN Services Through Face Auth'
- Choose 'UAN Allotment and Activation' if you've never had a UAN, or 'UAN Activation' if you already have oneIf you're not sure whether you have one, start with 'UAN Allotment and Activation'.
- Give your Aadhaar consent in UMANG, enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile, and complete face authenticationYou enter your Aadhaar number in the government's UMANG app, never in Swikaar.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Following older guides that say to use 'Activate UAN' on the EPFO Member Portal. Allotment and activation now go through UMANG face authentication.
- Starting without access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. The OTP goes to that number.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still activate my UAN on the EPFO Member Portal?
EPFO's circular of 30 July 2025 made UMANG face authentication the way to allot and activate a UAN. Expect the old portal route not to work for new allotments.
What apps do I need?
The UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app. You also need access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for the OTP.
I'm not sure if I already have a UAN — which option do I choose?
In UMANG, 'UAN Allotment and Activation' is for people without a UAN and 'UAN Activation' is for an existing one. Your salary slip or your employer's HR team can tell you if you already have one.
Does Swikaar need my Aadhaar number for this?
No. You enter it only in the government's UMANG app. Swikaar never collects Aadhaar numbers.
Get a plan personalised to your exact situation.
Start with SwikaarSource: EPFO Circular WSU/MemberProfilePt1/E-965649/2025-26/22 (30 Jul 2025) — Mandatory Allotment and Activation of UAN through UMANG App using FAT, with UMANG user manual · Last verified 2026-11-14
Source: EPFO Unified Member Portal · Last verified 2026-11-14