UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar App for Biometric Locking and Unlocking Features The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new Aadhaar app that allows users to securely manage their biometric data by locking or unlocking fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition features. This update aims to enhance privacy and control over personal information, enabling Aadhaar holders to temporarily restrict access to their biometric data. According to UIDAI, over 19.1 million users have already utilized the biometric lock/unlock feature since its launch, highlighting its significance in safeguarding sensitive information. The biometric locking functionality enables Aadhaar number holders to prevent unauthorized use of their fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition for authentication purposes. Once locked, these biometric modalities cannot be used for Aadhaar verification, ensuring that no entity can perform biometric-based authentication for the affected account. UIDAI emphasized that this feature acts as a safety measure to block any attempts at unauthorized access, displaying a specific error code "330" when a locked biometric is attempted for authentication. Users can lock their biometrics through the new Aadhaar app by following a straightforward process. First, they must open the app, log in using their MPIN (Mobile Personal Identification Number), and navigate to the "Biometrics Unlocked" section. From there, selecting "Confirm Biometrics Lock" will activate the lock, rendering the biometric data inaccessible for future authentication. However, if a user loses their mobile device or the linked phone number, they may face challenges accessing their Aadhaar through the app until they complete the recovery process. Unlocking the biometric data is equally simple.#mpin #uidai #aadhaar_app #biometric_locking #aadhaar_holders
UIDAI Launches Fee-Free Aadhaar Email Update Until December 31, 2026 The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new initiative to simplify the process of updating or adding an email address linked to an Aadhaar card. This feature, now available in the Aadhaar App, allows users to modify their email details without visiting physical Seva Kendras, the government-run service centers. Additionally, the UIDAI has waived the ₹75 fee typically charged for such updates, making the process entirely free for users until December 31, 2026. The move aims to enhance the accessibility and security of Aadhaar services. By enabling email updates through the mobile application, UIDAI is addressing the growing demand for digital convenience. Users can now manage their Aadhaar accounts remotely, receiving important alerts and notifications about their personal information. This shift reduces the need for in-person interactions, aligning with broader efforts to promote digital governance. The initiative has already seen significant uptake. Within just two days of its launch, over 250,000 users have successfully updated their email addresses. This rapid response underscores the public’s interest in streamlining bureaucratic processes and taking greater control over their digital identities. UIDAI officials emphasized that the fee waiver is a temporary measure, valid until the end of 2026, to encourage widespread adoption of the new feature. The update is part of UIDAI’s ongoing strategy to modernize Aadhaar services and improve user experience. By eliminating the fee and simplifying the process, the authority is addressing common pain points, such as long wait times at physical centers and the cost associated with administrative tasks.#uidai #aadhaar_app #seva_kendras #uidai_officials #digital_governance
Aadhaar App Launches Email Update Feature, Service To Be Free For 6 Months The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new feature in the Aadhaar App that allows users to update or add their email addresses directly, effective from 1 July 2026. This service will remain free for six months, providing residents with a convenient alternative to visiting physical Aadhaar centers for updates. The initiative aims to streamline the process of maintaining accurate personal information linked to Aadhaar, enhancing ease of living for millions of users. According to the release, the email update feature is exclusively available through the Aadhaar App, which operates on both Android and iOS platforms. The service is part of UIDAI’s broader efforts to modernize Aadhaar-related services, enabling users to manage multiple updates—such as mobile numbers and addresses—directly from their smartphones. Over 40 million individuals have already updated their mobile numbers using the app, while approximately one million have modified their address details. The new email update functionality has seen rapid adoption, with more than 2.5 lakh users successfully updating their email IDs within the first two days of the service’s launch. This highlights the growing reliance on digital platforms for government services. Additionally, the feature includes a real-time notification system, alerting users whenever an Aadhaar authentication request is processed. This ensures greater transparency and control over personal data. UIDAI has encouraged residents to take advantage of the free service, emphasizing that users can access the email update feature by downloading or updating the Aadhaar App on their mobile devices.#unique_identification_authority_of_india #uidai #aadhaar_app #email_update_feature #uidai_commitment
UIDAI Clarifies No Mandatory Aadhaar App Plan; Industry Body Criticizes Sensationalized Discussions The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that there are no plans to make the Aadhaar app mandatory for citizens. This comes amid reports suggesting discussions about preinstalling the app on mobile devices. A senior UIDAI official stated that the proposal to preinstall the Aadhaar app on smartphones was submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology in November 2025. The official emphasized that stakeholder consultations are currently underway, but no final decisions have been made. The UIDAI’s clarification aims to address concerns raised by the public and industry stakeholders. The agency reiterated that the Aadhaar app is not a mandatory tool for citizens and that its use remains voluntary. The official highlighted that the proposal under consideration is part of broader efforts to enhance digital services, but it does not require users to install the app on their devices. An industry body representing technology and digital service providers has criticized the media for sensationalizing routine discussions about the Aadhaar app. The body stated that the conversations around preinstallation are part of standard policy consultations and do not indicate any imminent regulatory changes. It urged the public to avoid speculation and focus on verified information. The UIDAI’s stance aligns with its long-standing position of balancing digital convenience with user privacy. While the agency has previously supported the integration of Aadhaar for various services, it has consistently emphasized the importance of voluntary participation.#uidai #aadhaar_app #ministry_of_information_technology #industry_body #mobile_manufacturers
