The government has announced the impending discontinuation of the mAadhaar app as part of a strategy to enhance security and improve user experience within the Aadhaar ecosystem. This decision, made by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), marks a significant shift in how Aadhaar services will be accessed on mobile devices. Users are encouraged to transition to the new Aadhaar app, which promises to offer a more streamlined and secure interface for managing Aadhaar-related services.

In an official communication shared on X, the Aadhaar account confirmed the cessation of the mAadhaar app and urged users to download the newly launched application. The announcement stated, “mAadhaar will discontinue soon. Download the new Aadhaar App and experience faster access and smarter features to enjoy services at your fingertips.” The government’s focus is squarely on enhancing convenience and security for users nationwide.

The new app is designed not only as an aesthetic upgrade but also as a substantial improvement in functionality. Unlike its predecessor, which frequently revealed complete Aadhaar details during verification, the new platform prioritises selective sharing of user information, enhancing privacy and security during identity verification.

Features of the New Aadhaar App

One of the significant advancements in the new Aadhaar app is the introduction of secure QR-based Aadhaar sharing. This feature aims to facilitate in-person verifications at venues such as hotels, hospitals, and government offices while minimising the exposure of sensitive information. Users can now provide only the necessary details via QR codes for smoother verification processes.

The authentication mechanism has also been significantly upgraded. Previously, Aadhaar access relied mainly on a One-Time Password (OTP) sent through SMS. The new system incorporates several layers of identity verification, including face authentication and QR verification in addition to the standard OTP, depending on the service being accessed. These improvements are intended to mitigate the risk of misuse and enhance the security surrounding digital identities.

The app also empowers users with greater control over their biometric information. Users can now manage or lock their biometric authentication data directly through the app, which includes options for fingerprint, face, and iris authentication. This feature is expected to reduce the risk of unauthorised access, especially when using shared or public devices.

Setting Up the New Aadhaar App

Installing the new Aadhaar app involves a more detailed process compared to the previous mAadhaar onboarding. Users must first download the official “Aadhaar” app from reputable app stores such as the Play Store. After selecting their preferred language, they need to input the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar account and verify it through an OTP.

During the setup process, some users may be prompted to undergo face authentication. Once this step is completed, they can establish a PIN or enable biometric unlock before entering their Aadhaar number and conducting another OTP verification. This multi-layered setup is structured to verify the user’s identity at various points, rather than relying solely on one login method.

This transition to the new application coincides with UIDAI’s extension of its free online Aadhaar document update service. According to an official memo, users can continue to update and verify their identity and address documents at no cost via the myAadhaar portal until June 14, 2027. This extension provides users with ample time to manage their Aadhaar details without incurring any fees, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing user accessibility and convenience.

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