The existing mAadhaar app will soon be phased out and replaced with a redesigned Aadhaar application, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) announced last month. As part of the transition, the statutory authority has been urging users to switch to the new Aadhaar app, which can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices.
The new Aadhaar app was officially launched by on January 28, 2026, as part of the authority’s broader push to reduce Aadhaar misuse and give citizens greater control over their personal data. The new Aadhaar app relies heavily on face authentication, QR-code verification and digital identity sharing.
What makes the new Aadhaar app different?
The most significant change in the new application is the shift from document sharing to digital verification.
Over the years, holders have been asked to submit photocopies of their Aadhaar card for hotel check-ins, SIM card verification, rental agreements and several other situations. This often meant sharing more personal information than necessary and leaving copies of the document with multiple organisations.
The new Aadhaar app seeks to reduce that dependence on physical copies. Users can now verify their identity digitally through QR code-based authentication and choose to share only the information required for a particular service. By replacing the need of submitting the physical document, the app aims to improve privacy, reduce the risk of personal data misuse and give users more control over their Aadhaar data.
Here’s what the new Aadhaar app brings:
- Face ID-based Aadhaar authentication
- QR-based contact card for sharing contact details
- One-click biometric lock and unlock
- Consent‑based selective data sharing
- Addition of up to five Aadhaar profiles on one device
- Mobile number and address update facility
Separately, the authority has extended its free online Aadhaar document update service by one year, allowing residents to update and verify their identity and address documents on the Aadhaar portal at no extra cost.
According to an official UIDAI memorandum, the facility will now remain available until 14 June 2027, rather than ending on 15 June 2026 as previously announced. The new Aadhaar app was officially launched on 28 January 2026.
Do you have to manually transfer your data from the old Aadhar app to the new one?
No, users do not need to manually migrate from to the new Aadhaar app. After downloading the new app, you simply need to verify your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, complete face authentication and set up your profile again. The process is quite straightforward.
Users of the existing mAadhaar app can easily switch to the new Aadhaar app by following the given steps:
Step 1: Download the new Aadhaar app from the app store (available on both Android and iOS). Meanwhile, you may also uninstall the mAadhaar app.
Step 2: Log in using your existing Aadhaar credentials. You must enter your Aadhaar number and mAadhaar PIN, then select OTP verification as per your convenience.
Step 3: Complete a one-time biometric authentication.
Step 4: Set a 6-digit numeric password for extra security on the new Aadhaar app.
Once these steps are completed, the new Aadhaar app will be ready to use. Users can then manage their Aadhaar details, authentication, and document-sharing needs through the new application.