Each working professional who has enrolled in the EPF Scheme will have a Unique Identification Number called Universal Account Number (UAN), issued by EPFO. This 12-digit number remains constant through any job changes during their working life. The absence of an activated UAN can add complications while performing certain activities, like checking EPF balance or making a request for withdrawing money from EPF.
What is UAN?
A Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit identification number assigned by EPFO to every EPF member. It functions as a permanent identity for the member across their working career.
When an employee joins a new company, the employer generates a fresh PF member ID for that individual. Over time, an employee who has worked at multiple companies accumulates separate PF member IDs. The UAN connects all these IDs under a single account.
A few characteristics of the UAN are worth noting. EPFO assigns each UAN only once and it does not change when an employee switches jobs. Every new PF member ID generated by an employer gets linked to the existing UAN. The UAN remains active even during gaps in employment and is required for nearly all online EPFO services, from balance checks to withdrawal claims.
How to Activate UAN Online
UAN activation is the process of setting up login credentials for the UAN so that the member may access EPFO's online services. Without activation, the UAN exists only as a number on record.
From August 2025, EPFO discontinued UAN activation through the EPFO member portal. The UMANG app is now the only official channel for new UAN activations, and the process requires Aadhaar-based face authentication.
Activation Prerequisites
The following are the prerequisites to complete before beginning the activation process.
- Aadhaar number linked to the UAN (the employer typically handles this during onboarding)
- Aadhaar-registered mobile number, which is the number linked to Aadhaar and may differ from the personal mobile number
- UMANG app downloaded and installed, available on Android and iOS
- Aadhaar Face RD app installed on the same device, required for the face authentication step
If Aadhaar is not yet linked to the UAN, the employee needs to request the employer's HR department to initiate the linking process through the employer's EPFO portal.
Step-by-Step UAN Activation via UMANG App
The following are the seven steps to complete UAN activation through the UMANG app.
Step 1
Open the UMANG app and navigate to "UAN Allotment and Activation" under the EPFO services section.
Step 2
Enter the Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. Check the consent checkbox for Aadhaar validation before proceeding.
Step 3
Tap "Send OTP." If prompted, install the Aadhaar Face RD app before continuing. Enter the OTP sent to the registered mobile number to verify identity.
Step 4
The system checks whether the Aadhaar number is already linked to an existing UAN. If a UAN is already linked, the member will be notified. If no UAN is linked, the process moves to face authentication.
Step 5
On the face authentication screen, check the consent checkbox and tap "Face Authentication." The app will perform a face scan using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
Step 6
Once face authentication is successful, the system fetches the member's details and generates a new UAN.
Step 7
The newly generated UAN is sent via SMS to the Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
How to Find Your UAN Number
The following are three methods through which an employee may locate their UAN number.
Through Your Employer
The most direct method is to contact the HR or payroll department of the current or most recent employer. Every employer that registers employees with EPFO receives UAN details during the registration process. Most companies also share UAN information during the onboarding process itself.
Through Salary Slip
Many companies print the UAN number directly on monthly salary slips, near the EPF contribution section. Salary slips from previous employers may also carry the same UAN, since the number does not change across jobs.
Through the EPFO Portal
If the employer is not reachable or salary slips are unavailable, the EPFO portal offers a self-service retrieval option. The following steps explain how to use it.
- Visit the EPFO member portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
- Click on "Know Your UAN" on the login page.
- Enter either the PF member ID, Aadhaar number, or Permanent Account Number (PAN) along with personal details such as name, date of birth, and mobile number.
- An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP. The portal will display the UAN.
Possible Issues During UAN Activation
The following are common problems members may face during UAN activation, along with steps to address them.
- OTP Not Received on Mobile: This may occur when the Aadhaar-registered mobile number is inactive. It is important to verify which number is linked to Aadhaar through the UIDAI website or a nearby Aadhaar enrolment centre. If the number needs updating, visiting an Aadhaar centre to submit a mobile update request may resolve the issue.
- Inconsistency in Aadhaar Details: Discrepancies in the Aadhaar details, like name, date of birth or gender, with those of EPFO records will result in failure during activation. Both the Aadhaar record and EPFO record will have to be corrected.
- Face Authentication Failure: If the face authentication fails during the activation process, reasons can include bad lighting, poor camera quality, and changes to facial appearance from the time the Aadhaar photograph was taken. The process can be attempted in good lighting conditions with cleaning of the camera lens of the mobile phone. Additionally, accessories like glasses or hats need to be removed.
- UAN Already Activated Message: If the system indicates the UAN is already activated, the member may have completed the process previously. In this case, using the "Forgot Password" option on the EPFO member portal to reset credentials may restore access.
- UMANG App Crashes or Errors: Ensuring that both the UMANG app and the Aadhaar Face RD app are updated to the latest version, clearing the app cache, and restarting the device before attempting the process again may help. A stable internet connection is necessary throughout the activation.
Conclusion
A UAN is a permanent identifier that connects all EPF accounts an employee holds across different employers. Activating the UAN through the UMANG app may enable direct access to EPFO's online services, including balance checks, fund transfers, and withdrawal claims, without dependence on the employer for routine tasks. Ensuring Aadhaar details are linked and updated before beginning the activation process may help avoid common errors. For members who do not yet have a UAN, the allotment and activation process is available entirely through the UMANG app, making it accessible without requiring a visit to any EPFO office.
FAQs on UAN Number
What is the full form of UAN?
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. EPFO assigns this 12-digit number to every EPF member once, for life.
Is UAN activation mandatory for EPF access?
Without an activated UAN, a member may not access online EPFO services such as balance checks, claims, or fund transfers.
Can a member have two UAN numbers?
EPFO's policy allows only one UAN per individual. If duplicate UANs exist, the current employer may initiate a merge through the EPFO employer portal.
How long does UAN activation take?
Activation through the UMANG app may take under 10 minutes, provided Aadhaar details match and OTP verification is completed without errors.
Is UAN activation possible without Aadhaar?
As of August 2025, Aadhaar-based face authentication is required for UAN activation via the UMANG app. No alternative method is currently available.
What if Aadhaar is not linked to the UAN?
It is important to contact the employer's HR department to initiate Aadhaar linking through the employer's EPFO portal before attempting activation.
Can a member share their old UAN with a new employer?
Yes. Sharing the existing UAN with a new employer ensures that the new PF member ID gets linked to the same UAN, which may make future fund transfers more straightforward.
How to check EPF balance after UAN activation?
After activation, logging in to the EPFO member portal and navigating to the "Passbook" section may display balances across all linked PF member IDs.
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