If you use the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) or are about to join a job where provident fund deductions apply, there’s a big change you need to know about.
Starting August 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will only allow Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation through the UMANG app — and you’ll need to verify yourself using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT).
Let’s walk through what this means, who it affects, and how you can complete the process step-by-step.
What’s Changing from August 1, 2025?
Under the new rules, only EPF members can generate their UAN using the UMANG app. The move aims to cut down on errors and make the process fully digital.
Here’s the key update:
- UAN generation + activation → Only via the UMANG App
- Face scan required → Aadhaar-based Face Authentication
- No need to depend on employers → Members can do it themselves
EPFO believes this will make social security access more direct and efficient. However, experts point out that workers with limited internet access or low digital literacy may face some challenges.
Quick Recap: What’s the UMANG App?
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government platform that bundles hundreds of central, state, and local e-governance services into one mobile app.
It’s developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
For EPFO members, UMANG now offers:
- Direct UAN allotment and activation
- UAN activation for existing accounts
- Face authentication for already activated UANs
Who Doesn’t Need to Follow This New Rule?
The employer-assisted process for UAN generation will still apply to:
- International workers
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan
All other EPF members will need to use the Aadhaar face authentication route.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
To use the new Face Authentication service, make sure you:
- Have a smartphone with internet access
- Download the Aadhaar Face RD app and the UMANG app from the Play Store
- Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for OTP verification
How to Generate and Activate Your UAN via UMANG
1. For New Users Without a UAN
- Open UMANG → Select “UAN Allotment and Activation”
- Enter:
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Tick the consent box for Aadhaar validation
- Tap “Send OTP” and verify using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone
- Install Aadhaar Face RD app if prompted
- If no UAN exists, proceed with Face Authentication:
- Give consent
- Scan your face
- After verification, your new UAN is generated and sent via SMS
2. For Users Who Already Have a UAN (Not Yet Activated)
- Open UMANG → Select “UAN Activation”
- Enter your:
- UAN
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Consent for Aadhaar validation
- Verify OTP → Complete Face Authentication
- After verification, you get:
- Activated UAN
- Temporary password via SMS
- Updated EPFO database with your photo and address
3. For Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs
- Open UMANG → Select “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs”
- Provide consent → Scan your face
- EPFO auto-updates records with verified Aadhaar details
Why This Matters for EPF Members
Once your UAN is active, you can:
- Check your EPF balance through the passbook
- File withdrawal or transfer claims
- Update your KYC details
- Download your e-UAN card instantly
Final Thought
If you’re an EPF member, it’s best to update your details and activate your UAN well before you need to make a claim. The process is now mobile-based and paper-free — as long as you have your Aadhaar and a smartphone, you can handle it yourself in just a few minutes.
For the official step-by-step guide and the latest updates, visit:
EPFO Official Website