mAadhaar to shut down soon as govt rolls out new Aadhaar app with stronger security

The government has announced that the existing mAadhaar app will soon be discontinued, marking a major shift in how Aadhaar services will function on smartphones.

The move is part of the Unique Identification Authority of India’s broader push to strengthen security, improve user control over personal data, and modernise digital identity verification. In a post on X, Aadhaar’s official account confirmed the transition and urged users to move to the newly launched Aadhaar app.

“mAadhaar will discontinue soon. Download the new Aadhaar App and experience faster access, smarter features and enjoy services at your fingertips. It is designed to make your Aadhaar experience simpler, and more convenient than ever,” the post said.

The new app is more than a visual upgrade. It fundamentally changes how Aadhaar verification and identity sharing will work. Unlike the older platform, which often displayed complete Aadhaar details during authentication, the new app focuses on selective data sharing and stronger identity checks before access is granted.

New Aadhaar app adds QR sharing, face authentication

One of the key new features is secure QR-based Aadhaar sharing, designed to make in-person verification faster and safer at hotels, hospitals, government offices and other service centres. Instead of revealing full Aadhaar details, users can now share only the information required through QR verification.

The authentication process has also been upgraded. Earlier, Aadhaar access largely depended on OTP verification through SMS. The new system introduces multiple security layers, including face authentication and QR verification, depending on the service being accessed.

The aim is to reduce misuse and improve security around digital identity access.

The app also gives users greater control over biometric data. Fingerprint, facial and iris authentication can now be locked or managed directly through the app, a move UIDAI says will help prevent unauthorised access, particularly on shared or public devices.

How to set up the new Aadhaar app

Setting up the new Aadhaar app involves a more detailed onboarding process than mAadhaar.

Users must first download the official Aadhaar app from verified app stores such as Play Store. After selecting a preferred language, they need to enter the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar and verify it through an OTP.

Some users may also be asked to complete face authentication during setup. Once verified, they can create a PIN or enable biometric unlock, then add their Aadhaar number and complete a second OTP verification.

The multi-step process is designed to confirm identity at multiple stages rather than relying on a single login method.

The transition comes as UIDAI has also extended its free online Aadhaar document update service. Under an official memorandum, users can continue updating identity and address documents free of cost on the myAadhaar portal until June 14, 2027. Earlier, the free update window was scheduled to end on June 15.