Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) announce the launch of a new Aadhaar app for Android and iOS users. This development of the new app is part of the government’s initiative to create a paperless experience for document verification and other official purposes.
But, ever since the launch of the new app, many have confuse because another Aadhaar app, call as mAadhaar, already exist in app store.
But there is no need to be confuse, as both apps serve very different purposes.
Aadhaar vs mAadhaar
UIDAI now has two different apps, mAadhaar and Aadhaar.
But, the new app is not meant to be a replacement for the older app.
But, they serve different purposes.
mAadhaar is design to be a mobile-first platform for Aadhaar-related services, and the new Aadhaar app is aimed at broad digital identity usage.
As with mAadhaar, you can download e-Aadhaar, generate Virtual ID (VID), and download a PDF of the document.
mAadhaar also lets users share the QR code of Aadhaar and request offline authentication services.
While new Aadhaar app lets users link up to five Aadhaar profiles of family members on the same mobile device, given they use the same register mobile number.
Aadhaar app also supports face authentication login and biometric locking for adds security.
Also, it lets users share their digital ID via QR codes and verifiable credentials.
What is mAadhaar App?
The mAadhaar app was the first mobile application built by UIDAI as a easy way to access many Aadhaar services.
This app acts as a mobile-first platform for its website, and overlaps many features such as ordering a PVC card, downloading a PDF version of the digital ID, verifying email and phone number, and many more.
mAadhaar app has a very basic interface, and every feature is list on the home page.
What is New Aadhaar App?
The new Aadhaar app is part of UIDAI’s effort to popularise a paperless experience for Aadhaar-related usage.
Aadhaar app acts as a digital storage for the user’s their family members’ Aadhaar cards.
This new platform also allows users to mask their ID, share it digitally, and scan Aadhaar-related QR codes directly via the app.
Aadhaar app does not support services such as updating card details, requesting a physical card, or verifying their number and email.
Difference between mAadhaar vs New Aadhaar App
| Feature | mAadhaar App | New Aadhaar App |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Mobile access to Aadhaar services like downloading e-Aadhaar, updating details, and sharing QR codes. | A next-generation digital identity wallet focus on secure storage and sharing of Aadhaar profiles. |
| Profiles Supported | Usually one profile per user (limit family profile options). | Up to five Aadhaar profiles on one device using the same register mobile number. |
| Authentication & Security | Login via OTP and PIN. | Face authentication login, biometric lock, and stronger QR credential sharing for verifiable identity. |
| Services Offered | Download e-Aadhaar, generate Virtual ID (VID), update details, order PVC card, offline QR verification. | Create and manage multiple Aadhaar profiles, share digital ID via QR or verifiable credential, biometric locking. |
| User Interface | Older, utility-based design focus on service access. | Modern, simplified interface built for faster navigation and mobile UX consistency. |
| Availability | Android and iOS (UIDAI official). | Android and iOS (UIDAI official), launch in November 2025. |
| Offline Access | Offline QR verification supported. | Offline digital identity verification support with secure credentials. |
| Data Sharing | QR code and XML file sharing. | Secure credential and QR code-based sharing compliant with new verification standards. |
| Family Profile Support | Limited. | Full support for up to 5 Aadhaar profiles on one device (same register mobile number). |
| Launch Timeline | Release earlier as UIDAI’s first mobile app. | Released in 2025 at UIDAI’s “Aadhaar Samvaad” event. |
| Replacement Status | Still active and support. | Runs in parallel; may gradually replace mAadhaar in future. |
Features of New Aadhaar App
The new Aadhaar app allows cardholders to carry their Aadhaar card in a verifiable credential digital format on their smartphones via a user-friendly interface.
New Aadhaar App eliminates the need to carry a physical Aadhaar and also minimises potential risks of having an unsecured PDF of the document.
Aadhaar app supports multi-profile, which means Aadhaar holders can include up to five profiles of their loved ones.
The additional Aadhaar profiles can be access in the profile section.
New Aadhaar App supports biometric locking/unlocking.
When enable, the biometric data store in the Aadhaar profile remains lock until it is temporarily unlock or disable by the system.
Apart from this, the app allows citizens to share QR codes of the Aadhaar card for offline access to the document.
New Aadhaar App can also scan a QR code, which shows the information (like, name, date of birth, and mask mobile number) request by the service provider, which can be a hotel reception desk or a shop.
Finaly, the Aadhaar app displays updated Aadhaar profile data once an update request is successful.
How to Download and Register for the New Aadhaar App?
The new Aadhaar app is available for free download on the Google Play Store and App Store for Android and iOS devices.
Follow These Steps:
- Open the Aadhaar app.
- Select your prefer language
- Register for the app, by using your Aadhaar-link mobile number or a different mobile number, as latter will require some extra authentication.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Complete the SMS verification by entering the OTP
- When complete, you will be prompt to perform a facial authentication.
- Make sure that there is sufficient lighting in the background and remove spectacles.
- Then, enter a 6-digit password that will be use to access the app
- You will now be redirect to the app’s home page, where you can access your Aadhaar card, share it with others, and add a biometric lock
With the launch of the new Aadhaar app, UIDAI now offers two apps for Aadhaar-related services, with the other one being mAadhaar.
But, there are differences between the two.
Aadhaar app is not a direct replacement for the existing mAadhaar app.
As it allows citizens to securely store and access Aadhaar details on their smartphones, its functionality is limited.
mAadhaar app offers services such as downloading a digital Aadhaar card, ordering a PVC card, verifying your email and mobile number, and generating a virtual ID.
You can also download offline eKYC, show or scan the QR code, and request an address validation letter.
FAQs
| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
| What is the new Aadhaar App? | The new Aadhaar App is an official mobile application launch by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2025. |
| Can I use both the mAadhaar and the new Aadhaar App together? | Yes. Both apps currently co-exist. UIDAI has not announce the discontinuation of mAadhaar. |
| Does the new Aadhaar App replace the physical Aadhaar card? | No. The new Aadhaar App does not replace your physical Aadhaar card. It gives a secure digital version of your Aadhaar identity that can be share electronically, but the physical or PDF version of Aadhaar may still be require for certain official verifications. |
| How do I download the new Aadhaar App? | You can download the new Aadhaar App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching for “Aadhaar App” publish by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Avoid third-party links and verify the developer name before installing. |
| Can I add multiple Aadhaar profiles on the same device? | Yes. The new Aadhaar App allows users to add up to 5 Aadhaar profiles on one smartphone, provid all profiles use the same register mobile number. |
| What is the new Aadhaar app? | As per UIDAI, the new Aadhaar app is a next-generation digital identity platform that allows citizens to access their Aadhaar details on their smartphones. |
| Where is the new Aadhaar app available? | The new Aadhaar app is available for both Android and iOS devices, via the Google Play Store and App Store. |
| Do I need to carry a physical Aadhaar card after installing the Aadhaar app? | No, the new Aadhaar app eliminates the need to carry a physical Aadhaar. It also minimises the potential risks of having an unsecure PDF of the document on your smartphone. |
| How to register on the Aadhaar app? | You can register on the new Aadhaar app by using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number or a different mobile number. The latter will require some extra authentication. |
| Can I save someone else’s Aadhaar details too? | Yes, the new Aadhaar app features a multi-profile option, allowing Aadhaar holders to include up to 5 profiles of your loved ones. |
