The New Aadhaar App: 7 Facts to Know in 2026

The New Aadhaar App: 7 Facts to Know in 2026

UIDAI is phasing out the mAadhaar app in favour of a new Aadhaar app, launched in 2026 as a digital identity wallet. Here is what changes, what the new app does and how to use it to protect your Aadhaar.

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In summary

The new Aadhaar app from UIDAI replaces mAadhaar in a phased rollout. It stores your Aadhaar on your phone and signs you in with face authentication. It lets you share only the details a verifier needs, locks your biometrics and shows where your Aadhaar has been used. Install it only from the official app stores, with UIDAI as the developer. Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number current, as sign-in and updates depend on it.


  • mAadhaar is being phased out.
  • The new app uses face authentication.
  • Share only the details a verifier needs.
  • Lock biometrics when you are not using them.

Using Aadhaar for a loan application? Check your loan offer with your phone number and a one-time password (OTP) → apply online → receive funds within 24 hours* of approval.

1. mAadhaar is being replaced by the new Aadhaar app

UIDAI launched a new Aadhaar app in 2026 and is gradually phasing out mAadhaar, which remains available to some users during the changeover. The new app is built as a digital identity wallet, with stronger sign-in and more control over sharing. If you still use mAadhaar, move to the new Aadhaar app when it is available to you, and remove the old one afterwards.

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2. Install it only from the official stores

Fake Aadhaar apps exist, and an app that holds your identity is a prime target. Before you install:

  • Use Google Play or the Apple App Store only: Never install from a link sent by message or email.
  • Check the developer: UIDAI advises confirming that the developer of the Aadhaar app is listed as UIDAI.
  • Check the permissions: The app needs your camera for face authentication; be wary of an app asking for contacts or messages.
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3. Sign-in uses face authentication and a PIN

Setting up the new Aadhaar app takes 3 steps: sign in, complete verification with face authentication, and set a PIN for later access. Face authentication matches you against your Aadhaar record, which makes it harder for someone else to open the app with only your number. Use a PIN that is not your birth year or a simple sequence.

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4. You can share only what is needed

Selective sharing lets you share a part of your Aadhaar details through a QR code, rather than the whole document. A hotel checking your identity, for example, does not need your full Aadhaar number or address. Sharing less reduces what can be misused if a copy goes astray. For loan and bank know-your-customer (KYC) checks, the lender will ask for the details it is required to verify.

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5. You can lock and unlock your biometrics

The Aadhaar app lets you lock your biometrics, so your fingerprints and iris stay blocked for authentication until you unlock them. Keep them locked by default, and unlock them only when you need biometric authentication, such as at a bank branch or for a SIM card. Lock them again afterwards.

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6. Your authentication history shows where Aadhaar was used

The app keeps a record of authentications and updates linked to your Aadhaar. Check it every month or 2. An entry you do not recognise, such as an authentication from a service you have not used, is a sign of possible misuse. Report it to UIDAI on its helpline, 1947, and lock your biometrics at once.

 

Deepak's KYC

Deepak, 28, leads a call centre team in Jaipur on a Rs. 34,000 salary, with a CIBIL score of 729. Before applying for a loan, he moved from mAadhaar to the new Aadhaar app, checked his authentication history and confirmed his mobile number was current, so e-KYC would go through. He borrowed Rs. 88,000 for his mother's hearing aids and a new refrigerator at an illustrative 16% per annum, choosing between a 12-month and an 18-month equated monthly instalment (EMI).


EMI = P × R × (1 + R)^N ÷ [(1 + R)^N − 1]. Here P = Rs. 88,000, R = 16 ÷ 1,200 and N = months.


TenureMonthly EMI (Rs.)Total interest (Rs.)EMI as share of salary (%)
12 months (1 year)7,9847,81223.5
18 months (1.5 years)5,53111,56516.3

Last updated: 27th October, 2026


Over 12 months, the EMI would claim close to 24% of his pay, so he spread the cost. Over 18 months, it falls by Rs. 2,453, with Rs. 3,753 more interest. His details in the Aadhaar app matched his loan documents, so verification went through the first time. Rs. 3,634 is the most processing could cost. Deepak chose 18 months.


What can delay approval: a CIBIL score below 650 or existing EMIs that take up a large share of your income. Names or addresses that do not match across documents, and more than one loan application in the same month, can also slow it down.


Aadhaar details up to date? With a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, you can borrow Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 75 lakh, subject to eligibility. Check your loan offer with your phone number and a one-time password (OTP) → apply online → receive funds within 24 hours* of approval.

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7. Keep your mobile number and details current

Sign-in to the Aadhaar app, one-time passwords and most updates depend on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. If you change numbers, update it at an Aadhaar centre before the old one is switched off. Check that your name, date of birth and address match your other documents, as a mismatch can hold up a bank or loan application. Address updates with valid proof can be made online; date of birth and biometric changes need a visit to an Aadhaar centre.

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What should you do if you lose your phone?

Act at once, in this order:

  • Lock your biometrics: Use the UIDAI website or call 1947 to lock them if you cannot reach the Aadhaar app.
  • Block the SIM: Ask your mobile operator to block it and issue a replacement with the same number.
  • Remove the profile: Once you have a new phone, set up the app again; the old device is replaced at the new sign-in.
  • Watch your history: Check the authentication history for any use you did not make.
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How does Aadhaar help with a loan application?

Lenders verify your identity and address through e-KYC, without needing the Aadhaar app itself, using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and a one-time password. A Bajaj Finance Personal Loan uses this check during the online application. It ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 75 lakh over 12 months to 108 months, for Indian nationals aged 21 years to 80 years with a CIBIL score of 650 or higher.

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Key offerings: 3 loan types

Personal loan interest rate and applicable charges

Type of fee

Applicable charges

Rate of interest per annum

10% to 30.5% p.a.

Processing fees

Up to 4.13% of the loan amount (inclusive of applicable taxes).

Flexi Facility Charge

Term Loan – Not applicable

Flexi Loans –Up To Rs 1,999 To Up To Rs 18,999/- (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes)

Will be deducted upfront from loan amount.

Bounce charges

Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200/- per bounce

“Bounce charges” shall mean charges for (i) dishonor of any payment instrument; or (ii) non-payment of instalment (s) on their respective due dates due to dishonor of payment mandate or non-registration of the payment mandate or any other reason.

Part-prepayment charges

Full Pre-payment:

  • Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on the date of full pre-payment

  • Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

  • Flexi Hybrid Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

Part Pre-payment

  • Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the principal amount of Loan prepaid on the date of such part Pre-Payment.

  • Not Applicable for Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan and Flexi Hybrid Term Loan.

Penal charge

Delay in payment of instalment(s) shall attract Penal Charge at the rate of up to 36% per annum per instalment from the respective due date until the date of receipt of the full instalment(s) amount.

Stamp duty (as per respective state)

Payable as per state laws and deducted upfront from loan amount.

Annual maintenance charges

Term Loan: Not applicable

Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan:

Up to 0.295% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the Dropline limit (as per the repayment schedule) on the date of levy of such charges.


Flexi Hybrid Term Loan:

Up to 0.472% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of The Dropline Limit During Initial Tenure. Up to 0.295% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of Dropline Limit During Subsequent Tenure

Credit guarantee scheme feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (pro-rated daily till 31st March) (inclusive of all applicable taxes) of the loan amount
Credit guarantee scheme renewal feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (inclusive of all applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on April 01 of the subsequent Financial Year.
*Renewal Fee to be collected only for 3 subsequent financial years.
 
**If the Remaining Tenure is less than 12 months, the CG Fee in subsequent years shall be charged prorated.

Frequently asked questions

The apps

Safety

Is the mAadhaar app discontinued?

UIDAI is phasing out mAadhaar in favour of the new Aadhaar app launched in 2026, and mAadhaar remains available to some users during the changeover. Move to the new Aadhaar app when it is available to you, installing it only from Google Play or the Apple App Store and checking that the developer is listed as UIDAI.

It stores your Aadhaar on your phone as a digital identity wallet and signs you in with face authentication. It also lets you share selected details through a QR code, locks and unlocks your biometrics and shows a history of updates and authentications. It is designed to give you more control over who sees your details.

Use the biometric lock option in the Aadhaar app, or on the UIDAI website to lock your fingerprints and iris. While locked, they cannot be used for authentication. Unlock them only when you need biometric authentication, such as at a bank branch, and lock them again afterwards. If you cannot reach the app, call 1947 for help.

It is safer than sharing a full photocopy, because selective sharing lets you reveal only the details a verifier needs. Share only with organisations that have a genuine reason to verify you, and check your authentication history afterwards. Never share your one-time password or PIN with anyone, including callers who claim to be from UIDAI.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application. Terms and conditions apply*.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000