UIDAI's New Aadhaar App: A Secure Digital Wallet for Managing Multiple Profiles with Enhanced Privacy Features

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new Aadhaar mobile application designed to enhance security and convenience when carrying and sharing your Aadhaar identity. Functioning as a digital Aadhaar wallet, this application allows users to store their Aadhaar information on their smartphones, present it when necessary, and maintain control over what specific information is shared.

A notable feature of this new application is the ability to store multiple Aadhaar profiles—up to five family members—on a single device, provided all these Aadhaar numbers are linked to the same mobile number. It's important to understand that this new application operates alongside the existing mAadhaar app rather than replacing it.

The new Aadhaar application offers several key features. Multi-Profile Access enables users to add up to five Aadhaar profiles on one smartphone for family members sharing the same registered mobile number. Face Authentication requires a facial scan after OTP verification to confirm identity, reducing impersonation risks. Biometric Lock protection secures your Aadhaar profile with either a biometric lock or PIN, preventing unauthorized access.

Additional features include Selective Data Sharing, which allows users to choose what information to share (such as only name and photo rather than complete Aadhaar details) and generate QR codes for contactless verification. Offline Access enables viewing your Aadhaar even without internet connectivity—particularly valuable in areas with limited network coverage. The Activity Log feature maintains a record of when and where your Aadhaar was used for authentication purposes.

Setting up the application involves downloading the official "Aadhaar" app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store (ensuring the developer is UIDAI), entering your Aadhaar number, selecting your preferred language, and verifying with an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. You'll then need to complete face authentication by scanning your face as prompted, set a PIN, enable biometric lock for enhanced protection, and optionally add family profiles if they share the same registered mobile number.

There are distinct differences between the new Aadhaar app and the existing mAadhaar app. The new application is designed for everyday use, facilitating secure Aadhaar presentation and sharing. It supports family profiles (using the same mobile number), incorporates face authentication for security, allows sharing of selected details only, enables QR code verification, offers offline access, and maintains authentication records.

In contrast, the mAadhaar app focuses on account-related functions such as downloading e-Aadhaar, ordering PVC cards, updating contact information, and managing Virtual IDs (VIDs). While it supports updates and enrollment functions, it lacks face authentication and multi-profile capabilities.

UIDAI ensures security through multiple measures: only registered mobile numbers can activate Aadhaar on the app; face authentication verifies real persons; data remains stored locally on your phone rather than on external servers; PIN/biometric locks prevent unauthorized access; selective sharing and masked Aadhaar options protect sensitive information; and activity logs help identify suspicious usage patterns.