How to Use the mAadhaar App: Features and Benefits

If you are an Aadhaar card holder, accessing your information is now easier than ever. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the mAadhaar app in 2017. The app not only eliminates the need to carry a physical card but also access a wide range of Aadhaar services instantly on your mobile device. In this article, we will explore 7 essential features and benefits of mAadhaar, the various security measures it employs and its potential limitations.

What is mAadhaar?

mAadhaar is an official mobile application developed by UIDAI. It allows Aadhaar cardholders to access their details on their smartphones. The primary objective of this app is to serve as a digital alternative to the physical Aadhaar card. 

Using the mAadhaar app, you can access your Aadhaar number and demographic details, such as your name, date of birth, gender and address. The app can be used for paperless eKYC and to verify your identity in multiple situations.

Key Features of the mAadhaar App

The mAadhaar app comes with a range of features that make it highly useful. Here are some of the key features that make the app a must-have tool for all Aadhaar users.  

1. Virtual Aadhaar Card

The mAadhaar app is essentially a virtual Aadhaar card that contains all of your details. Since the app is recognised as a valid form of identification, it eliminates the need to carry a physical card entirely. 

2. Multi-language Support

The mAadhaar app can be accessed in English and 12 different Indian languages. This makes the app accessible to a more diverse population. 

3. Aadhaar QR Code Generation

You can generate an Aadhaar QR code containing your details via the mAadhaar app. An Aadhaar QR code scanner can be used to read your information from the generated image for quick identity verification.

4. Paperless Offline eKYC

The mAadhaar app has a paperless eKYC feature that allows you to download a password-protected KYC XML file in a zip format. This XML file can be shared with agencies for KYC verification purposes. 

5. Aadhaar Address Updation 

Through the mAadhaar app, you can quickly place a request for an address update without having to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. However, it is important to keep in mind that Aadhaar card mobile number updates can only be made via the Seva Kendra.  

6. Virtual ID Generation

The mAadhaar app also allows you to generate a virtual ID instantly. The virtual ID is a random  16-digit number that can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for identity verification purposes. Using a virtual ID enhances security by allowing you to protect your Aadhaar details from being shared. 

Benefits of Using mAadhaar

The mAadhaar application provides several benefits that enhance convenience, efficiency and security. Let us explore some of the reasons why you should consider using the app instead of the physical card.

1. Eliminates the Need for a Physical Aadhaar Card

With mAadhaar installed on your smartphone, you no longer need to carry a hard copy of your Aadhaar card. This added convenience reduces the risk of loss or damage to your original card. 

2. Hassle-Free Identity Verification

Since the mAadhaar serves as a valid proof of identity, you can use it in airports, railways, banks and government offices to verify your identity within seconds. 

3. Enhanced Security Features

mAadhaar’s various security features like biometrics lock and unlock, TOTP and QR code verification make Aadhaar verification more secure and in many cases eliminate the need to share your real Aadhaar number with agencies.    

4. Faster Aadhaar Services

With most of the services available on the app, you no longer need to visit a Seva Kendra for Aadhaar updates. This not only helps you save effort but also reduces the time taken to update your details. 

5. Paperless eKYC

The paperless offline eKYC feature of the mAadhaar app is an alternative to the regular paper-based KYC and eliminates the need to provide a photocopy of your Aadhaar card to agencies for identity verification.    

6. Multiple Profile Support

The mAadhaar app allows you to store up to 5 Aadhaar profiles on a single device. The multi-profile support of the app makes managing the Aadhaar details for your entire family easy and seamless.

7. Works Even Without an Internet Connection

The mAadhaar application can be accessed on your smartphone even without a valid internet connection. This offline ability ensures that you can access your details even in areas with poor network connectivity. 

How to Download and Set Up mAadhaar

Setting up the mAadhaar application on your smartphone is extremely simple. All you need to do is follow the steps outlined below.

• Step 1: Visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store depending on whether you have an Android smartphone or an Apple device.
• Step 2: Search for the mAadhaar app. 
• Step 3: Proceed to download the Aadhaar app and install it on your phone. 
• Step 4: Once the mAadhaar download is complete, open the app on your phone. 
• Step 5: Accept all permissions. 
• Step 6: Read through the terms of use thoroughly and tap on ‘I Consent’. 
• Step 7: Select your preferred language and tap ‘Continue’. 
• Step 8: Enter your mobile number and tap ‘Next’. 
• Step 9: Enter the OTP you received on your phone and tap ‘Submit’. 
• Step 10: Once you are logged into the mAadhaar app, tap on the ‘My Aadhaar’ option at the bottom of the screen. 
• Step 11: Create a 4-digit password of your choice. You will be asked to enter this password whenever you attempt to access the ‘My Aadhaar’ section of the app. 
• Step 12: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security Captcha in their respective fields and tap ‘Request OTP’. 
• Step 13: Enter the OTP received on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar and tap ‘Verify’.

Once the OTP is verified, you can access your Aadhaar details securely within the app.       

Security Measures in mAadhaar

Considering that the Aadhaar is a highly confidential personal document, the UIDAI has implemented various security measures in the mAadhaar app. Here is an overview of some of the various security measures. 

1. Secure PIN Protection

The app requires you to enter a 4-digit password, which is created during the mAadhaar download and setup process, each time you log into the app. This ensures that only the registered user can access their Aadhaar details.

2. Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) Generation

The mAadhaar app allows you to generate a Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP). As the name implies, TOTP is valid only for 30 seconds and is an alternative to the regular OTP-based Aadhaar verification system.

3. Biometrics Access Control 

Using the mAadhaar app, you can quickly lock biometrics to prevent unauthorised use of the Aadhaar verification system. Additionally, if the need for Aadhaar-based authentication arises, you can instantly unlock biometrics within seconds through the app.   

4. Masked Aadhaar Download Option

The app allows you to download the Aadhaar card to your device. You can download either a regular Aadhaar or a masked Aadhaar. The masked Aadhaar option hides the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number, revealing only the last 4 digits. This feature can be useful for verifying your identity without revealing your number.     

Limitations and Considerations

Despite the many advantages of mAadhaar, the app has certain limitations that you must consider. Here are a few of its drawbacks. 

1. Requires a Smartphone 

To access mAadhaar, you require a compatible smartphone with the right operating system version. Individuals with older smartphones or those with no access to a smartphone cannot use the app.    

2. Requires a Registered Mobile Number

To set up the mAadhaar app on your phone, you must enter the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. If your mobile number is not registered or inactive, you must first update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before attempting to use the app. 

3. Device-Specific Access

The app can be used only on one mobile device at a time. If installed on another phone, the user must re-verify their Aadhaar, which instantly deactivates it on their previous phone. 

Conclusion

The mAadhaar app is a powerful digital tool designed to make Aadhaar services more accessible and convenient. Thanks to the secure authentication and digital Aadhaar verification features, the app is a viable and highly useful alternative to the physical card. However, before you proceed with the mAadhaar download and setup process, it is advisable to consider its limitations.