What is a UAN Number and How to Activate It Online?

If you are a salaried employee in India, managing your Provident Fund (PF) becomes easier once you understand the UAN system. The UAN number connects all your PF accounts across different jobs and helps you access EPF services online without depending entirely on your employer.

Whether you want to check your PF balance, transfer funds, or withdraw money, knowing what is UAN number and completing the UAN activation process is essential. This article explains what UAN is, how to activate UAN online, how to find your UAN number, and the possible errors you might encounter during UAN activation.

What is UAN?

UAN, or Universal Account Number, is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It remains the same throughout your working life, even when you change jobs.

Each time you switch employers, a new PF member ID is created and linked to your existing UAN. This allows you to manage multiple PF accounts under one umbrella, making PF transfers, withdrawals, and balance checks simpler through the EPFO portal.

How to Activate Your UAN Number Online?

Before using the EPFO portal to access any online EPF services, you must register and activate your UAN. Earlier, UAN activation was permitted through the EPFO member portal. However, this service has been discontinued. 

From 1 August 2025, EPFO requires the UAN activation process to be completed only through Aadhaar-based face authentication using the UMANG app. Here’s are some prerequisites for UAN activation through the UMANG App:

• You must have a valid Aadhaar number
• You must have access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification
• You must install the Aadhaar Face RD app

Steps to Activate UAN Online Through the UMANG App

Here’s a quick guide on how to activate your UAN online: 

• Step 1: Download the UAN App – Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the UMANG app. 
• Step 2: Open UMANG – Select ‘EPFO services’. Go to the ‘UAN Activation’ option which is listed under ‘UAN Services Through Face Auth’.
• Step 3: Enter Details – Provide the following details:

• Your UAN number
• Your Aadhaar number
• Your Aadhaar-linked mobile number

You will have a consent box for Aadhaar validation. Tick it.

• Step 4: OTP Verification – Click on the ‘Send OTP’ option. Then:

• Install the Aadhaar Face RD App (if prompted)
• Input the OTP sent on your registered phone number

• • Step 5: System Validation – The system verifies the link between your UAN and Aadhaar via the EPFO database.

• Step 6: Face Authentication –

• Tick the consent checkbox
• Tap the “Face Authentication” option
• Your face scan will be completed using UIDAI authentication

• Step 7: UAN Activation – Once verified, the system activates your UAN and:

• Sends the UAN and a temporary password to you via SMS
• It also updates your address and photo in EPFO records

How to Find Your UAN Number?

To activate your UAN number, you need to know what this unique 12-digit number is. Here’s how you can find your UAN number:

1. Through Your Employer

Your employer generates your UAN when enrolling you under EPF. You can ask your HR or payroll department for your UAN details.

2. Through Salary Slip

Many employers mention the UAN number on monthly salary slips. Checking older slips can help you locate it easily.

3. Through the UAN Portal

You can retrieve your UAN online. Steps for the same are listed below:

• Select the ‘Know Your UAN’ option on the EPFO portal
• Click on ‘Get Started’
• Enter your mobile number, preferred ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/member ID), ID proof number
• Input the captcha and click ‘Send OTP & Verify’ to view your UAN number

Possible Issues During UAN Activation

Here’s a list of some common issues you may face during UAN activation and how to tackle them:

• Invalid UAN or Aadhaar Details: If the UAN number or Aadhaar details entered do not match EPFO records, an error message is displayed. You may need to re-enter the correct information as per official records. 
• OTP Failure: OTP issues can occur due to network problems or incorrect mobile numbers. In such cases, you can request the OTP again and retry the verification process. 
• Face Authentication Failure: Face authentication may fail due to poor lighting, camera issues or Aadhaar photo mismatch. You can retry the process or contact support if the issue continues. 
• Aadhaar–UAN Mismatch: If Aadhaar details are not properly linked with your UAN, the system may stop the activation process. This requires updating Aadhaar details with EPFO before proceeding. You can do this through the EPFO portal. 
• Temporary System Errors: At times, portal or app-related issues may occur due to maintenance or high traffic. Retrying after some time usually resolves the issue.

Getting Started and Planning Ahead

The UAN number helps you manage all your PF accounts in one place, even after changing jobs. The UAN activation process through the UMANG app involves only a few easy steps and can be completed in minutes. Once completed, you can access EPFO services such as checking PF balance, transferring funds and submitting withdrawal requests through the App.

While EPF is an important tool for building retirement savings, relying on a single option may limit flexibility. That’s where GoldenPi comes in. You can visit the platform to explore various fixed-income options like FDs, bonds, and NCDs to build a diversified portfolio.

FAQs on UAN Number

What is the importance of UAN?

UAN acts as a single reference for all your PF accounts, making it easier to track balances, transfer funds, and access EPFO services online.

Can I activate my UAN number offline?

No, UAN activation can only be completed online through the UMANG App. You need to download the app and follow the instructions to complete the Aadhaar-based face authentication process to activate your UAN.

How long does it take to activate UAN?

UAN activation usually happens immediately after OTP verification. Login details are sent to your registered mobile number.

Can I give my old UAN to my new employer?

Yes, you should share your existing UAN with your new employer so that your new PF member ID gets linked to the same UAN.

Disclaimer:

This information is for general information purposes only. GoldenPi makes no guarantee on the accuracy of the data provided here; the information displayed is subject to change and is provided on an as-is basis. Nothing contained herein is intended to or shall be deemed to be investment advice, implied or otherwise. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the offer-related documents carefully before investing.

Fixed Deposit schemes are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. GoldenPi Securities Private Limited is a registered debt broker and acts as a distributor and not as a manufacturer of the product.