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UAN (Universal Account Number) 2026: Activation, Login, KYC & Complete EPFO Guide

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit identification number assigned to every employee by the Employee's Provident Fund Organisations (EPFO). This links all your PF accounts across different jobs, making it easier to manage, transfer, and withdraw your PF balance.

Universal Account Number - Quick Highlights

ParticularsDetails
UAN Full FormUniversal Account Number
Issued ByEmployees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
PurposeTo provide a single unique identity for an employee across multiple employers and PF accounts
ValidityRemains valid throughout the employee's lifetime
Linked ToEPF (Employees' Provident Fund), EPS (Employees' Pension Scheme), EDLI (Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme), and all PF Member IDs
PortabilityContinues unchanged even when changing jobs
Activation RequiredYes, through the EPFO Member Portal, UMANG App, or EPFO services

What is UAN?

The UAN is a 12-digit unique ID issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), verified by the Ministry of Labour. It remains the same for an employee throughout their career, regardless of job changes.

1. UAN Full Form

UAN stands for Universal Account Number.

2. Why is UAN Important?

  • Each time an employee changes jobs, EPFO issues a new member ID (EPF account) linked to the same UAN. 
  • This helps to ease the process of EPF transfers and withdrawals
  • By sharing the UAN with a new employer, the member ID gets created and linked, making the UAN an umbrella for all EPF accounts across different jobs.

3. Difference between UAN, PF number and member ID

BasisUANPF Account NumberMember ID
MeaningUnique employee identification number issued by EPFOPF account assigned for a specific employmentEmployee's unique identifier within an establishment
Format12-digit number22-digit alphanumeric code7-digit number (part of PF account number)
Changes on Job Switch?No, remains the same for lifeYes, usually changes with every employerYes, changes with every employer
PurposeLinks all PF accounts under one numberTracks PF contributions for a particular jobIdentifies the member within a specific establishment
RelationshipOne UAN can have multiple PF account numbersLinked to a UANPart of the PF account number

How to Find Your UAN Number

There are multiple ways to find your UAN (Universal Account Number), both online and offline. Whether you have access to your salary slip, EPFO portal, UMANG app, or just your registered mobile number, you can easily retrieve your UAN using any of the methods below.

MethodExplanation
Through Your EmployerAsk your employer or HR department for your UAN and PF Member ID.
Through Salary SlipCheck your salary slip, as many employers print the UAN on it.
Through the UAN PortalUse the "Know Your UAN" option on the EPFO UAN portal to retrieve your UAN.
Through the UMANG AppLog in to the UMANG app and access EPFO services to find your UAN.
Via SMSSend an SMS from your registered mobile number to 7738299899 to receive EPF details.
Via Missed CallGive a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number to receive your EPF details by SMS.

How to Activate UAN - UMANG App (2026 Method)

From 1 August 2025, EPFO has replaced the traditional OTP-based UAN activation process on the UAN Member Portal with Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). Employees must now activate their UAN through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based face verification.

Step 1: Install the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and sign in using your mobile number.

Step 2: Open the app and search for “EPFO” in the services section.

Step 3: Under EPFO services, tap on “Activate UAN” to begin the activation process.

Step 4: Provide your 12-digit UAN and Aadhaar number linked with your EPF account.

Step 5: The app will redirect you to Aadhaar Face Authentication. Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the live face scan using your smartphone camera.

Step 6: Once the face authentication is successfully verified, set a password for your UAN account.

Step 7: After password creation, your UAN will be activated. You can then log in to EPFO services, view your passbook, update KYC details, transfer PF balances, and submit online claims.

1. Prerequisites for UAN Activation 

Before activating your UAN through the UMANG app, ensure that the following requirements are met:

RequirementDetails
Aadhaar Linked to Mobile NumberYour Aadhaar should be linked to an active mobile number for identity verification and face authentication.
Valid PANPAN should be available and preferably linked to your EPF account for seamless KYC verification.
UMANG App InstalledDownload and install the latest version of the UMANG app on your smartphone.
UAN Registered by EmployerYour employer must have generated and registered your UAN with EPFO before activation can be completed.
Aadhaar Linked with UANThe Aadhaar details should match the information available in EPFO records.
Smartphone with Camera & InternetRequired for completing Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT) verification.

Note: Verify that your name, date of birth, and other personal details in Aadhaar and EPFO records match exactly to avoid activation failures.

2. Why Was the Old Activation Method Discontinued?

EPFO replaced the old OTP-based UAN activation process from 1 August 2025 to make account activation more secure. Under the earlier system, activation relied mainly on OTP verification, which could be vulnerable in cases of mobile number misuse or identity fraud.

To address these concerns, EPFO introduced Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). Instead of just entering an OTP, employees now verify their identity through a live facial scan matched with their Aadhaar records. This additional layer of verification helps ensure that only the actual account holder can activate the UAN.

The move is part of EPFO's broader effort to strengthen security, reduce fraudulent activations, and make digital services more trustworthy for employees.

UAN Login - Member Portal & UMANG App

After UAN activation, members can log in either through the Member Portal or the UMANG app to their EPFO account to access services such as PF passbook, claim status, KYC updates, PF transfers, and online withdrawal requests.

1. Login Through the UAN Member Portal

Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal

Step 2: Enter your UAN, password, and the captcha code displayed on the screen.

Step 3: Click "Sign In".

Step 4: After successful authentication, you will be redirected to your EPFO member dashboard.

2. Login Through the UMANG App

Step 1: Open the UMANG App on your smartphone.

Step 2: Search for and select EPFO services.

Step 3: Tap "Member Services".

Step 4: Log in using your UAN and the required authentication credentials.

Step 5: Once logged in, you can access PF-related services directly from the app.

Quick Comparison

ParticularsUAN Member PortalUMANG App
PlatformWeb browserMobile App
Login CredentialsUAN + Password + CaptchaUAN + Authentication
Best ForDetailed account managementOn-the-go access to EPFO services
Services AvailablePassbook, claims, KYC, transfers, profile updatesPassbook, claims, KYC, UAN services and more

Note: Keep your mobile number, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details updated in EPFO records to ensure smooth access to all online services.

1. UAN Password Reset

If you have forgotten your UAN password, EPFO allows you to reset it online using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal login page.

Step 2: Click on "Forgot Password?".

Step 3: Enter your UAN and complete the verification.

Step 4: Provide your Aadhaar number when prompted.

Step 5: Receive and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 6: Create a new password and confirm it.

Step 7: Submit the request and log in using your new credentials.

UAN KYC Update

Keeping your KYC details updated in the EPFO records is essential for seamless access to services such as PF withdrawals, claim settlements, passbook access, pension benefits, and employer verification. The three most important KYC details linked to a UAN are Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account details.

KYC TypePurposeWhy It Is Important
AadhaarIdentity verificationRequired for UAN activation, online claims, and Aadhaar-based authentication
PANTax verificationHelps avoid higher TDS deductions and enables tax-related validations
Bank AccountBenefit transferEnsures PF withdrawals and claim amounts are credited to the correct account

1. How to Update KYC Details in UAN

Step 1: Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN and password.

Step 2: Navigate to Manage and then KYC.

Step 3: Select the KYC document you wish to update (Aadhaar, PAN, or Bank Account).

Step 4: Enter the required details and submit the request.

Step 5: The details will be sent to your employer for verification.

Step 6: Once approved by the employer and validated by EPFO (where applicable), the KYC status will change to Verified.

2. Aadhaar KYC Update

Aadhaar is the most important KYC document linked to your UAN. It enables online PF withdrawal and transfer and is required for face authentication and UAN services.

3. PAN KYC Update

Linking PAN helps EPFO verify your tax details and ensures proper TDS treatment on PF withdrawals.

4. Bank Account KYC Update

Your bank account details are used to credit PF withdrawal proceeds, pension benefits, and other EPFO payments.

PF Balance check with UAN/without UAN

There are multiple ways to check your PF balance, both with and without UAN.

  1. Members can do their PF balance check with their UAN number using the following methods: 
  • Through EPFO online Portal
  • Through UMANG App
  1. Members can check PF balance without using UAN through the following methods:  
  • Send an SMS to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number in the following format -  ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG'.
  • Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.

How to Download UAN Passbook?

  • The UAN passbook is a statement issued by the EPF portal, containing transaction wise details of your PF account. 
  • This enables you to verify your PF deposits, interest, withdrawals and account balance
  • You can view & download your EPF passbook online through the official EPFO portal, if you are a registered member. 
  • After registration, follow the below mentioned options for uan passbook download:
    1. Through the EPFO Portal
    2. Through the UMANG App 

UAN Claim Status and Withdrawal services

1. Step-by-Step guide to check Claim Status

You can check your EPF claim status through the following steps:

  1. Login to the EPF member portal using UAN.
  2. Choose ‘Online Services’ option.
  3. Click ‘Track Claim Status’.

2. Guide to apply for PF Withdrawal

Your EPF balance can be withdrawn online, using the following simple steps:

  1. Login to EPF member portal using UAN and password.
  2. Go to 'Online services' - and select ‘Claim’
  3. Enter your bank account details, verify and proceed.
  4. Select the claim type from the drop down - whether it is PF advance, PF withdrawal or pension withdrawal.
  5. Check the disclaimer box, and submit.

Download UAN card

UAN card is provided to every UAN holder, containing basic details of the account holder such as:

  • UAN number
  • Name
  • Parent's name
  • KYC status

Guide to download UAN Card

  1. Login to EPF portal using UAN and password.
  2. Go to view > UAN card.
  3. Download the PDF and save it for reference.

UAN Customer Care Number

Every PF regional office offers customer support and has a different customer care number in case of queries or assistance required by users. For UAN or KYC services, contact 1800118005.

UAN Helpdesk Email ID: employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in

Final Word

UAN is a lifetime number that stays with you throughout your career, which make it essential to activate it as soon as you join a new organisation. This keeps your UAN linked with Aadhar, PAN and your bank account ensures smooth PF transfer, withdrawls, and claim settlement without delays. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UAN mandatory for online claims?
Is UAN linked with the employee's PAN?
Can I give my old UAN to my new employer?
How to download my UAN card?
Will I get another UAN when I change jobs?
Will UAN be allotted to contract-based employees (not permanent government employees)?
How to activate UAN via UMANG app in 2026?
Why was the old UAN activation method discontinued?
How to login to UAN member portal?
How to reset UAN password if I forgot it?
How to update KYC in UAN - Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account?
Why is my UAN KYC showing as pending?
How to check EPF balance using UAN?
How to transfer PF when changing jobs using UAN?
What is EPFO 3.0 and how does it affect my UAN?
How to fix a duplicate UAN problem?
What is the UMANG app and how is it used for EPFO services?
How to update mobile number linked to UAN?
Can I withdraw PF without activating UAN?
What is the ELI scheme and how is it linked to UAN?
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