What Is mAadhaar App? Features, Download and How to Use
Table of Contents
While the Aadhaar services are now becoming more accessible via smartphones, there is now more than one mobile application officially developed by the UIDAI, which makes the nomenclature confusing.
To answer those who wonder what is maadhaar app, mAadhaar is the UIDAI's mobile app for the access of Aadhaar services, with the Aadhaar profile, generating TOTP, sharing QR or e-KYC data and use of selected security measures.
There is also another application by UIDAI named as the Aadhaar App, with different onboarding process and some additional features. The two apps are thus connected but not exactly similar.
This article gives you details about the authenticated features of mAadhaar app, its difference from the latest Aadhaar App, downloading procedure and its usage among others.
What is mAadhaar App and What Makes it Different From the Aadhaar App?
mAadhaar continues to be an official UIDAI app for both Android and iOS phones. The description includes Aadhaar profile storage, Aadhaar download, address update, offline e-KYC, QR operations, TOTP, and authentications.
UIDAI also launched a different newer Aadhaar App in 2026. The features of the app currently include face-authentication, selective credentials sharing, mobile number and address updates, authentication history, biometric lock/unlock, and e-Aadhaar download. The app can support up to five profiles.
In comparison, mAadhaar app currently can support up to three profiles as long as they use the same registered mobile number. This way, the safest way to describe what is maadhaar app is by saying that it continues to be a UIDAI app different from the Aadhaar app.
Note: Features of an app and menu pathways may differ through software updates. Current listing on the UIDAI website about a particular app continues to be the source of truth.
Key Features of the mAadhaar App
The verified features of maadhaar app focus on digital access, authentication support and Aadhaar self-service.
Digital Aadhaar profile: A registered Aadhaar holder may keep profile information in the app and access personalised Aadhaar services without repeatedly entering the Aadhaar number.
Aadhaar download and status services: mAadhaar provides access to e-Aadhaar download and status-related services, including enrolment and update tracking.
TOTP generation: Time-based One-Time Password is generated within mAadhaar and may be used instead of an SMS OTP where a UIDAI service supports TOTP.
QR and e-KYC sharing: The app supports QR-code display or scanning and password-protected e-KYC sharing for permitted offline identity verification.
Aadhaar and biometric lock services: mAadhaar provides access to UID or biometric lock/unlock functions designed to give the Aadhaar holder more control over authentication.
Address and service utilities: The current app listing includes address-update access, VID-related services, enrolment-centre location and other UIDAI utilities.
Multilingual interface: The official listing provides English plus 12 Indian languages, helping users access menus and service fields in a preferred language.
Biometric Lock and Misuse Prevention
Biometric locking is a specific authentication control. While active, fingerprint, iris or face-based Aadhaar authentication is blocked until the holder unlocks or disables it through an authorised UIDAI route. UIDAI also provides authentication-history services for reviewing recorded activity.
How to Download and Set Up the mAadhaar App
For readers searching how to use maadhaar app, installation begins with UIDAI's official app-store listing. Personalised mAadhaar services require an Aadhaar profile linked with a registered mobile number.
- Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for mAadhaar.
- Confirm that the application is published by UIDAI before installing it.
- Open the app and select the preferred language.
- Create or register the Aadhaar profile using the information requested by the app.
- Complete the OTP verification sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
- After profile activation, use the available dashboard for Aadhaar download, TOTP, QR/e-KYC sharing, status services and security controls.
UIDAI states that only an Aadhaar holder with a registered mobile number can create a personalised mAadhaar profile.
Note: The newer Aadhaar App uses a different registration flow: UIDAI currently specifies SIM selection, Face Authentication and a 6-digit PIN. Those steps should not be presented as the mAadhaar setup flow.
Is the mAadhaar App Valid as ID Proof?
UIDAI states that the mAadhaar profile is accepted as valid ID proof and supports e-KYC or QR-code sharing for permitted verification.
That does not mean every organisation uses the same verification method. A bank, NBFC, government office or another service provider may follow its own statutory, regulatory or operational identity checks.
The distinction is between the validity of the official digital profile and the receiving organisation's verification requirements.
Note: Acceptance for a particular transaction depends on the applicable verification framework and the receiving entity's prescribed process.
How to Add Family Members to the mAadhaar App
The current mAadhaar listing allows up to three Aadhaar profiles, provided they use the same registered mobile number.
The newer Aadhaar App permits up to five profiles and uses a different process for adding minors. Applying that five-profile limit to mAadhaar would mix two separate apps.
Conclusion
The main point is that mAadhaar remains a distinct UIDAI application even after the launch of the newer Aadhaar App. For readers asking what is maadhaar app, it is an official mobile route for carrying an Aadhaar profile and accessing functions such as TOTP, Aadhaar download, QR/e-KYC sharing, status tools and authentication controls. The verified features of maadhaar app differ in some important ways from the newer Aadhaar App, particularly profile limits and onboarding. Understanding how to use maadhaar app therefore starts with selecting the correct UIDAI application and following the feature set shown in that version. Keeping the two apps separate also prevents older mAadhaar instructions from being confused with newer face-authentication and five-profile features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the mAadhaar app?
mAadhaar is UIDAI's official mobile application for Aadhaar services and a digital Aadhaar profile. Verified features include Aadhaar download, TOTP, QR or e-KYC sharing, status services and selected security controls.
What is the difference between Aadhaar and mAadhaar?
Aadhaar is the 12-digit identification number issued by UIDAI. mAadhaar is an official mobile application for accessing a digital Aadhaar profile and selected UIDAI services. It does not create a separate identity.
How to use mAadhaar app?
Install UIDAI's official mAadhaar app, select the preferred language and register a profile using the Aadhaar-registered mobile number. After OTP verification, services may include Aadhaar download, TOTP, QR sharing, status tools and security controls.
Is the mAadhaar app still valid?
Yes. UIDAI continues to list mAadhaar as an official application. It also offers a separate newer Aadhaar App, so the newer app does not make mAadhaar merely the same application under another name.
Is mAadhaar replaced by the Aadhaar App?
No. Current UIDAI listings show mAadhaar and Aadhaar App as separate official applications. The newer app adds face-authentication onboarding, selective credential sharing and up to five profiles, while mAadhaar retains its own feature set.
Can someone use my Aadhaar without permission?
An Aadhaar number alone does not complete every authentication. UIDAI provides biometric lock and authentication history. Biometric lock blocks biometric Aadhaar authentication while active, although it does not prevent every possible form of identity misuse.
Disclaimer : The information in this blog is for general purposes only and may change without notice. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance and make decisions at their own discretion. IIFL Finance is not liable for any reliance on this content. Read more
