India’s digital identity ecosystem has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of the new Aadhaar mobile application. Designed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the app represents a shift from traditional identity verification to a more personal, privacy-driven, and consent-based digital experience.
Unveiled as part of the government’s broader Digital India vision, the app reflects a growing understanding that at India’s scale, technology must be built not just for efficiency, but for trust, inclusion, and everyday ease.
Identity, Simplified for Everyday Life
The new Aadhaar App introduces a simple but powerful model—Show, Share, and Verify. Instead of carrying physical documents or photocopies, residents can now verify their identity digitally, anytime and anywhere, using their smartphone.
What makes the app stand out is its focus on selective data sharing. Users decide what information to share based on the situation—only a name and photograph for a hotel check-in, or just age confirmation for a cinema ticket. This ensures that personal data is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis, putting individuals in complete control of their information.
Privacy and Consent at the Core
In an era of growing digital concerns, the app adopts a privacy-first approach. All data sharing happens with explicit, real-time consent from the Aadhaar holder. Verifying entities receive only digitally signed credentials, and Aadhaar numbers are never stored by them.
This design aligns closely with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and promotes the principle of data minimisation, strengthening public confidence in digital identity systems.
Designed for Real-World Use
The app supports offline and QR-based verification, making it reliable even in low-connectivity environments. It can be used across a wide range of real-life scenarios—from hotel check-ins and hospital admissions to visitor management, airport verification, and gig-worker authentication.
Additional features include optional face verification for proof of presence, biometric lock and unlock for enhanced security, access to authentication history, and a QR-based contact card for easy information sharing.
One App for the Whole Family
Recognising the needs of Indian households, the app allows users to manage up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, promoting the idea of “One Family, One App.” Residents can also update their address and registered mobile number through the app, reducing dependence on physical Aadhaar centres.
Strengthening India’s Digital Future
Officials have described the app as a natural extension of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, alongside platforms such as UPI and DigiLocker. By making identity verification faster, safer, and more user-centric, the new Aadhaar App aims to improve service delivery, promote transparency, and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens.
Available on both Android and iOS, and supporting multiple Indian languages, the app ensures accessibility across regions and communities—bringing secure digital identity closer to every resident.
Objectives of the New Aadhaar App
The new Aadhaar App has been launched with the following key objectives:
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Empower Citizens with Control
To give Aadhaar holders full control over what personal information they share, when they share it, and with whom. -
Enhance Privacy and Data Protection
To promote selective data sharing, consent-based authentication, and data minimisation in line with the DPDP Act. -
Simplify Identity Verification
To enable quick, paperless, and contactless identity verification for everyday services and interactions. -
Improve Ease of Living
To reduce the need for physical documents and visits to Aadhaar centres by offering key services directly through the app. -
Strengthen Trust in Digital Governance
To ensure secure, transparent, and resident-centric identity verification that builds public trust. -
Support Digital Public Infrastructure
To integrate seamlessly with India’s broader digital ecosystem and enhance service delivery across public and private sectors.