Step-by-Step Guide to Update Your Mobile Number in Aadhaar
Updating your mobile number in Aadhaar is an essential step if you want to access various digital services in India, such as OTP-based authentication, online banking, and government schemes. Whether you’ve changed your number recently or simply want to ensure your Aadhaar is up to date, this guide will walk you through the entire process in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
Why Updating Your Mobile Number Is Important
Your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar for verification purposes. Whenever you want to download your Aadhaar card, update details, or access services such as DigiLocker, the system sends a one-time password (OTP) to your registered mobile number. If the number is outdated, you won’t receive the OTP and won’t be able to proceed. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your Aadhaar reflects your current active mobile number.
Having an updated mobile number is also required for accessing several Aadhaar-based services online. This includes checking Aadhaar authentication history, using mAadhaar app, and even updating address or other biometric details in the future. If your mobile number is not linked or needs to be changed, follow the steps below to get it done smoothly.
Step 1: Visit the Nearest Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre
Unlike some Aadhaar updates that can be done online, updating your mobile number requires a physical visit to an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre. You can find the nearest centre by visiting the official UIDAI website (uidai.gov.in) and using the “Locate Enrolment Centre” feature. Choose your state, district, and locality to get a list of centres nearby.
Remember to carry a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) document when you visit the centre. While the mobile number update does not need any document verification, having an ID can help streamline the process if required. Carry your Aadhaar card or number and ensure that your new mobile number is active and accessible.
Step 2: Fill Out the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form
Once at the centre, ask for the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form. This is a simple form where you need to mention your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the details you wish to update. In this case, select “Mobile Number” from the list of options and enter your new number carefully. Double-check for any typing errors to avoid delays.
Submit the completed form to the executive along with your Aadhaar card. The staff will initiate the update process and may ask for biometric authentication using fingerprint or iris scan. This is to verify your identity and ensure that the request is genuine.
Step 3: Pay the Nominal Update Fee
As per the guidelines by UIDAI, there is a small fee of ₹50 (subject to change) for updating your mobile number in Aadhaar. This fee is non-refundable and applies to each update request, regardless of how many fields you are updating at once. Make sure to collect the receipt after payment. This receipt contains an Update Request Number (URN) which is useful for tracking the status of your request.
You do not need to submit any mobile bill or SIM ownership document. Just providing your new number and biometric confirmation is enough to complete the request. The process usually takes around 5–10 minutes at the centre, depending on the queue.
Step 4: Wait for the Update to Reflect
Once the request is submitted, the update may take anywhere from 3 to 10 working days to reflect in the Aadhaar database. In rare cases, it may take slightly longer. You can track the status of your update by visiting the UIDAI website and entering the URN provided on your receipt.
Once updated, you will receive a confirmation SMS on your new mobile number stating that it has been successfully linked with your Aadhaar. After this, you can use the new number for OTP-based services and all Aadhaar-related transactions online.
Step 5: Verify the Update Online
To confirm that your mobile number is correctly updated, you can visit the UIDAI portal and use the “Verify Email/Mobile Number” service. Enter your Aadhaar number and the new mobile number, then enter the OTP received. If the OTP goes through, your mobile number is active in the Aadhaar system.
Alternatively, you can also download the mAadhaar app and check if your profile is visible with the new number. This is a quick way to confirm that the update was processed successfully and everything is functioning as expected.
What If You Don’t Have Access to Your Old Number?
One common concern is whether the old mobile number is required to make the change. The answer is no. You do not need to have access to the previous number. Biometric verification during your visit to the update centre is sufficient for authentication. Just make sure the new number you provide is working and accessible for receiving OTPs.
Tips to Make the Process Smoother
It is advisable to visit the Aadhaar centre during weekdays and early in the day to avoid long queues. Carry your Aadhaar card or at least note down the 12-digit number. Also, make sure that your mobile number is not temporarily blocked or inactive to avoid issues when the confirmation SMS is sent.
If you’re updating other details along with your mobile number, such as address or name correction, you can do it in a single form submission. Just ensure that all supporting documents are valid and correctly filled out.
Conclusion
Updating your mobile number in Aadhaar is not a complicated process, but it’s an essential one. A valid and active number helps you make the most of Aadhaar-enabled services and keeps your information secure. By following the steps outlined in this guide—visiting the nearest Aadhaar centre, filling out the form, verifying your identity, and paying a small fee—you can ensure that your contact details are always up to date.
Take a proactive step today. Keeping your Aadhaar details current is one of the easiest ways to stay connected with government services and digital tools that depend on Aadhaar for authentication. If you haven’t updated your number yet, now is the time to do it.