Important Tips Before Updating Your Aadhaar Contact Details
When it comes to managing your Aadhaar details, accuracy and timely updates are essential. Your Aadhaar number is widely used for identification and verification in government services, banking, mobile connections, and more. Hence, having up-to-date contact information like your mobile number and email ID is very important. Before you go ahead and make changes to your Aadhaar contact details, there are some key points you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Let us explore them one by one in a friendly and informative way.
Verify If You Really Need an Update
Before taking any action, double-check if an update is actually required. Many people request changes without realising that their existing mobile number or email is still working with Aadhaar. If you are receiving OTPs from UIDAI and are able to use Aadhaar-based services without any issue, then your contact details may already be correctly linked. You can verify this online using the UIDAI website by using the “Verify Email/Mobile Number” service.
Updating details when it’s not required may not only waste your time but also delay other important services that depend on your Aadhaar. So, always confirm first. If your phone number has changed recently or you’ve lost access to your old email, then it’s the right time to initiate the update process.
Understand the Types of Contact Details You Can Update
UIDAI allows you to update two types of contact information – your mobile number and your email ID. These are used for receiving OTPs for authentication, alerts regarding your Aadhaar usage, and for availing various services like DigiLocker, PAN linking, eKYC, and others.
It is not mandatory to have both contact details linked, but having at least a valid mobile number is crucial. Most Aadhaar services require OTP verification on your mobile. So if you have changed your number, update it as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in services.
Know Where and How You Can Update
There are mainly two ways to update your Aadhaar contact details – online and offline. However, updating mobile number and email ID cannot be done directly online by yourself. You must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment/Update Centre.
At the centre, you need to fill a form and provide biometric verification (fingerprint or iris scan). No documents are required to update contact details, but the update fee is ₹50 (including GST). After the update is processed, you will receive an Update Request Number (URN) which can be used to track the status.
Carry Proper ID and Book Appointments If Possible
Even though no documents are needed for contact detail updates, it is a good practice to carry your Aadhaar card and a government-issued photo ID. This helps in identification and speeds up the process at the centre. Some Aadhaar Seva Kendras allow online appointment booking, which can help you avoid long queues and save time. You can check the UIDAI portal to locate the nearest centre and book an appointment.
Make sure to reach your appointment on time, and do not forget to collect the acknowledgement slip containing your URN. It may take a few days for the update to reflect, so keep checking the status using the URN on the UIDAI website.
Beware of Fraud and Fake Agents
Always use official UIDAI channels and authorized centres for any Aadhaar-related services. Do not share your Aadhaar number, OTP, or any personal details with unauthorized agents or websites claiming to update your Aadhaar. UIDAI does not ask for payment or OTPs over calls or messages.
Stay alert and never click on suspicious links that claim to offer Aadhaar updates online. If you come across such cases, you should report them to UIDAI or cybercrime portals to prevent misuse.
Keep Your Mobile Active and Accessible
Once you update your mobile number, ensure it remains active. If you switch numbers frequently or do not maintain the connection, you might face difficulty in availing Aadhaar-based services in the future. UIDAI sends alerts and verification messages to your registered number, so it’s important to keep it functional and accessible.
Also, remember that if you lose access to your registered number, you cannot retrieve Aadhaar services like OTP login or e-Aadhaar download without updating it first. So keeping your mobile updated and in use is key for seamless access.
Cross-Check the Update After Completion
After your contact details have been updated, it’s important to check and confirm that the changes have been successfully applied. Visit the UIDAI website and use the “Verify Email/Mobile Number” tool to confirm your new contact info is active. You can also try downloading your e-Aadhaar or using Aadhaar services like mAadhaar app to test if the new mobile number is receiving OTPs.
If something seems wrong or the update hasn’t been processed even after a reasonable wait, revisit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra with your URN and get it clarified.
Regularly Check Your Aadhaar Usage
Even after updating your contact details, it’s a good idea to monitor how your Aadhaar is being used. UIDAI provides a “Aadhaar Authentication History” tool on its website. By entering your Aadhaar and OTP, you can see a list of authentication transactions done using your Aadhaar in the past 6 months.
This helps ensure that there is no misuse and your information is being used only by you. If you notice suspicious activities, you should report it immediately to UIDAI support.
Conclusion
Keeping your Aadhaar contact details up to date is a simple but essential step to stay connected with various digital services in India. Before making any changes, take time to verify whether an update is necessary, understand the correct process, and use only official channels. Avoid agents and fake websites, and always protect your Aadhaar number and OTPs.