New Aadhaar App Crosses 40 Million Downloads: 6 Key Features Every User Should Know

New Aadhaar App: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced that the redesigned Aadhaar app has surpassed 40 million downloads, highlighting its rapid adoption across the country. The app replaces the older mAadhaar platform and introduces several new features designed to simplify identity verification and Aadhaar-related services.

India's revamped Aadhaar mobile application has crossed a major milestone, with more than 40 million (4 crore) downloads, according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Launched earlier this year, the updated app replaces the previous mAadhaar application and offers users a more streamlined way to access Aadhaar services directly from their smartphones.

The latest version focuses on improving convenience, digital identity verification, and user control over personal information, reducing the need to carry physical Aadhaar documents for many supported services.

Here are six of the most important features available in the new Aadhaar app.

1. Face ID-Based Aadhaar Authentication

One of the biggest additions is Face ID authentication, allowing users to verify their identity using facial recognition instead of presenting a physical Aadhaar card.

For supported services, users can complete digital identity verification through facial authentication, making the process faster and reducing dependence on photocopies or printed documents.

2. One-Tap Biometric Lock and Unlock

The app enables users to lock or unlock Aadhaar biometrics directly from their smartphones.

This includes:

• Fingerprint authentication

• Iris authentication

• Face authentication

The feature gives users greater control over when their biometric information can be used, helping enhance account security and prevent unauthorized authentication attempts.

3. Secure QR Code-Based Aadhaar Sharing

Instead of handing over photocopies of their Aadhaar card, users can now securely share selected Aadhaar details using a QR code.

The QR-based system allows users to provide only the required information with their consent, offering a more privacy-focused way to verify identity digitally.

4. Download e-Aadhaar Directly from the App

The updated application also lets users download the latest version of their e-Aadhaar without visiting the UIDAI website separately.

This makes it easier to access a digital copy of the Aadhaar card whenever required for official or personal use.

5. Update Contact Details

The new Aadhaar app supports updates for certain registered information, including:

• Mobile number

• Residential address

• Email ID

However, users whose registered mobile number is inactive or who have never linked a mobile number with Aadhaar will still need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorised enrolment centre to complete the update process.

6. Manage Multiple Aadhaar Profiles on One Device

Families using a shared smartphone can now manage up to five Aadhaar profiles within a single app.

This feature is particularly useful for parents or guardians who need to access Aadhaar services for multiple family members from one mobile device.

Additional Benefits Announced by UIDAI

Alongside the app's growing adoption, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has also announced two important user-friendly measures.

Free Online Document Update Extended

The facility to update identity and address documents online free of cost through the Aadhaar portal has been extended until June 14, 2027.

This allows eligible users to keep their Aadhaar records updated without paying any online document update fee.

Email Update Fee Waived

UIDAI has also waived the ₹75 fee for updating an email address through the Aadhaar app until December 31, 2026, making it easier for users to maintain accurate contact information.

Aadhaar Services Becoming More Digital

With over 40 million downloads, the new Aadhaar app reflects India's continued shift toward digital public services. Features such as Face ID authentication, biometric management, secure QR-based identity sharing, and direct access to e-Aadhaar are designed to simplify everyday verification while giving users greater control over their personal data.

As more government and private services adopt digital verification methods, the updated Aadhaar app is expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling secure and convenient identity authentication across multiple platforms.