New Aadhaar App explained: UIDAI shows how offline verification improves security and convenience

Recently, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) conducted a detailed stakeholder webinar to emphasise the growing importance of offline Aadhaar verification through its newly launched Aadhaar app. The session—titled “Offline Verification using the Aadhaar App”—saw participation from over 250 organisations, including fintech companies, service providers, banks, startups, and institutional partners. The goal was to demonstrate how the new system enhances privacy, convenience, and data protection, all without relying on physical Aadhaar cards.

New Aadhaar App: Secure Digital Storage for Everyday Use

The newly introduced Aadhaar app functions as a secure digital wallet for storing Aadhaar details on smartphones. Unlike physical cards, which are prone to misuse, copying, or theft, the app keeps sensitive information encrypted and accessible only to the device owner.

Key Features

• Full or Masked Sharing Options
  Users can choose whether to share full Aadhaar details or a masked version, which displays only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number.
• Digital Storage for Everyday Transactions
  Ideal for frequent identity checks—such as hotel check-ins, visitor verification at gated societies, event entries, or workplace access.
• No Need for Photocopies
  Reduces reliance on printed Aadhaar copies, which often circulate widely and increase the risk of identity theft.

UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted that the offline verification feature provides a “secure, convenient, and privacy-protecting” method of verifying identity. He stressed that reducing the number of physical Aadhaar cards in circulation will help significantly decrease cases of misuse and fraud.

A Major Step Toward Reducing Aadhaar-Related Fraud

Officials explained that offline verification dramatically lowers risks associated with Aadhaar misuse:

How Offline Verification Protects Users

• No photocopies to be collected → No leak of personal data
• User decides what to share → Full control over privacy
• Verification works without internet → Tamper-proof and offline secure
• Masked Aadhaar available → Only essential details visible

This system ensures service providers get the information they need—but not more than necessary.

New Aadhaar App vs. mAadhaar: What’s the Difference?

UIDAI clarified that the new Aadhaar app does NOT replace mAadhaar. Instead, both apps serve different purposes and can coexist.

✔ mAadhaar App

• Download Aadhaar card
• Order PVC Aadhaar
• Update basic details

✔ New Aadhaar App

• Secure digital storage of Aadhaar identity
• Share full or masked Aadhaar offline
• Enhanced privacy controls
• Faster and more secure verification

The new app acts more like a digital identity vault, with added safety layers for day-to-day identity sharing.

Availability

The new Aadhaar app is available for both Android and iOS users through their respective app stores. UIDAI is encouraging institutions across sectors—banking, telecom, hospitality, fintech, travel, and more—to adopt the offline verification mechanism for safer and faster identity checks.