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Activate UAN on UMANG: Steps, Password and Common Errors

By Kusum · Reviewed by Harish, Labour Consultant, Delhi on · Updated

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Independent guide by India Customer Care. We are not EPFO. Use only the official EPFO portals and the UMANG app for your account, and never share your password or OTP with anyone.

On this page
  1. Why activation matters
  2. Which case are you in?
  3. What you need
  4. Step by step
  5. Common errors
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. Related guides on our other websites
  8. Sources
Show only what applies to you

Pick your situation. Parts of this page that don't apply will fold away. Your choice stays on this device.

Your UAN

If your employer has given you a UAN but you have never logged in, it is probably not activated. Activate it on the UMANG app: choose UAN Activation, enter your UAN, Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile, confirm the OTP and scan your face. You get a temporary password by SMS. Activation on the EPFO website has stopped.

Why activation matters

Without an activated UAN you cannot log in, see your passbook, update KYC, file a claim, transfer PF or nominate your family. Activation also checks your face against Aadhaar, which lets EPFO trust online claims and settle them faster.

Which case are you in?

I have a UAN, never activated

Follow the steps below. Your UAN is on your payslip, appointment letter or the employer's HR portal. If you can't find it, see know your UAN.

No UAN at all

Generating a new UAN on UMANG activates it in the same step. See generate a new UAN.

Already active

You don't need to do this again. If you forgot the password, use Forgot Password on the member portal. If UMANG asks for face authentication of an already activated UAN, it is a one-time identity check that some services need.

What you need

Step by step

  1. UMANG: EPFO, UAN Activation
  2. Enter UAN, Aadhaar and Aadhaar mobile
  3. OTP to the Aadhaar mobile
  4. Face scan with AadhaarFaceRD
  5. UAN activated, temporary password by SMS
  6. Log in and set your own password
YouUMANG / EPFO
  1. Open UMANG, go to EPFO and, under UAN Services Through Face Auth, tap UAN Activation.
  2. Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. Tick the consent box.
  3. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar mobile.
  4. Complete the face scan. Look straight at the camera in good light until the outline turns green.
  5. You get an SMS confirming activation, with a temporary password. EPFO also updates your record with the photo and address verified through Aadhaar.
  6. Log in to the member portal with your UAN and the temporary password, then set a password of your own.

You'll know it worked when you can log in to the member portal and see your name and member ID under your UAN.

Common errors

MessageFix
UAN already activatedNothing to do. Use Forgot Password on the member portal if you can't log in.
Aadhaar not linked with UAN / details do not matchYour EPFO record has a different name, date of birth or gender, or no Aadhaar at all. Ask your employer to seed Aadhaar or correct the details. See KYC.
OTP not receivedThe OTP goes to the mobile in Aadhaar, not the one your employer gave EPFO. Check which number is linked to Aadhaar.
Face authentication failedSee face authentication failed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still activate my UAN on the EPFO member portal?

No. Since 1 August 2025 (EPFO circular of 30 July 2025), new UANs are generated and activated on the UMANG app with Aadhaar face authentication, and the member portal does not offer activation.

Do I need to activate my UAN again when I change jobs?

No. Activation is once for life. Your new employer adds a new member ID under the same UAN.

What is the password after activation?

You receive a temporary password by SMS. Log in to the member portal with it and set your own password.

Sources