UMANG UAN Face Authentication Failed: Causes and Next Steps
All guides ↓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
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.
Most failures come from poor light, the AadhaarFaceRD app missing or outdated, or a mismatch in Aadhaar data (for example an old photo or a different mobile number). Fix the setup first: update both apps, sit facing a window or lamp, remove glasses and caps, and hold the phone at eye level until the outline turns green.
Quick checklist before you retry
- Update UMANG and AadhaarFaceRD to the latest versions.
- Light on your face, not behind you. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind your head.
- Plain background, nobody else in the frame.
- Remove glasses, mask, cap or anything covering your face.
- Hold the phone steady at eye level, about an arm's length away. Blink naturally when asked.
- Good internet: switch from weak mobile data to Wi-Fi if you can.
Fixes by device
Android
- Open Settings, Apps, AadhaarFaceRD: allow Camera permission and clear its cache.
- If the scan never opens, uninstall and reinstall AadhaarFaceRD from the Play Store.
- Close other apps that use the camera (video calls, camera apps).
iPhone
Computer only
Face authentication for UAN works on a phone. Use a trusted family member's Android phone; keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile with you for the OTP, and log out of UMANG afterwards.
Errors and what they mean
| What happens | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Camera opens, outline never turns green | Light, angle or movement | Use the checklist above. Try in daylight |
| "RD service not found" or the scan does not start | AadhaarFaceRD missing, outdated or blocked | Reinstall it and allow camera permission |
| Authentication failed every time, even in good light | Your Aadhaar photo is very old, or you look very different | Update your Aadhaar photo at an Aadhaar centre, then retry after the update |
| OTP not received | OTP goes to the mobile linked to Aadhaar | Update your Aadhaar mobile if it is an old number |
| Details do not match | Name, date of birth or gender differ between Aadhaar and EPFO | Correct the EPFO record first. See KYC |
Still failing?
- Raise a grievance on EPFiGMS, describing the exact error message (don't share your OTP or Aadhaar number in screenshots).
- Call the EPFO helpline 1800-118-005.
- Ask your employer's HR team: they see your record and can confirm whether your Aadhaar is seeded correctly.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I retry face authentication?
You can retry, but after several failures wait a while before trying again. Repeated failures usually mean a setup or Aadhaar data problem, not bad luck.
My Aadhaar photo is very old. Will that stop face authentication?
It can. If you look very different from your Aadhaar photo, update the photo at an Aadhaar centre and try again after the update is complete.
Related guides on our other websites
Sources
- EPFO press release, 9 Apr 2025: face authentication on UMANG (AadhaarFaceRD app, live face capture).
- UIDAI: official Aadhaar website (photo and mobile updates).
- EPFiGMS: EPFO grievance portal.