Looking for mAadhaar and can’t find it on the app store anymore, or noticed it stopped working? You’re not doing anything wrong — UIDAI has actually retired the app. Here’s exactly what happened, what replaced it, and how to move your digital Aadhaar over without losing anything.
⚡ Quick Answer
mAadhaar has been discontinued by UIDAI as of June 30, 2026. It has been replaced by a new official app simply called “Aadhaar,” identifiable by its Pehchaan logo, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. If you’re still looking for mAadhaar, you should download the new Aadhaar app instead — it carries over the same core services and adds face authentication, selective QR-based data sharing, and support for up to five family profiles.
📋 TL;DR
- mAadhaar officially retired on June 30, 2026, after years as UIDAI’s main mobile Aadhaar app.
- The replacement is the new “Aadhaar” app, built on the Pehchaan platform, with a redesigned interface and stronger security.
- New features include face authentication, selective data sharing via QR code, biometric lock/unlock, and an authentication history log.
- Your existing Aadhaar data isn’t lost — UIDAI says the transition preserves your information; you simply re-register on the new app.
- Only download the new app from official sources: the Play Store, App Store, or the UIDAI link pehchaan.uidai.gov.in/app/download.
What Was mAadhaar, and Why Was It Discontinued?
mAadhaar was the Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) official mobile companion app, letting residents carry a verifiable digital copy of their Aadhaar instead of a laminated card or printed e-Aadhaar. Over its lifetime it was downloaded well over 100 million times and became a familiar way to show ID, lock biometrics against misuse, and share details by QR code.
UIDAI didn’t give a single official reason for retiring it, but the timing lines up with a broader push toward stronger privacy controls and consent-based identity sharing across government digital services. The new Aadhaar app was officially launched on January 28, 2026, with a phased rollout, and mAadhaar was fully discontinued on June 30, 2026.
mAadhaar vs. the New Aadhaar App: What Changed
| Feature | mAadhaar (Retired) | New Aadhaar App (Pehchaan) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued June 30, 2026 | Current official app |
| Identity verification | QR scan, basic profile display | Face authentication plus signed QR verification |
| Data sharing | Shared full profile via QR | Selective sharing — share only what’s needed (e.g. just age) |
| Family profiles | Limited family member support | Up to 5 family Aadhaar profiles in one app |
| Activity tracking | Not available | Authentication history log (when/where your Aadhaar was used) |
| Supported OS | Older Android/iOS versions | Android 9.0+ and iOS 16+ |
How to Download and Set Up the New Aadhaar App
1. Download from an official source only
Search for “Aadhaar” by UIDAI on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and confirm it shows the Pehchaan logo before installing. You can also use UIDAI’s direct link at pehchaan.uidai.gov.in/app/download. Never install it from a third-party APK or unofficial link.
2. Choose your language and verify your number
On first launch, select from 13 supported Indian languages, then enter the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. You’ll receive an OTP to verify it.
3. Complete face verification
The app may prompt a live facial scan as an added identity check. Do this in a well-lit area and follow the on-screen guidance.
4. Secure the app before adding your profile
- Set a security PIN or enable fingerprint/face unlock for the app itself
- Do this immediately after installation, before linking your Aadhaar profile
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete the additional OTP step to finish linking
Will I Lose Any Data Moving from mAadhaar?
UIDAI has stated that your underlying Aadhaar data stays intact through the transition — the new app re-links to your existing Aadhaar record rather than starting from scratch. You will, however, need to complete registration on the new app from the beginning, since app-level settings like your PIN, biometric lock, and saved family profiles don’t automatically transfer from mAadhaar.
- Your core Aadhaar number and demographic details remain unaffected by the app switch
- You’ll need to re-verify your mobile number and re-enable biometric lock on the new app
- If you managed family members’ Aadhaar in mAadhaar, you’ll need to re-add each profile in the new app
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mAadhaar still available to download?
No. UIDAI officially discontinued mAadhaar on June 30, 2026. Residents are directed to download the new Aadhaar app (Pehchaan) instead.
Is the new Aadhaar app safe and official?
Yes, as long as you download it from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or UIDAI’s own pehchaan.uidai.gov.in link, and confirm the developer is listed as UIDAI with the Pehchaan logo shown.
Do I have to switch to the new app right away?
Since mAadhaar is already discontinued, there’s no functioning old app left to fall back on. If you rely on a digital Aadhaar for identity verification, it’s worth setting up the new app as soon as convenient.
What is “Pehchaan”?
Pehchaan is the branding and underlying platform name for the new Aadhaar app — the app itself is listed simply as “Aadhaar” on app stores, but its package name and login portal both use the Pehchaan name, so you may see both terms used interchangeably.
If you’re setting up other Indian government digital services alongside your new Aadhaar app, our guide on the NextGen e-Challan portal registration and login process covers a similarly common source of confusion. For the official download links and setup guidance straight from UIDAI, see UIDAI’s official Aadhaar app download FAQ.
Written by Freddy John, India & Consumer Services Desk, SeminarsOnly News. Freddy covers Indian government digital identity and citizen services, verifying app transitions and registration steps directly against official UIDAI sources before publishing.
Last reviewed for accuracy: July 2026. UIDAI’s app rollout is ongoing; always confirm current download links and steps directly on uidai.gov.in before installing.
