What is UAN, and why should you activate it?
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identification number assigned to every Employee Provident Fund (EPF) member in India. This centralized number remains constant throughout your career, regardless of job changes, and links all your EPF accounts under one umbrella.
Key Benefits of UAN Activation
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Simplified EPF Management | Access all your PF accounts through a single login |
| Employer Independence | Manage your EPF without relying on employers |
| Online Services Access | Download passbooks, check balances, and file claims online |
| Seamless Job Transitions | Transfer PF amounts automatically between employers |
| Enhanced Security | Secure, transparent provident fund management |
Documents Required for UAN Activation
Before starting the activation process, ensure you have these documents ready:
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UAN Number (from salary slip or employer)
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Aadhaar Number (linked to your mobile number)
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PAN Card (if applicable)
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Member ID (from previous EPF accounts)
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Mobile Number (registered with EPFO)
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Email Address
Step-by-Step UAN Activation Process
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member Portal
Navigate to the official EPFO website:https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Click on “Activate UAN.”
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Look for the “Activate UAN” link under “Important Links” or “Member Services.”
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Click on this option to proceed to the activation page
Step 3: Enter Required Details
You can activate using any one of the following identifiers:
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UAN (if already provided by employer)
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Member ID (from previous EPF account)
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Aadhaar Number
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PAN Number
Additional Information Required:
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Full Name (as per EPFO records)
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Date of Birth
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Mobile Number (registered with EPFO)
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Email Address
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Captcha Code
Step 4: Get Authorization PIN
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Click “Get Authorization PIN” after filling all details
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A 6-digit OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
Step 5: Validate OTP and Activate
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Enter the OTP received on your mobile
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Check the “I Agree” checkbox for terms and conditions
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Click “Validate OTP and Activate UAN”
Step 6: Receive Login Password
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Upon successful activation, you’ll receive a system-generated password on your registered mobile number
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Save this password for future logins to the EPFO portal
How to Log In After UAN Activation
Login Steps:
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Visit the EPFO Member Portal:Go to
https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ -
Enter Credentials:Input your UAN, password, and captcha code
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Click “Sign In”: Access your EPF account dashboard
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Change Password: Optionally update your password for security
Services Available After Login:
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Download EPF Passbook
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Check PF Balance
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Update KYC Details
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File PF Withdrawal Claims
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Transfer PF Between Employers
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Download UAN Card
Alternative: UAN Activation via Face Authentication (2025 Update)
EPFO has introduced facial authentication-based eKYC for a contactless activation process:
Requirements:
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Aadhaar linked with mobile number
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Smartphone/laptop with a working camera
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Stable internet connection
Process:
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Visit:
https://bhuvan-uidai.nrsc.gov.in/facemp/ -
Enter your Aadhaar number.
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Allow camera permissions for face capture
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The system verifies the facial image with the Aadhaar records
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UAN gets activated or KYC updated instantly
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Forgot UAN Password?
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Go to the EPFO portal and click “Forgot Password.”
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Enter your UAN and captcha
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Provide name, gender, and date of birth for verification
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Enter Aadhaar number and captcha
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Get OTP on the registered mobile and create a new password
Don’t Know Your UAN?
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Visit the EPFO portal and click “Know Your UAN.”
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Enter the registered mobile number and the captcha
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Request OTP and validate
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Provide name, DOB, and Aadhaar/PAN/Member ID
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Your UAN will be displayed
Important Tips for Successful Activation
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Ensure all details match your EPFO records exactly
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Use the mobile number registered with your employer
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Keep your Aadhaar linked to the same mobile number
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Save your password securely after activation
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Update KYC details promptly after activation
Conclusion
UAN activation is a mandatory and beneficial process for all EPF members that provides complete control over your provident fund management. The entire process takes just 5-10 minutes and offers immediate access to comprehensive online EPF services.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily activate your UAN and enjoy seamless, employer-independent access to your EPF accounts throughout your career. Remember to keep your login credentials secure and update your details whenever necessary for uninterrupted service access.
