How to switch from old mAadhaar app to new Aadhaar app on your phone

For years, carrying a photocopy of your Aadhaar card has been a quintessential Indian ritual. That ritual is finally being challenged. UIDAI has launched a completely redesigned Aadhaar app in 2026.

And it changes how you share your identity, how much you reveal, and how you move through everyday situations like travel, age verification, and address updates. If you are still using the old mAadhaar app, this is your cue to move on. Here is how to do it properly, and why it matters.

What’s new in the Aadhaar app

The first thing to understand is that the new Aadhaar app does not replace mAadhaar automatically. The app is now listed as “Aadhaar” on the Play Store and App Store. It is a fresh install, not an update. UIDAI has confirmed that mAadhaar will be phased out, so staying put is not an option if you want continued access to digital Aadhaar services.

Additionally, when you switch, nothing carries over. Your saved profiles, family links, downloaded e-Aadhaar PDFs, and biometric lock settings all stay behind. You will need to set everything up again.

ALSO READ: How to download Aadhaar on WhatsApp: Step-by-step guide

One of the most practical improvements is the ability to update your mobile number directly within the app. Until now, changing the number linked to Aadhaar meant visiting an enrolment centre. From January 28, 2026, users can initiate mobile number updates inside the app using face authentication, along with a small fee. This turns Aadhaar maintenance into something you do on your phone, not something you plan half a day around.

To know more about the features of the new Aadhaar app, check out this article.

How to switch from mAadhaar to new Aadhar app without friction

The process is straightforward, but it helps to do it in the right order. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Start by downloading the official “Aadhaar” app by UIDAI. Here are the Android and iOS app links.
Step 2: Sign in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and complete the OTP authentication.
Step 3: Once inside, you will be prompted to set up Face Authentication, which replaces the older PIN-only approach and adds a more modern security layer.
Step 4: After that, re-add family members if needed. The new app supports up to five profiles, making it easier to manage household identities from one device.
Step 5: Do not forget to re-enable biometric locks if you used them earlier. They do not transfer automatically.

These steps allow you to set up your Aadhaar app on your phone easily. Your digital identity just got a lot simpler.

Have you downloaded the new Aadhaar app? Let us know in the comments section below and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more informative guides.