Aadhaar gets major upgrade with new app

The Unique Identification Authority of India – better known as UIDAI – has released a “full version” of the Aadhaar app. It aims to address some of the common headaches associated with the identity number.

Because of how the current system is implemented, citizens currently run into all kinds of issues like physical cards getting lost and mobile numbers getting outdated. Carrying around a photocopy of your ID feels insecure, too. Now, the new app is live, and it brings some surprisingly practical upgrades.

New features

The biggest win here is probably how you update your information. Previously, if you needed to change the mobile number linked to your ID, it was a hassle. Now, you can just do that using face authentication. UIDAI says you can do this from anywhere, anytime.

There is also a new Family Profiles feature. This is for that person in the family who’s unofficially given the responsibility for holding everyone’s documents during a trip. The feature lets you manage multiple profiles on a single device, so you are not juggling physical cards for your kids or elderly parents while trying to get through security.

There is also a new offline verification mode. Connectivity can be spotty sometimes, and this ensures you can still verify your identity even when your phone has zero signal.

Upgraded security

Then there is the privacy stuff. For a long time, sharing your Aadhaar meant handing over a full photocopy of the card, which exposed way more data than necessary.

To fix this, the new app introduces something called “Selective Share.” This allows you to choose exactly which details you want to share and keeps the rest private. It directly addresses that weird feeling of giving away too much personal info just to get a SIM card.

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On top of that, UIDAI has also added a one-tap biometric lock. If you are worried about your data being misused, you can instantly lock your biometric authentication right from the phone. It makes the whole system feel a little less passive and gives you actual control over your own security.