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ToggleAn Aadhaar card is a unique biometric-based document issued to every Indian citizen. While it doesn’t have a specific purpose, it establishes the identity of a person. You can quote your Aadhaar number to identify yourself, rather like a Social Security number in the United States.
However, you cannot avail the facilities that your Aadhaar Card has to offer without linking your mobile number with it. This is because UIDAI sends you a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number for authentication purposes.
Here are the steps to update and link your mobile number to your Aadhaar card.
You need to link your mobile number to your Aadhaar card if:
Previously, you could register your mobile number with Aadhaar through a Self-Service Update Portal (SSUP). But this facility does not exist anymore, and you need to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to complete the procedure. It takes up to 90 days for your updated information to show in the system.
Let’s start with the basics and look at the steps to link your mobile number with Aadhaar:
For any queries to UIDAI, you can call their toll-free telephone number – 1947.
Here are the methods to link your Aadhaar to your subscriber identification module (SIM):
Your network provider can help you link your Aadhaar card to your mobile number. Here are the steps to complete this process online:
It’s possible to link your mobile number with Aadhaar and re-verify it using an OTP by following these steps:
While online and SMS-based methods save the day, sometimes the easiest option is to take care of business in person. Here’s a short and sweet guide to link your mobile number to your Aadhaar card by visiting the centre.
The only document you need to link your mobile phone to your Aadhaar card is a copy of your Aadhaar card. The card itself is evidence that all your personal details are held by UIDAI. You must attest the copy of the Aadhaar card before submitting it.
No. UIDAI only has very basic information like your name, gender, address, and date of birth. It also has your biometric information like iris scans, fingerprints, photograph, mobile number, and email address.
Besides, tracking citizens with this information would be breaking the law. Section 32(3) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 prohibits controlling, keeping, maintaining, or controlling an individual’s information. Aadhaar is not a profiling tool but only an identifier.
No. When you give your Aadhaar number to a financial institution, they will only pass on your information that UIDAI already holds. This information is sent to UIDAI to verify that the information is authentic. UIDAI will only answer “yes” or “no” to such a verification request. UIDAI never receives information regarding your bank accounts and investments.
Don’t worry; your Aadhaar number will not help fraudsters in any way. There isn’t a single case of financial loss that is linked to the usage of an Aadhaar number. It’s just like how a person cannot access your bank account by only knowing the ATM card number. Your bank account is safe as long as you don’t divulge the login details, PIN, and OTP information.
If you want to receive government benefits or subsidies, you need to submit your Aadhaar number to your nominated bank. This is according to the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Third Amendment Rules, 2019.
Aadhaar is the preferred document for know your customer (KYC) purposes for banks and other financial institutions. However, you may use any other documents allowed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for such purposes. Linking your bank account with Aadhaar is optional in this context.
The eAadhaar that you download from the UIDAI website is as legally admissible as an original Aadhaar. All agencies should accept eAadhaar, Aadhaar Letter, or mAadhaar Profile. EAadhaar and mAadhaar Profile contain updated details of the Aadhaar holder, so they should be preferred over an original Aadhaar.
In case of refusal to accept eAadhaar or mAadhaar Profile, you can file a complaint against the offenders with the concerned departments.
Under the Telegraph Act, 1885, telecom users may submit their Aadhaar number voluntarily for KYC purposes, but it is not mandatory.
That said, in the interest of your own security and that of our nation, it’s best to submit your Aadhaar card to retrieve a SIM. Identifying mobile subscribers with an Aadhaar authenticates their identity. This is to prevent fraudsters and terrorists from getting SIM cards in fictitious or genuine names and using them to commit crimes.
Your Aadhaar card makes you eligible for several benefits. Not only does this twelve-digit number work as proof of identity but it also opens the doors to opening bank accounts, getting loans, government benefits, subsidies, and much more.
Linking your Aadhaar with your mobile number makes online verification easier so that you can access all these services and more. By following the steps above, you can successfully add your number to your Aadhaar.