UAN guide
Find an existing UAN before generating a new one. Use official EPFO and UMANG channels, and keep only one active UAN.
Check the KFS
Step 1
Confirm every fee, tax and net disbursal figure in writing
Compare total cost
Step 2
Look at APR and repayment, not only the processing fee
Dispute mismatches
Step 3
Raise a written complaint if the deduction differs from disclosure
Cannot remember your UAN, or have you never received one?
The correct next step depends on your situation:
- If you already worked for an EPF-covered employer, first try to find your existing UAN. Do not generate another one just because you forgot it.
- If no UAN has ever been allotted to you, use the current UAN Allotment and Activation service available through UMANG, where applicable.
- If you know your UAN but cannot use EPFO services, you may need to activate it, reset the password or correct mismatched details.
A UAN is a 12-digit Universal Account Number used to connect your EPF records across different jobs. You can often find it on a salary slip, obtain it from your employer, or retrieve it through Know Your UAN on the official EPFO Member Portal.
EPFO currently directs members to the UMANG app with Aadhaar-based face authentication for new UAN allotment and activation. Older instructions showing activation through the EPFO website may no longer work.
Information last verified: 6 October 2026
EPFO and UMANG screens can change. Always follow the current instructions displayed on the official portal or app.
Choose the correct UAN process
| Your situation | What you should do |
|---|---|
| You worked before but forgot the number | Check your salary slip, ask HR or use Know Your UAN |
| You are joining a new employer | Give the employer your existing UAN instead of creating another one |
| No UAN has ever been allotted | Check with your employer and use UAN Allotment and Activation in UMANG if applicable |
| You know the UAN but it is inactive | Use UAN Activation under EPFO services in UMANG |
| Your OTP is not arriving | Confirm the mobile number, network and entered details; then use official support if necessary |
| Your Aadhaar details do not match | Correct the relevant Aadhaar or EPFO profile information through the official process |
| You have two UANs | Inform your employer and ask EPFO how to consolidate the records; do not keep using both without resolving the issue |
| A wrong Member ID is linked | Verify the employment record carefully before using EPFO’s current delinking or grievance process |
What is a UAN?
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. EPFO allots this 12-digit number to identify an EPF member and connect the Member IDs created during different employments.
Your UAN should generally continue when you change jobs. A new employer may create a new PF Member ID for that employment, but it should be connected with your existing UAN.
The UAN helps you access services such as:
- EPFO member login
- PF passbook and contribution records
- KYC information
- Employment history
- PF transfer and eligible claim services
- E-nomination
- Claim tracking
The UAN itself does not hold money. Your contributions and balances are recorded under the PF Member IDs connected with it.
UAN and PF Member ID are not the same
| Point | UAN | PF Member ID |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Connects an individual with EPF records across jobs | Identifies the EPF record for a particular employment |
| Length or format | A 12-digit number | Usually contains establishment and member information |
| Changes after joining another employer | Normally remains the same | A new Member ID may be created |
| Used for | Member login and connected EPFO services | Identifying contributions from a particular employer |
For example, Kavita may have Member ID A from her first company and Member ID B from her second company. Both should normally be connected with the same UAN.
How to find your UAN number
If you have previously contributed to EPF, use these methods before attempting to generate a new UAN.
Method 1: Check your salary slip
Many employers show the UAN on salary slips alongside the employee ID, PF number or statutory deductions.
If your salary slip is a PDF:
- Open the document.
- Search for UAN.
- Look for a 12-digit number.
- Compare it with other salary slips if you are unsure.
Do not confuse the UAN with your employee code, bank account number or PF Member ID.
Method 2: Ask your employer or HR team
Your payroll or HR team may be able to provide the UAN linked with your employment record.
When contacting HR, share only the information requested through an authorised company channel. Do not send Aadhaar, PAN or other identity documents to an unknown personal number.
If you changed jobs, contact the employer associated with the relevant PF record. Your current employer may not have complete information about an incorrectly created older record.
Method 3: Use Know Your UAN on the EPFO portal
The official EPFO Member Portal provides a Know Your UAN facility.
The current process generally involves:
- Open the official EPFO Member Portal.
- Select Know Your UAN.
- Enter the requested mobile number and captcha.
- Request and verify the OTP.
- Enter the identity and personal details requested on the screen.
- Use Aadhaar, PAN or PF Member ID if the portal offers those options.
- Ensure your name and date of birth match the relevant records.
- Submit the information to retrieve the UAN.
Portal fields and screen order may change. Follow the live instructions rather than screenshots from an old article or video.
Can you find a UAN using a mobile number?
The Know Your UAN process uses mobile OTP verification, but a mobile number alone is not sufficient proof of identity. The portal may also ask for personal information and an identifier such as Aadhaar, PAN or Member ID.
Be cautious of websites claiming they can reveal a UAN using only a phone number. Enter sensitive information only on an official `epfindia.gov.in` page or in the official UMANG app.
Can you find a UAN using Aadhaar or PAN?
Know Your UAN may allow you to use Aadhaar, PAN or Member ID along with your name, date of birth and OTP verification.
The details must match the relevant records. Retrieval may fail when:
- The name is spelled differently
- The date of birth does not match
- PAN or Aadhaar was not linked correctly
- The mobile OTP cannot be completed
- The employer created the record using incorrect information
- No UAN was allotted against the entered details
Do not repeatedly try different spellings or dates merely to bypass verification. First identify which record contains the incorrect information.
How to generate a new UAN through UMANG
Generate a new UAN only after checking that one has not already been allotted to you.
EPFO’s Member Portal currently states that direct UAN allotment through the website has been discontinued. It directs members to UMANG for Aadhaar-based face authentication.
The general process is:
- Download or open the official UMANG app.
- Sign in to UMANG using the required mobile verification.
- Search for EPFO.
- Open UAN Services Through Face Auth.
- Select UAN Allotment and Activation.
- Enter the details requested by the app.
- Provide the required consent and complete OTP verification.
- Follow the instructions for Aadhaar-based face authentication.
- Review your information before submitting it.
- Save the UAN and confirmation received after successful processing.
The app may request additional permissions or supporting components required for face authentication. Install applications only when directed through an official app-store listing or the UMANG workflow.
If your employer is enrolling you for EPF, coordinate with HR so that another UAN is not generated unnecessarily.
How to activate an existing UAN
Finding and activating a UAN are different:
- Finding a UAN tells you the number already linked with your employment record.
- Activating a UAN enables access to online member services.
EPFO currently directs members to activate an existing UAN through UMANG:
- Open the official UMANG app.
- Find EPFO Services.
- Open UAN Services Through Face Auth.
- Select UAN Activation.
- Enter the UAN and other requested details.
- Complete OTP verification and consent.
- Follow the Aadhaar face-authentication instructions.
- Wait for the success message or confirmation.
- Use the activated UAN to access the EPFO Member Portal.
Do not pay an agent to activate your UAN. EPFO warns members not to make payments or disclose credentials in response to calls or messages.
What to do after activating your UAN
Activation is not the end of the process. Log in and review the account carefully.
Check:
- Your name, date of birth and gender
- Mobile number and email address
- Aadhaar, PAN and bank KYC status, where applicable
- Current and previous employment records
- PF Member IDs linked with the UAN
- Date of joining and exit details
- E-nomination status
You can then check your contribution records using the ZapCash PF balance guide.
UAN activation does not automatically mean that every KYC item is approved or that every previous PF balance has been transferred.
What if you changed your mobile number?
The solution depends on what you can still access.
You remember the UAN and password
Sign in to the official Member Portal and check whether the profile section provides the required mobile-update facility.
You remember the UAN but forgot the password
Use Forgot Password on the Member Portal. Follow the current verification flow displayed there. If you cannot receive the OTP on the existing number, the portal may request additional identity verification before allowing another number.
You do not remember the UAN
Try these options:
- Check old salary slips and EPFO messages.
- Contact the relevant employer.
- Use the current Know Your UAN process.
- Contact EPFO if the online process cannot verify you.
Do not create a new UAN simply because you no longer use the old phone number.
What if your Aadhaar and UAN details do not match?
Face authentication or profile verification may fail when the name, date of birth, gender or other details are inconsistent.
First compare:
- Aadhaar information
- EPFO profile information
- PAN details, if linked
- Employer records
- Salary slips and joining documents
Correct the record that is actually wrong. EPFO provides a member-profile correction process, sometimes requiring a joint declaration and employer or EPFO verification depending on the field and extent of the change.
Do not change correct Aadhaar information merely to match an incorrect employer record. Keep supporting documents and acknowledgement numbers until the correction is completed.
What should you do if you have two UANs?
An employee should normally continue using one UAN across different jobs. Duplicate UANs may arise when the existing number was not disclosed or employment details did not match.
If you discover two UANs:
- Record both UANs and their linked Member IDs privately.
- Check which UAN is connected with your current employment.
- Inform your current employer through an official channel.
- Ask how the old employment record and balance should be transferred or consolidated.
- Use the applicable EPFO service or raise a grievance if the records cannot be resolved online.
Do not publish either UAN in a social-media comment or send it to an unknown person offering PF assistance.
What if a wrong Member ID is linked with your UAN?
A wrong Member ID is different from an old but genuine employment record.
Before requesting delinking, verify:
- Employer or establishment name
- Joining and exit dates
- Contribution entries
- Whether the record belongs to an earlier job
EPFO provides a facility for delinking an incorrectly linked Member ID. Use it only when you are certain that the record does not belong to you. Delinking a genuine employment record may create further problems with the passbook, transfer or claim history.
If uncertain, raise an official grievance and attach relevant employment evidence.
Common UAN errors and practical fixes
| Problem | What to check first | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| UAN not found | Name, date of birth and identifier entered | Check salary slips and HR records, then retry Know Your UAN with matching information |
| OTP not received | Mobile number, signal and blocked SMS | Wait briefly, confirm the number and retry; use official support if it continues |
| Aadhaar face authentication fails | Lighting, camera, Aadhaar details and app updates | Retry in good light and confirm that the entered information matches Aadhaar |
| UAN shows inactive | Whether you are following an old web guide | Use UAN Activation through UMANG’s face-authentication service |
| Details do not match | Aadhaar, EPFO and employer records | Use the appropriate official correction process |
| New employment is missing | Whether the employer created and linked a Member ID | Contact HR or payroll and check again after processing |
| Two UANs appear | Member IDs and employment history under each | Inform the employer and seek consolidation through EPFO |
| Portal is unavailable | Maintenance or temporary technical issue | Retry later and avoid unofficial mirror websites |
| Passbook does not appear | UAN activation, correct Member ID or exempted establishment | Check with the employer or PF trust where applicable |
How to contact EPFO when the UAN problem continues
Use official channels and keep evidence of the issue.
You can:
- Call the EPFO helpdesk number 14470, currently displayed on the Member Portal.
- Register a grievance through EPFiGMS.
- Use EPFO grievance services available through UMANG.
- Contact the relevant regional EPFO office.
- Ask your employer to correct or verify employment information when employer involvement is required.
When raising a grievance, provide a clear description, relevant UAN or Member ID, employer information, screenshots and acknowledgement numbers. Mask unnecessary financial or identity information.
Never include your password, OTP, UPI PIN, ATM PIN or full bank credentials.
UAN safety precautions
UAN-related fraud commonly begins with a fake KYC update, withdrawal promise or account-blocking warning.
Protect yourself:
- Use the official EPFO Member Portal and UMANG app.
- Check the website domain before entering information.
- Never share an EPFO password or OTP.
- Do not pay anyone to generate, activate or unblock a UAN.
- Do not install screen-sharing applications for PF assistance.
- Avoid APK files received through WhatsApp or SMS.
- Do not search social-media comments for an EPFO customer-care number.
- Report suspicious calls or messages through the appropriate cybercrime channel.
EPFO states that it does not ask members to provide Aadhaar, PAN, bank details or passwords over the phone, and it does not call members to demand a monetary deposit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UAN number?
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. It is a 12-digit number used to connect an EPF member with PF records created during different employments.
How can I find my forgotten UAN?
Check your salary slip, contact the relevant employer or use Know Your UAN on the official EPFO Member Portal. The online service requires OTP and identity verification.
Can I find my UAN using my mobile number?
Mobile OTP forms part of the Know Your UAN process, but the mobile number alone may not be sufficient. You may also need personal details and Aadhaar, PAN or Member ID information.
Can I find my UAN using Aadhaar?
Know Your UAN may provide Aadhaar as an identification option along with personal details and OTP verification. The information must match the relevant records.
How do I generate a UAN for the first time?
First confirm that you do not already have a UAN. EPFO currently directs eligible users to UAN Allotment and Activation under UAN Services Through Face Auth in the UMANG app.
How do I activate an existing UAN?
Use UAN Activation under UAN Services Through Face Auth in the official UMANG app. EPFO’s Member Portal currently states that activation through the website has been discontinued.
Does UAN change when I change jobs?
Normally, no. Give your existing UAN to the new employer so that the new PF Member ID can be connected with it.
Is the UAN the same as a PF number?
No. The UAN is the main identifier across jobs, while a PF Member ID relates to a particular employment. One UAN can have multiple Member IDs.
What if I have two UAN numbers?
Inform your employer and seek guidance from EPFO on transferring or consolidating the records. Do not keep creating or using separate UANs for different jobs.
Can I activate a UAN without Aadhaar?
The current UMANG activation process uses Aadhaar-based face authentication. If your Aadhaar is unavailable or its details do not match, contact the employer or EPFO for the appropriate resolution.
Why is my UAN showing as inactive?
It may not have been activated, or an older activation method may no longer work. Use the current UAN Activation option in UMANG and verify that your details match Aadhaar.
Does ZapCash generate or activate UANs?
No. UAN and EPF services are provided by EPFO through its official systems. ZapCash only provides this informational guide and does not retrieve, generate or activate a UAN for users.
Final takeaway
If you previously worked for an EPF-covered employer, retrieve your existing UAN before trying to generate another one. Check your salary slip, ask your employer or use Know Your UAN on the official EPFO Member Portal.
For new UAN allotment or activation, follow EPFO’s current instructions in the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based face authentication. If OTP, mobile, Aadhaar or employment-record problems prevent access, correct the underlying mismatch or use EPFO’s official grievance channel.
Most importantly, continue using the same UAN when changing jobs and never share passwords or OTPs with anyone offering to unlock or withdraw PF money.
