With Aadhaar becoming a key identity document for hotels, telecom services, offices, travel, and online verification, privacy and data security have become more important than ever. Many people unknowingly share their full Aadhaar number, which can increase the risk of identity theft and misuse.
To address this concern, UIDAI’s new Aadhaar app now offers a Masked Aadhaar feature, allowing users to hide their complete Aadhaar number while still sharing valid identity proof. This update ensures that you can verify your identity without exposing sensitive personal information.
Here’s everything you need to know about Masked Aadhaar, why it matters, where to use it, and how to download and share it using the new Aadhaar app.
Why You Should Avoid Sharing Your Full Aadhaar Number
Aadhaar is widely used for identity verification, but sharing the complete 12-digit Aadhaar number everywhere is not always necessary. Exposing your full number can lead to:
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Risk of fraud or identity misuse
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Unauthorized use of personal data
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Increased vulnerability to scams and cybercrime
To reduce these risks, UIDAI recommends using Masked Aadhaar, which protects your number while keeping your identity verifiable.
What Is Masked Aadhaar?
A Masked Aadhaar is a version of your Aadhaar card in which only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible, while the remaining digits are hidden.
In simple terms:
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Your identity details remain visible
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Your full Aadhaar number stays private
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The document remains official and valid for most verification purposes
UIDAI actively encourages citizens to use Masked Aadhaar instead of regular Aadhaar wherever full number disclosure is not required.
What Happens When You Share a Masked Aadhaar?
When you share a Masked Aadhaar:
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The recipient can verify your identity
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Your full Aadhaar number is not revealed
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Your personal data stays more secure
This makes Masked Aadhaar a safer alternative to sharing a full Aadhaar copy, especially with private organizations or unknown entities.
Where Can You Use Masked Aadhaar?
Masked Aadhaar is accepted in many everyday situations, including:
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Hotel check-ins
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Airports and railway travel verification
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Private company KYC
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Office and job verification
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SIM card and telecom registration
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General identity proof in private services
However, in some official cases, full Aadhaar details are required, such as:
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Opening a bank account
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Applying for government schemes
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Filing Income Tax returns
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PAN-related services
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Loan applications and financial verification
In such cases, a regular Aadhaar may still be necessary.
How to Download Masked Aadhaar Using the New Aadhaar App
You can easily download and share Masked Aadhaar using UIDAI’s new Aadhaar app by following these steps:
Steps to Get Masked Aadhaar:
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Open the new Aadhaar app on your smartphone
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Go to the Home Page
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Tap on “Download Aadhaar”
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Choose between “Regular Aadhaar” and “Masked Aadhaar”
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Select “Masked Aadhaar”
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Your Masked Aadhaar PDF will be downloaded
In the downloaded file, only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number will be visible.
You can share this PDF easily via:
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WhatsApp
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Email
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Cloud storage
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Messaging apps
How to Open the Masked Aadhaar PDF (Password Details)
For security reasons, the Masked Aadhaar PDF is password-protected.
Password Format:
To open the file, enter:
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The first four letters of your name (in CAPITAL letters)
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Followed by your year of birth
Example:
If your name is Ramesh and your birth year is 1992,
Your password will be: RAME1992
This added security ensures that only authorized users can access the document.
Why This Aadhaar App Update Matters
The new Aadhaar app update improves:
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User privacy
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Data protection
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Identity security
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Safe document sharing
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Protection against fraud and misuse
By using Masked Aadhaar, users can maintain control over their personal information while still completing verification processes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
With rising concerns about data privacy and digital fraud, UIDAI’s new Aadhaar app feature provides a smart and secure way to share identity without revealing your full Aadhaar number.
Whether you’re checking into a hotel, applying for a SIM card, or verifying your identity at a private office, Masked Aadhaar helps protect your personal data while keeping the process hassle-free.
Switching to Masked Aadhaar is a small step that can make a big difference in safeguarding your identity in today’s digital world.
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