Aadhaar-Mobile Number Linking Made Mandatory: Here’s Why It Matters and How to Do It

New Delhi, June 9, 2025 — In a significant move to improve identity verification and enhance security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has urged all Aadhaar card holders to link their mobile numbers with their Aadhaar cards. While providing a phone number is not mandatory at the time of Aadhaar enrollment, UIDAI strongly recommends linking your mobile number to fully access Aadhaar-based services and protect yourself from potential fraud.

Why Linking Aadhaar with Mobile Number is Important

Aadhaar, as a biometric identity document, is now used for everything from bank verification to government welfare schemes. Linking a mobile number enables Aadhaar OTP-based authentication, which is a critical step for:

• Verifying your identity securely

• Completing e-KYC for banks, SIM activation, and financial services

• Accessing subsidies and government schemes

• Receiving timely Aadhaar-related updates and alerts

• Preventing misuse of your Aadhaar by unauthorized individuals

Without a verified mobile number, you may face hurdles in using Aadhaar-based services, and more importantly, you won’t receive One-Time Passwords (OTPs) required for authentication, effectively locking you out of critical digital platforms.

How to Link Aadhaar with Your Mobile Number

There are two easy ways to link your Aadhaar card with your mobile number:

1. Online via MyAadhaar Portal or App

   • Visit the official myAadhaar portal

   • Login using your Aadhaar number and OTP

   • Navigate to “Update Demographics Data” and choose mobile number

   • Follow the prompts to link or update your number

2. Visit the Nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra

   • Carry your Aadhaar card and the mobile number you wish to link

   • Fill out the update form and complete biometric verification

   • A nominal ₹50 service fee is charged

   • The update is usually processed within a few working days

Consequences of Not Linking Aadhaar and Mobile Number

If you haven’t yet linked your Aadhaar with your phone number, you might face several difficulties, such as:

• Inability to access banking services that require e-KYC

• Disruption in government benefits or subsidies linked to Aadhaar

• Failure to authenticate digitally on portals that use Aadhaar OTP

• Increased risk of identity misuse, since you won’t be alerted about unauthorized Aadhaar activity

UIDAI recently reiterated this advisory via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, encouraging citizens to take immediate steps to update their Aadhaar records to avoid service disruptions.

Stay Updated and Secure

Keeping your Aadhaar details updated — including your name, date of birth, address, and especially your mobile number — is crucial for seamless access to digital services. In the age of increasing digital transactions, having a verified and linked Aadhaar-mobile setup adds a layer of protection and convenience.

For those who haven’t yet completed this task, now is the time to do so and secure your digital identity.