Here's how it relates to your other EPF details: every time you join a new company, you're given a separate Member ID (sometimes called a PF account number) by that employer. Your UAN acts as an umbrella that links all these Member IDs together into one account.

Importantly, your UAN itself does not change when you switch jobs. Only your Member ID changes with each new employer. This is exactly why the UAN system exists — it lets you carry a single, consistent identity across your EPF accounts throughout your career instead of managing scattered records with every job change.

Who Generates or Allots the UAN

As per an EPFO announcement made through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, from August 1, 2025, new UAN generation is done through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) — a shift EPFO made after finding that employer-submitted data often had errors and that many employees never activated their UAN at all.

The employer-led generation route continues to apply only in limited, exceptional cases, such as for international workers and certain foreign nationals.

It helps to keep three things separate:

• Allotment — EPFO assigning you a UAN in the first place
• Activation — enabling that UAN for use on EPFO's online services
• Retrieval — simply finding out what your existing, already-allotted UAN is

Activation does not create a new UAN — it only switches on services for a UAN you already have.

How to Find Your UAN Number?

If you already have a UAN allotted, here are the usual ways to locate it:

• Salary slip: Most employers print the UAN on the payslip once PF deductions begin. This is usually the fastest way to find it.
• HR or payroll department: Your employer can share your UAN directly, since they receive it at the time of allotment.
• EPFO Member e-Sewa portal: You can retrieve your UAN online if you have basic KYC details on hand (explained below).
• UMANG app: The app includes an EPFO services section where you can check UAN-related details.
• Previous EPFO records: Old payslips, Form 16, or EPF-related SMS/emails from a former employer may also contain your UAN.

How to Find Your UAN Online Through the EPFO Portal

To retrieve your UAN through EPFO's official Member e-Sewa portal, here is the general process:

• Go to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
• Look for the "Know Your UAN" option, usually listed under Important Links.
• Enter identifying details as prompted — this typically includes your PF Member ID, Aadhaar number, or PAN, along with your name, date of birth, and registered mobile number.
• Complete the OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number.
• Once validated, your UAN will be displayed and/or sent to you.

Note: This route only works if your mobile number is already registered with EPFO. If your details don't match EPFO's records or your mobile number was never linked, this method won't work. In that case, contact your employer or the EPFO helpdesk.

How to Get a UAN If You Do Not Have One

If you don't have a UAN yet, note that the process has moved away from being purely employer-driven. As per EPFO's current framework, new UANs are generated and activated through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication, allowing employees to generate their own UAN directly rather than waiting entirely on their employer. This requires the UMANG app along with the Aadhaar Face RD utility, your Aadhaar number, and a live face scan for identity verification.

For most regular employees, employers still play a role in confirming employment details to EPFO, so it's worth checking with HR alongside using the UMANG route. Since this is an evolving digital process, always confirm the latest steps on the official UMANG app or EPFO portal before proceeding.

How to Activate Your UAN

Activation is necessary because an allotted-but-inactive UAN won't let you log in to check your passbook, file claims, or update KYC details online.

Based on EPFO's current process, activation (for both new and existing UANs) is carried out through the UMANG app using Aadhaar Face Authentication, where you enter your UAN and Aadhaar-linked details and complete a face verification. Do not confuse this with simply locating your UAN — activation is a separate step that must be completed after your UAN has already been allotted.

Since EPFO periodically updates its verification workflow, always check the current instructions within the UMANG app or on the official EPFO portal before starting.

What If You Forget Your UAN-Linked Mobile Number or Password?

If you've forgotten your portal password, the "Forgot Password" option on the Member e-Sewa portal lets you reset it using your UAN and registered mobile number.

However, if you no longer have access to the mobile number linked to your UAN, self-service options won't work, since OTP verification depends on that number. In this situation, you'll need to raise a request through the EPFO Grievance Portal or contact your employer/nearest EPFO office to get your mobile number updated in EPFO's records before you can regain access.

What If You Have More Than One UAN?

Employees should not continue using multiple UANs — EPF rules require you to hold only one active UAN throughout your career. Having more than one usually happens when a new employer accidentally generates a fresh UAN instead of using your existing one.

If you find you have duplicate UANs, report the issue to your current employer or through the EPFO Grievance Portal so your accounts can be reviewed and reconciled. Don't assume this happens automatically — actively flag it so EPFO can process the consolidation of your records.

Common Problems While Finding or Activating a UAN

• Incorrect name or date of birth: Ensure your Aadhaar and EPFO records match exactly; mismatches are a leading cause of failed verification.
• Mobile number mismatch: If your registered mobile number has changed, update it via your employer or the EPFO Grievance Portal before attempting OTP-based steps.
• Aadhaar/KYC not matching EPFO records: Get your KYC corrected through your employer's EPFO login or by raising a grievance.
• Previous employer not sharing UAN: Try the "Know Your UAN" option on the portal using your Aadhaar/PAN, or approach EPFO directly.
• Duplicate UANs: Report through your current employer or the grievance portal for consolidation; don't use multiple UANs simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Finding your UAN is usually straightforward. Check your salary slip, ask HR, or use the EPFO portal's "Know Your UAN" option with your registered mobile number. If you're getting a UAN for the first time or need to activate one, EPFO's process now runs primarily through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. Since EPFO continues to refine its digital services, always rely on the official EPFO portal or UMANG app for the latest steps, and keep your KYC and mobile number updated to avoid access issues.

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