Over 138 crore Aadhaar holders get relief as myAadhaar portal keeps zero-fee facility running; old mAadhaar app set to retire, new app with face authentication and QR sharing launched

The deadline’s been pushed. Again.

UIDAI — the authority running India’s Aadhaar system — has given holders one more year to update their proof of identity and address documents for free. As a result, the facility, which was supposed to end June 14, 2026, will now stay open till June 14, 2027. No charges. Just the myAadhaar portal.

That’s 138 crore Aadhaar holders who can breathe easier. However, there’s a catch — the old mAadhaar app? It’s on its way out.

---

Why UIDAI Extended the Deadline

The authority’s been nudging people for a while now. In fact, those who enrolled years back and haven’t refreshed their documents since are the primary targets. After all, the database needs current proof of identity (PoI) and proof of address (PoA) to stay accurate.

Originally, the free update window was supposed to shut next month. But then UIDAI kept it running — a full 12-month extension that lets holders upload fresh documents without paying the usual ₹50 fee.

Here’s the thing though: this free ride is portal-only. In contrast, if you walk into an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre for the same update, you’ll still pay.

---

mAadhaar App Retiring: What Users Must Do Now

UIDAI dropped another bombshell this week. Specifically, the mAadhaar app — the one millions have on their phones — is retiring soon.

The new Aadhaar app comes with features the old one never had. For example:

1. Secure QR code-based Aadhaar sharing — simply flash your QR, and you’re done
2. Face authentication — therefore, no more fumbling with OTPs
3. Offline verification — moreover, it works without constant internet
4. Improved privacy controls — in other words, you choose what to share
5. Easier service access — consequently, updates, downloads, and verification take fewer taps

Furthermore, UIDAI has already begun the phase-out process, urging users to migrate their data before the old app goes dark.

---

What Still Needs a Centre Visit

Not everything’s digital yet. In fact, some changes still mean standing in line.

According to UIDAI’s own FAQ page, biometrics — fingerprints, iris scans, photographs — must be updated physically at an enrolment centre. Similarly, name, gender, mobile number and date of birth changes beyond the allowed online limits also require in-person verification.

Therefore, if your fingerprints have faded with age, or if you need a third name correction, the portal won’t help. Instead, you’ll need to book an appointment and go in person.

---

Step-by-Step: How to Update Documents Online

Here’s the process UIDAI wants you to follow. Overall, it’s straightforward — if your documents are ready.

1. First, hit the portal: Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Next, log in: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, then request OTP on your registered mobile
3. Then, check details: Verify your existing identity and address info in the profile section
4. After that, upload PoI: Pick your document from the dropdown, then upload as JPEG/PNG/PDF under 2 MB
5. Subsequently, upload PoA: Same drill for address proof
6. Finally, submit and save: Grab that Update Request Number (URN) — you’ll need it to track progress

That’s it. No fee till June 14, 2027. But after that? You’ll be back to paying ₹50 per update.

---

The Bottom Line

Two big moves from UIDAI this week. First: free document updates stay free for another year. Second: the mAadhaar app’s days are numbered.

So if your Aadhaar documents are stale, you’ve got till June 2027 to fix them without paying a rupee. Nevertheless, don’t sleep on it — the portal gets jammed near deadlines. And if you’re still on the old mAadhaar app? Download the new one before your data goes poof.

We will keep tracking UIDAI updates as the June 2027 deadline approaches.

---