EPFO Launches Face Authentication-Based UAN Allotment via UMANG App (Effective Aug 2025)

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a game-changing update to the Universal Account Number (UAN) generation process. Starting 1st August 2025, employees can now generate their UAN using Face Authentication Technology (FAT) via the UMANG App, making the process faster, more accurate, and error-free.

This initiative is especially beneficial for newly joined employees, helping employers streamline PF compliance and payroll onboarding. Let’s explore the key features, benefits, and action steps for HR teams and payroll processors.

📲 Key Features of the New UAN Allotment Process

🔍 Feature	📋 Details
Effective Date	1st August 2025
Technology Used	Face Authentication Technology (FAT)
Platform	UMANG App
Who Can Use It	All newly joined employees
Special Cases	International Workers, Nepal & Bhutan citizens (via employer portal only)
Old Method	Demographic Authentication (often failed due to Aadhaar mismatch)
New Method	Direct Aadhaar-based Face Authentication
Outcome	Instant UAN generation + activation in one step
Benefits	Reduced failure rates, improved accuracy, seamless onboarding

🧠 Why This Matters for Employers

The traditional UAN generation method relied on demographic matching with Aadhaar, which often led to authentication failures and delays in PF filing. The new Face Authentication method fetches Aadhaar details directly, eliminating mismatches and enabling real-time UAN activation.

This is now the primary mode of UAN generation for domestic employees. For international workers and citizens of Nepal/Bhutan, UAN must still be generated via the employer portal.

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📌 Action Required by HR & Payroll Teams

To ensure smooth compliance and onboarding, employers must take the following steps:

• ✅ Encourage new employees to use the UMANG App for UAN generation via Face Authentication.
• 🧑‍💼 Assist during onboarding by sharing the official guideline (attached below).
• 📲 Make UAN generation mandatory for new joiners not yet covered under PF.
• 📥 Capture UAN as payroll input during onboarding to avoid PF filing delays.
• 🚀 Adopt early to ensure seamless transition and avoid last-minute issues.

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📎 Download Official EPFO Circular

The circular is signed by G. R. Suchindranath, ACC (WSU) and outlines the mandatory use of Face Authentication for UAN generation via UMANG App.

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✅ Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Onboard Employees

EPFO’s new Face Authentication-based UAN allotment is a major leap forward in digital HR compliance. It simplifies onboarding, reduces errors, and ensures timely PF filings. For HR teams, payroll processors, and employers, early adoption is key to maintaining compliance and delivering a smooth employee experience.

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