The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number allotted to every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). It remains the same throughout an employee’s career, regardless of job changes, and helps consolidate multiple Member IDs under one account.
Activating your UAN is the first step to managing your EPF online, including checking your balance, downloading your passbook, updating KYC, and submitting withdrawal or transfer claims.
Prerequisites for UAN Activation
To activate your UAN on the EPFO portal, you must have the following details as per EPFO and Aadhaar records:
- UAN or EPF Member ID – Either can be used to start activation. Both are issued by your employer.
- Aadhaar Number – Mandatory for verification and OTP. Must be linked with your mobile number.
- Name – As per Aadhaar and EPFO records.
- Date of Birth – Should match the records exactly.
- Mobile Number – Must be active and linked to your Aadhaar.
- Captcha Code – For on-screen verification.
You must also check the consent box to allow Aadhaar-based authentication.
Step-by-Step Process to Activate UAN Online
Follow these simple steps to activate your UAN:
Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal
Go to:
👉 https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

Step 2: Click on “Activate UAN”
On the login page, click the “Activate UAN” link under the Important Links section. Or go directly to:
👉 UAN Activation Form
Step 3: Enter Your Details
On the activation page:
- Select UAN or Member ID
- Enter your Aadhaar Number
- Fill in your Name, Date of Birth, and Mobile Number
- Enter the Captcha Code
- Tick the consent checkbox for Aadhaar authentication

Step 4: Generate OTP
Click “Get Authorisation Pin”. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
Step 5: Submit OTP and Activate UAN
Enter the OTP and click “Validate OTP and Activate UAN”.
Step 6: Receive Login Credentials
After successful activation, you will receive a system-generated password via SMS. Use your UAN and this password to log in. You can change the password later.
Benefits of UAN Activation
Once your UAN is activated, you can:
- View and download your EPF passbook
- Check your EPF balance online
- File withdrawal or transfer claims online
- Update your KYC information (Aadhaar, PAN, bank, etc.)
- Track the status of your claims
Quick Tips
- Make sure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and is active.
- If your details do not match Aadhaar/EPFO records, you may face errors during activation.
- Reset your password after first login for account security.
Example
Example:
Rohit joins a company and receives his UAN from HR. He visits the EPFO portal, enters his UAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number, and receives an OTP. After submitting it, his UAN is activated. He now downloads his EPF passbook and updates his bank account details online.
Final Thoughts
Activating your UAN is an essential step toward managing your Provident Fund online. With UAN activation, employees gain control over their retirement savings, eliminate dependency on employers for EPF services, and can manage their accounts anytime, anywhere.
For more such useful guides, stay connected with HR Informative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is UAN activation mandatory?
Yes, activation is required to use online EPF services like passbook download, KYC update, and claims.
2. Can I activate UAN without Aadhaar?
No. Aadhaar is mandatory for activation, as it is used for OTP and identity verification.
3. Is PAN required to activate UAN?
No. PAN is not required during UAN activation. Aadhaar is mandatory.
4. Can I use Member ID instead of UAN?
Yes, if you don’t have your UAN, you can start the activation process using your Member ID.
5. What if I don’t receive the OTP?
Ensure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar and is active. Retry or check with UIDAI if needed.
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