Link Your Aadhaar to Mobile Before Biometric Deadline

In recent years, the Aadhaar system has become the cornerstone of India’s digital identity framework. From opening bank accounts to accessing government benefits, Aadhaar verification is now integral to many services. But as biometric authentication becomes increasingly critical, ensuring your Aadhar link to mobile number is not just a formality — it’s a necessity.

With biometric updates expected to become mandatory in the near future, not linking your Aadhaar with a valid mobile number could limit access to essential services and delay critical processes. In this article, we explain why the link is important, how to complete it online, and what happens if you don’t.

What Is the Link Between Aadhar and Mobile Number?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has mandated that every Aadhaar holder link their mobile number to their Aadhaar card. This linkage serves several important purposes:

• Receives OTPs for verification during online transactions or biometric updates.

• Authenticates identity when accessing digital services.

• Enables updates such as address changes, biometric modifications, and more through the self-service portal.

Without a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, you cannot complete key processes like biometric re-authentication, which is becoming essential for maintaining the validity of your Aadhaar profile.

Why Biometric Updates Will Require Aadhar-Mobile Linking?

Biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) are the backbone of Aadhaar-based authentication. You may need to update these details over time, especially for children, elderly individuals, or when quality declines.

Once biometric updates become mandatory, OTP verification via your registered mobile number will be a required step to initiate the process. Without it:

• You can’t authenticate changes online.

• You’ll need to visit Aadhaar Seva Kendras physically, which can cause delays.

• Some services may deny access if biometric re-validation fails.

Hence, completing the aadhar link to mobile number process beforehand ensures you're not caught off guard when biometric updates are enforced.

How to Link Aadhar with Mobile Number Online?

The process to link Aadhaar card with mobile number online involves visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, but the appointment booking and tracking can be done online. Here's a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Book an Appointment:

• Visit UIDAI’s official website.

• Go to the “Book an Appointment” section and select your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

• Choose the service: “Aadhaar Update” and specify “Mobile Number Update/Linking.”

2. Visit the Centre:

• Take your Aadhaar card and mobile phone.

• Provide biometric verification (fingerprints).

• Provide your mobile number for linking.

3. Confirmation and Charges:

• You’ll receive an acknowledgement slip.

• Users typically pay ₹50 as a minimal fee.

• Aadhaar will reflect your linked mobile number within few days.

Linking your mobile number to Aadhaar requires biometric verification, so you must visit a centre.

How to Update Mobile Number in Aadhar Online?

If your number is already linked and you wish to change it, the process is similar:

• Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

• Provide identity proof (original Aadhaar card).

• Biometric verification is complete.

• Enter the new mobile number to update.

• Expect a confirmation message once we process the update.

While UIDAI does not offer direct update mobile number in Aadhar online via self-service, online appointment booking makes the process smoother and quicker.

Aadhaar Mobile Number Change vs Linking for First Time

We have often confusion between changing a mobile number in Aadhaar and linking it for the first time:

Whether it's a new link or a change, both processes require biometric verification — reinforcing why doing it before mandatory biometric updates is important.

How to Verify Mobile Number on Aadhar Card?

Once you've completed the linking process, it’s crucial to verify mobile number on Aadhar card to ensure it's correctly registered. You can do this online:

1. Visit UIDAI's Mobile Verification Page.

2. Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number.

3. The system sends an OTP to your mobile.

4. Enter the OTP and check if the verification is successful.

If your number isn’t linked or verification doesn’t go through, complete the linking steps listed above.

What Happens If You Don’t Link Aadhar to Mobile Number?

Neglecting to complete your Aadhar link to mobile number may lead to several issues:

• No access to biometric update services: Mandatory biometric updates will require OTP verification.

• Limited access to government schemes: Many welfare schemes now use Aadhaar-based verification.

• Inability to update Aadhaar online: Any online changes to address, email or documents won’t be possible.

• Banking & financial disruption: Aadhaar OTP-based KYC and account linking services may face interruptions.

In essence, not having your mobile number linked can severely restrict access to key government and financial services — and may lead to deactivation in extreme cases.

Conclusion

With biometric updates expected to become compulsory soon, linking your mobile number to Aadhaar is no longer optional. Ensure uninterrupted access to services by completing Aadhaar-based authentication. From updating personal details to accessing subsidies, the aadhar link to mobile number enables safe, seamless digital verification.

Whether you’re linking it for the first time or changing an old number, don’t wait for a government mandate. Act today and future-proof your digital identity