The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial identification number for employees contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in India. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the UAN links multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) assigned to an individual by different employers. Whether you’re a new employee or someone trying to retrieve your UAN, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every possible method to find your UAN number easily and accurately.
What is a UAN and Why Is It Important?
The UAN is a 12-digit unique number assigned to every employee contributing to the EPF. It acts as an umbrella that links multiple PF accounts assigned to a single member. This ensures that even if an employee switches jobs, all PF contributions are centrally linked and managed.
Benefits of UAN include:
- Portability of PF accounts between jobs
- Hassle-free PF withdrawals and transfers
- Easy tracking of PF contributions
- Reduction in dependency on employers for PF-related activities
How to Find UAN Number Using Various Methods
1. Find UAN Number Using EPFO Portal (Without Login)
If you do not remember your UAN and need to retrieve it without logging in, follow these steps:
- Visit the official EPFO UAN Member e-Sewa portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
- Click on “Know Your UAN” on the homepage.
- Enter your registered mobile number and click on “Request OTP.”
- Enter the OTP received and verify your identity.
- Provide details like:
- Name (as per Aadhaar)
- Date of birth
- Aadhaar number or PAN
- Captcha code
- Once validated, your UAN number will be sent to your mobile via SMS.
✅ This method works even if you’ve never logged in before or forgotten your login credentials.
2. Find UAN Number Through Your Employer
Your employer is mandated to provide you with the UAN number when you join a new organization. Here’s how to retrieve it via your company:
- Check your salary slip: Many companies mention the UAN on the salary slip.
- Ask your HR or payroll department: They maintain employee PF records and can provide your UAN on request.
This is especially useful for first-time employees or individuals unfamiliar with EPFO systems.
3. Find UAN Number via SMS (Registered Mobile)
If your mobile number is registered with EPFO, you can retrieve your UAN via SMS:
Send the following SMS:
cssCopyEditEPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899
- Replace ENG with your preferred language code (e.g., HIN for Hindi, TAM for Tamil).
- You will receive a message with your UAN and last PF contribution details.
🔒 Make sure to send the message from your registered mobile number only.
4. Find UAN Number by Checking EPF Passbook
To view your UAN via the EPF passbook:
- Go to the EPF passbook portal: https://passbook.epfindia.gov.in/MemberPassBook/Login.jsp
- Log in using your UAN and password.
- If you have access, you will see details of your PF account and your UAN.
💡 This step requires that your UAN is already activated.
5. Use UMANG App to Find UAN
The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app is an all-in-one government app that allows you to access EPFO services, including UAN.
Steps to retrieve UAN on UMANG:
- Download the UMANG app from Google Play Store or iOS App Store.
- Register with your mobile number.
- Navigate to EPFO Services > Employee Centric Services.
- Select View UAN.
- Enter your Aadhaar, PAN, or mobile number.
- Verify with OTP to retrieve your UAN.
Things You Need to Retrieve UAN Number
Before you start the process, make sure you have the following documents or information handy:
- Aadhaar Card or PAN Card
- Mobile number registered with EPFO
- Date of birth as per Aadhaar records
- Member ID (if known)
- Bank account number linked with your EPF account (in some cases)
These details help authenticate your identity and facilitate a seamless process to retrieve your UAN.
How to Activate UAN After Retrieving It
Once you’ve found your UAN, you need to activate it before using online services.
Here’s how:
- Visit the EPFO UAN portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
- Click on “Activate UAN”.
- Enter your UAN, name, date of birth, mobile number, and email.
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered number.
- Set your password and complete activation.
You can now log in anytime to check PF balance, update KYC, or file for withdrawal.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues While Finding UAN
Mobile Number Not Registered or Changed
If your number is no longer valid, contact your employer or visit the nearest EPFO office to update your mobile number.
Name Mismatch in Records
Ensure your Aadhaar and EPFO records have matching details. You may need to submit a joint declaration form via your employer to correct it.
Forgot UAN Password
Use the “Forgot Password” option on the EPFO login page. Enter your UAN and follow the OTP verification process to reset your password.
How to Link Aadhaar with UAN
Linking Aadhaar with UAN is mandatory for most EPFO services. Here’s how:
- Log in to UAN Member e-Sewa portal.
- Go to Manage > KYC.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, name, and click on Submit.
- Aadhaar will be verified from UIDAI. Upon success, it will be linked with your UAN.
Conclusion: Track and Secure Your UAN for a Hassle-Free EPF Experience
The Universal Account Number is essential for managing your Provident Fund efficiently. Whether you retrieve it through the EPFO portal, employer, SMS, or UMANG app, knowing your UAN ensures that your retirement savings remain accessible and under your control. Make sure to activate your UAN, link Aadhaar, and keep your contact details updated to avoid complications in the future.