Activating your Universal Account Number (UAN) is an essential step for every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in India. The UAN ensures a centralized platform for managing PF accounts, enabling portability and ease of access to your retirement benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the exact process of how to activate UAN number online, along with detailed explanations, step-by-step procedures, and tips to ensure smooth activation.
What is UAN and Why is It Important?
UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit unique number assigned by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to every employee enrolled in the EPF scheme. It acts as an umbrella for multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) allotted to an individual by different employers.
The primary benefits of UAN include:
- Seamless transfer of PF accounts when switching jobs.
- Easy withdrawal or transfer of PF online.
- Viewing PF balance and passbook anytime.
- Avoiding dependency on employers for managing PF accounts.
Prerequisites for UAN Activation
Before starting the activation process, ensure that you have the following:
- UAN Number (provided by your employer or mentioned on your payslip).
- Aadhaar Number linked with your UAN.
- Registered Mobile Number (linked to Aadhaar).
- Active Bank Account.
- Access to the EPFO Member Portal.
How to Get Your UAN Number
If you haven’t received your UAN number yet, you can obtain it in the following ways:
- Ask your employer – UAN is usually provided at the time of joining.
- Check your payslip – Employers often mention UAN on the salary slip.
- Visit EPFO website and retrieve UAN using your PF number.
Follow these steps:
- Go to EPFO’s unified member portal.
- Click on “Know your UAN”.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, Name, Date of Birth, and Mobile number.
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
- You’ll receive your UAN via SMS.
Step-by-Step Process to Activate UAN Number
Once you have your UAN, follow this process for activation:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member Portal
- Open the official portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Click on ‘Activate UAN’
- On the homepage, click on “Activate UAN” under the Important Links section.
Step 3: Fill in the Required Details
Enter the following information:
- UAN Number
- Name (as per EPFO records)
- Date of Birth
- Mobile Number
- Captcha Code
Step 4: Request OTP
- Click on “Get Authorization Pin”.
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
Step 5: Submit OTP and Activate
- Enter the OTP in the designated box.
- Check the disclaimer box and click on “Validate OTP and Activate UAN”.
Upon successful validation, your UAN will be activated. You will receive a password via SMS to log in to the portal.
How to Log in After UAN Activation
Once activated, you can log in to the portal as follows:
- Visit EPFO Member Portal
- Enter your UAN and the password received via SMS.
- Enter the Captcha and click Sign In.
Upon logging in, you’ll have access to:
- PF Passbook
- KYC Update
- Online Services like withdrawal, transfer, and claims
- Service History
How to Update KYC After UAN Activation
Updating KYC ensures faster claim processing and better account management. Here’s how:
- Log in to the EPFO Member Portal.
- Go to the “Manage” tab and select “KYC”.
- Add details such as Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account.
- Click Save. Your employer needs to approve these details.
- Once approved, the status changes to “Verified”.
Benefits of UAN Activation
Activating your UAN unlocks several features:
- Track contributions and interest earned in real-time.
- File PF withdrawal claims online without employer approval.
- Transfer funds from old PF accounts easily.
- Download UAN card and passbook for documentation.
- Receive SMS alerts for monthly deposits.
How to Link Aadhaar with UAN
Aadhaar linking is mandatory for availing online EPFO services.
- Log in to the EPFO Member Portal.
- Go to Manage > KYC.
- Enter your Aadhaar Number and Name as per Aadhaar.
- Submit and wait for employer and UIDAI verification.
Alternatively, you can link Aadhaar through the UMANG App or by visiting your regional EPFO office.
Troubleshooting UAN Activation Issues
Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect UAN details | Verify UAN and name with your employer |
| OTP not received | Ensure mobile is linked with Aadhaar and try again |
| Activation failed | Check for active internet, correct data, or wait and retry |
| KYC not approved | Contact your employer for prompt approval |
Important Links for UAN Services
- UAN Activation: Activate UAN
- Download Passbook: EPFO Passbook
- UMANG App for EPF Services: UMANG Website
- EPFO Helpdesk: EPFO Grievance Portal
FAQs on UAN Activation
Q1. Can I activate UAN without a registered mobile number?
No. A mobile number linked with Aadhaar is mandatory to receive OTP for UAN activation.
Q2. What if I have multiple UANs?
Only one UAN should be active. Submit a request through your employer to merge multiple UANs via EPFO.
Q3. How long does UAN activation take?
UAN activation is instant upon successful OTP verification.
Q4. Is UAN activation free?
Yes. There is no cost involved in activating or maintaining your UAN.
Conclusion
Activating your UAN is not just a formality but a powerful step toward managing your provident fund seamlessly. With online access to PF balance, claims, transfers, and digital passbooks, it significantly enhances transparency and control. Follow the steps outlined above, ensure KYC compliance, and take full advantage of all features the EPFO offers through your UAN.