🔐 New Aadhaar App Update: Mask Your Aadhaar & Share Safely

Kokila Chokkanathan
The Unique Identification Authority of india (UIDAI) has added powerful privacy tools to the updated Aadhaar app — so you can show your identity without exposing your full Aadhaar number.

1 🆕 What’s “Masked Aadhaar”?

A Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits of your 12‑digit Aadhaar number, while the first 8 digits are hidden (usually replaced with XXXX‑XXXX). This helps protect you from identity theft and misuse.

💡 Why it matters: Sharing your full Aadhaar number needlessly increases the risk of fraud and data leaks. Masking keeps most of your identity private.

2 📱 New Aadhaar App Lets You Share Masked Aadhaar Easily

With the updated Aadhaar mobile application, you can now:
✔ Share a masked Aadhaar PDF or wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital image
✔ Choose exactly what details to show (like name, photo, QR code)
✔ Prevent the other party from seeing your full Aadhaar number or sensitive fields

This selective sharing is built right into the app — no need to manually edit or blur your card.

3 📜 When Is Masked Aadhaar Enough?

Masked Aadhaar is ideal for everyday ID checks where full Aadhaar number isn’t required, such as:

Hotel check‑ins

Airport or railway identity checks

Private office or workplace verification

Telecom SIM and KYC processes

💡 Important: Some services still need your full Aadhaar number — like banks, government benefit schemes, PAN/Aadhaar linking, income‑tax or loan applications.

4 📄 How the Masked Aadhaar Can Be Opened

When you download a masked Aadhaar PDF from the app or website:
🔐 It’s password‑protected.
🗝 Password = first 4 letters of your name (capitalised) + your birth year (e.g., RAME1992).

This extra layer ensures that even if the file is copied or forwarded, others can’t open it without your personal info.

5  How to Share Masked Aadhaar Securely

Here’s a quick checklist for privacy:

Always share via official Aadhaar app or uidai portal — avoid screenshots or edited images.

Use masked version whenever full Aadhaar isn’t legally required.

Keep shared files password‑protected and only with trusted recipients.

💡 Bonus: The updated app also supports QR code sharing and selective fields, so you can share only what’s necessary for verification.

⚡ Bottom Line

The updated Aadhaar app brings stronger privacy and control:
✔ Mask your Aadhaar number
✔ Share only required details
✔ Protect yourself from fraud and data exposure

This means you’re no longer forced to hand out your full Aadhaar card just to prove your identity — a big step forward in digital privacy and safety!

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

Find Out More:

Related Articles: