Linking your Aadhaar card with your mobile number in 2026 is easier than ever thanks to new digital tools. You can now link your mobile number using the official Aadhaar App with Face Authentication through the India Post Doorstep Service or by booking an online appointment for a quick visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. While a complete click-and-done website update without any verification is not possible for security reasons these modern methods bring the process right to your smartphone or your front door.

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Why Linking Your Mobile Number is Essential in 2026

In 2026 your mobile number acts as the key to your digital identity. Almost every government and private service in India now uses Aadhaar-based One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to verify who you are. If your mobile number is not linked you are effectively locked out of the digital economy.

1. The Power of the OTP

The OTP is the primary way to prove your identity online. Whether you are opening a bank account, applying for a loan or filing your taxes the system sends a code to your registered mobile number. Without this link you cannot receive the code and the transaction cannot move forward.

2. Access to Government Apps

Apps like DigiLocker and UMANG require a linked mobile number to function. These apps allow you to carry digital versions of your Driving License Marksheets and Insurance papers which are legally valid across India.

3. Security and Fraud Prevention

Linking your phone number ensures that you receive a notification every time your Aadhaar is used for authentication. If someone tries to use your Aadhaar number illegally you will get an instant SMS alert allowing you to block the transaction.

Method 1: Using the New Aadhaar App (The Truly Online Way)

As of early 2026 the UIDAI has introduced a major update to the Aadhaar app that allows for mobile number updates using Face Authentication. This is the most practical online method as it does not require you to leave your house.

How it Works:

Download the App: Install the latest version of the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Login: Enter your Aadhaar number and solve the captcha.
Face Authentication: The app will request access to your camera. You will need to hold the phone steady in a well-lit area. The app will scan your face and match it against the photo in the Aadhaar database.
Select Mobile Update: Once your face is verified go to the Services tab and select Update Mobile Number.
Enter New Number: Type in the new mobile number you wish to link.
Verify with OTP: You will receive an OTP on the new number to ensure it belongs to you.
Pay the Fee: A small fee of ₹75 is usually charged for this digital update which you can pay via UPI or Net Banking.

Processing Time: Updates through the app usually reflect in the system within 7 to 15 days.

Method 2: India Post Doorstep Service (The At-Home Way)

If you find the app difficult to use or if your face has changed significantly (making face-match difficult) the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) offers a doorstep service.

Steps to Request Doorstep Linking:

Visit the IPPB Portal: Go to the official India Post Payments Bank website.
Service Request: Click on the Service Request option and choose Non-IPPB Customers.
Doorstep Banking: Select the Aadhaar-Mobile Update service.
Fill the Form: Enter your name address and the mobile number you want to link.
Submit: Once you submit the request a local postman equipped with a biometric tablet will be assigned to your area.
The Visit: The postman will visit your home, scan your fingerprints or iris on their mobile device and process the update.
Fee: You will need to pay ₹75 to the postman.

This method is highly recommended for senior citizens or people living in rural areas who cannot easily travel to a city center.

Method 3: Booking an Online Appointment (The Fast-Track Way)

For those who prefer a traditional approach but want to avoid long wait times booking an appointment is the best practical choice.

How to Book Your Slot:

Go to UIDAI Website: Visit https://uidai.gov.in/
Book Appointment: Under the My Aadhaar menu click on Book an Appointment.
Select City: Choose your location to find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK).
Mobile Update: Select the Aadhaar Update option and enter your current mobile number to get an OTP for login.
Fill Details: Select Mobile Number as the field you want to update.
Schedule: Pick a date and time that works for you.
Visit the Center: Take your appointment slip (on your phone or printed) to the center. Since you have an appointment you will be called to the counter within minutes.
Biometric Verification: The operator will scan your fingerprint to confirm it is you.
Payment: Pay the ₹75 fee at the counter.

Government Facilities: Available vs. Unavailable

Having your mobile number linked to Aadhaar changes what you can and cannot do with government services.

Facility/Service

If Linked

If NOT Linked

Download e-Aadhaar

Available (via OTP)

Unavailable

Online PAN-Aadhaar Link

Available

Unavailable

Income Tax e-Verification

Available

Unavailable (requires physical post)

Open Online Bank Account

Available (e-KYC)

Unavailable (needs visit)

Apply for Passport

Fast-Tracked

Standard Processing

Check PF Balance Online

Available

Unavailable

Digital Locker Access

Full Access

Restricted

Gas/Fertilizer Subsidies

Direct Transfer

May be Blocked

Understanding the Costs (2026 Fee Structure)

The government has standardized the fees for Aadhaar services to ensure no one is overcharged. Here is what you should expect to pay in 2026:

Online Appointment Booking: Free.
Mobile Number Update (App or Center): ₹75.
Doorstep Service (Post Office): ₹75 (standard fee) + a small potential visiting charge in some regions.
Mandatory Biometric Update: Free (usually for children).

Note: Never pay more than the official fee. If a private shop asks for ₹200 or ₹500 they are overcharging you. Always look for the official QR code or receipt.

Why Linking is Different from Verification?

Many people confuse linking with verifying.

Linking: This is the act of adding your mobile number to the official government database for the first time or changing an old number. This requires biometric or face verification.
Verification: This is checking if a number is already linked. You can do this easily on the UIDAI website under Verify Email/Mobile Number by entering your Aadhaar and phone number. If they match, the system will tell you immediately.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

1. The OTP is not arriving

If you are trying to link your number and the OTP isn't coming through check if your mobile network has blocked Transactional SMS. Sometimes clearing your phone's SMS cache or restarting the device helps.

2. Biometric Failure

If your fingerprints are not being recognized at the center (which happens with age or manual labor) request an Iris Scan (eye scan). Every Aadhaar center is equipped with an Iris scanner and it is a much more accurate way to verify identity.

3. Face Auth Not Working in the App

Ensure you are in a room with natural light facing you. Do not wear a hat or sunglasses. If the app still fails it likely means your photo in the Aadhaar database is too old (e.g. a photo from 10 years ago). In this case you must visit a center to update your photo and mobile number together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I link my mobile number without an OTP from the old number?

Yes. If you have lost your old SIM card you can still link a new number. You will need to visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or use the Doorstep Service for biometric verification (fingerprint/iris). No OTP from the old number is required for an offline or doorstep update.

Is it mandatory to link my mobile number with Aadhaar?

While not legally mandatory to have an Aadhaar it is functionally mandatory if you want to use any online service, open a bank account or file taxes in 2026.

How many days does it take to link?

It usually takes 7 to 15 working days. You will receive an SMS on your newly linked mobile number once the update is successful.

Can I link two mobile numbers to one Aadhaar card?

No. Only one mobile number can be registered as the primary contact for receiving OTPs. However you can use the same Aadhaar to get multiple SIM cards from different telecom operators.

Is there a way to link my Aadhaar with my mobile number via a phone call?

No. You cannot link your number by calling a helpline. You must use the app (Face Auth) , the doorstep service or visit a center.

I am an NRI; how can I link my international mobile number?

As of 2026 the UIDAI has started allowing international numbers for NRIs in specific countries. You can check the Update Mobile section on the portal to see if your country's code is supported. If not you must use an Indian SIM.

Can I link my mobile number at a private bank?

Some authorized private and public banks have Aadhaar Update Desks. You can check the UIDAI website for a list of banks in your area that are authorized to perform these updates.

What documents do I need to link my mobile number?

No documents are required. You only need your Aadhaar number and your physical presence for biometrics or face authentication.

Can I use my friend's mobile number to link with my Aadhaar?

It is highly discouraged. Since all sensitive info and bank OTPs will go to that number it creates a massive security risk. Always use a number that you personally own.

How do I know if my mobile number is already linked?

Visit the UIDAI website click on Verify Mobile Number enter your Aadhaar and mobile details. If the system says The mobile you have entered is already verified then it is linked.

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