How to Check UAN Number

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identifier assigned to every member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India. It acts as a lifelong reference number that consolidates all EPF accounts linked to an individual, regardless of how many employers they have worked for during their career. Knowing how to check your UAN number is essential for managing your retirement savings, tracking contributions, applying for withdrawals, or transferring funds between employers. Without access to your UAN, you cannot fully utilize the digital services offered by the EPFO portal, including online claim filings, passbook access, and KYC updates. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to check your UAN number using multiple verified methods, along with best practices, tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your UAN number is a straightforward process, but the method you choose depends on the information you currently have available—whether it’s your mobile number, employee ID, salary slip, or access to your employer’s records. Below are the most reliable and commonly used methods to retrieve your UAN number.

Method 1: Check via EPFO Unified Portal

The most authoritative way to check your UAN is through the official EPFO Unified Portal. This method requires you to have your registered mobile number and a valid ID proof such as your Aadhaar or PAN.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to https://unifiedportal-epfo.epfindia.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, locate and click on the “Know Your UAN” option under the “Important Links” section.
3. You will be redirected to a new page asking for your mobile number. Enter the mobile number you provided to your employer during EPF enrollment.
4. Click on “Get Authorization Pin”. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Enter the OTP received on your phone in the designated field and click “Submit”.
6. Your UAN number, along with your name, EPF account status, and current employment details, will be displayed on the screen.

This method is highly secure and directly linked to EPFO’s database. It ensures you are retrieving information tied to your official records, minimizing the risk of errors or outdated data.

Method 2: Check via SMS

If you do not have access to a computer or prefer a quicker method, you can retrieve your UAN via SMS. This option is ideal for users with limited internet access or those who need immediate confirmation.

1. Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
2. Compose a new message and type: EPFOHO UAN (without quotes).
3. Send this message to the number 7738299899.
4. Within a few minutes, you will receive an automated reply containing your UAN number, name, and the name of your latest employer.

Important note: The mobile number must be registered with the EPFO for this service to work. If you receive an error message, it may mean your number is not linked to your EPF account. In such cases, contact your current employer to update your details in the EPFO system.

Method 3: Check via Salary Slip or Appointment Letter

Many employers include the UAN number on official documents such as salary slips, joining letters, or PF contribution statements. This is often the easiest way for employees who have recently joined a company.

1. Locate your most recent salary slip or appointment letter.
2. Look for a section labeled “Provident Fund,” “EPF,” or “UAN.”
3. The UAN number is typically printed in bold or highlighted for easy identification.
4. Verify that the name and employee ID match your personal details.

Some organizations also include a QR code on the salary slip that links directly to the EPFO portal. Scanning this code may redirect you to a page displaying your UAN and account summary. Always cross-check this information with the official portal to ensure accuracy.

Method 4: Contact Your Employer’s HR Department

If you are unable to retrieve your UAN using the above methods, your employer’s Human Resources (HR) or payroll department is the next point of contact. Employers are legally required to enroll employees in the EPF scheme and maintain accurate records.

1. Reach out to your HR department via email or internal messaging system.
2. Request your UAN number in writing, providing your full name, employee ID, and date of joining.
3. HR will access the EPFO employer portal and retrieve your UAN from the system.
4. They will typically respond within 24–48 hours with your UAN and instructions for activating your account.

Keep a copy of this communication for your records. If your employer fails to respond or refuses to provide the information, you may escalate the matter by filing a complaint on the EPFO grievance portal.

Method 5: Check via EPFO Mobile App

The EPFO has launched an official mobile application called “EPFO Member Portal,” available on both Android and iOS platforms. This app allows members to access their UAN and other account details on the go.

1. Download the “EPFO Member Portal” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and select “Know Your UAN” from the home screen.
3. Enter your registered mobile number and click “Get OTP”.
4. Enter the OTP received on your phone.
5. Your UAN number, along with your name and EPF account status, will be displayed immediately.

The app also allows you to view your passbook, update KYC details, and apply for online claims. It is recommended to install the app and register your UAN for seamless access to all EPFO services.

Method 6: Check via Aadhaar-Based Search

If you have linked your Aadhaar number to your EPF account, you can use it to retrieve your UAN. This method is especially useful if you’ve forgotten your mobile number or if your mobile number has changed since enrollment.

1. Visit the EPFO Unified Portal at https://unifiedportal-epfo.epfindia.gov.in.
2. Click on “Know Your UAN”.
3. Select the option “Via Aadhaar Number”.
4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click “Get OTP”.
5. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar (not necessarily your EPF mobile number).
6. Enter the OTP and submit.
7. Your UAN and associated EPF details will be displayed.

This method underscores the importance of linking your Aadhaar with your EPF account. Doing so ensures you can always retrieve your UAN, even if your contact details change over time.

Method 7: Check via PAN Card Linkage

If your PAN card is linked to your EPF account, you can use it to retrieve your UAN. This is particularly helpful for individuals who have worked with multiple employers and may have lost track of their UAN.

1. Go to the EPFO Unified Portal.
2. Click on “Know Your UAN”.
3. Select the option “Via PAN Number”.
4. Enter your 10-character PAN card number and click “Get OTP”.
5. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
6. Enter the OTP and submit.
7. Your UAN will be displayed along with your name and employer details.

Linking your PAN to your EPF account not only aids in UAN retrieval but also helps prevent duplicate accounts and ensures accurate tax reporting under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Best Practices

Successfully managing your UAN number requires more than just retrieving it once. Adopting best practices ensures long-term accessibility, security, and accuracy of your EPF records.

1. Link Your Mobile Number and Aadhaar Immediately

After obtaining your UAN, ensure your mobile number and Aadhaar are linked to your EPF account. These two identifiers are the foundation for secure access to your account. Without them, you may face delays in receiving OTPs, accessing your passbook, or processing withdrawals.

2. Keep Your KYC Details Updated

Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation—such as your bank account details, PAN, Aadhaar, and address—must be verified and updated regularly. Employers may update your information during payroll processing, but it’s your responsibility to confirm that these updates are reflected on the EPFO portal. Outdated KYC details can lead to failed transactions or rejection of claims.

3. Activate Your UAN

Upon receiving your UAN, activate it by setting a password on the EPFO portal. This step is critical—it allows you to log in, view your passbook, and initiate transfers or withdrawals. If you skip activation, your account remains in a “read-only” state, limiting your control over your funds.

4. Maintain a Digital Record

Save your UAN number in multiple secure locations: a password manager, a personal spreadsheet, or a printed copy stored in a safe place. Avoid storing it in unsecured notes or messages that can be accessed by others. Consider setting a reminder to review your UAN status annually.

5. Monitor Your EPF Passbook Monthly

Log in to your EPFO account at least once a month to check your contribution history. Verify that your employer has deposited the correct amount (12% of your basic salary plus dearness allowance). Discrepancies should be reported immediately to your HR department and, if unresolved, escalated to EPFO.

6. Avoid Multiple UANs

Each individual is entitled to only one UAN. If you’ve worked with multiple employers and received different UANs, consolidate them immediately. Having multiple UANs can lead to fragmented records, loss of interest, and complications during withdrawal or transfer. Use the “One Member – One UAN” feature on the EPFO portal to merge accounts.

7. Use Official Channels Only

Never share your UAN, password, or OTP with third-party websites, agents, or unverified apps. Scammers often pose as EPFO representatives to steal personal data. Always use the official EPFO website or app. Look for the HTTPS protocol and the EPFO logo to confirm authenticity.

8. Update Contact Information After Job Changes

If you change your mobile number or email address, update these details on the EPFO portal. Failure to do so may result in missed notifications, OTP delivery failures, or inability to recover your account. You can update your contact details under the “Manage” section after logging in.

Tools and Resources

A variety of digital tools and official resources are available to help you manage your UAN and EPF account efficiently. Leveraging these tools can save time, reduce errors, and enhance transparency.

EPFO Unified Portal

The primary platform for all EPF-related services. Available at https://unifiedportal-epfo.epfindia.gov.in, it allows users to check UAN, view passbook, update KYC, transfer funds, and file claims. The portal is mobile-responsive and supports multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali.

EPFO Mobile App

The official EPFO Member Portal app is available on Android and iOS. It provides real-time access to your EPF balance, transaction history, and claim status. The app also includes a QR code scanner for quick document verification and a push notification feature for important updates.

UMANG App

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government-backed multi-service app that integrates EPFO services alongside other public utilities like income tax, passport, and Aadhaar. You can access your UAN and EPF details through the UMANG app by selecting the EPFO service under the “Ministries” section.

EPFO e-Passbook

The e-Passbook is a digital statement of your EPF account that shows monthly contributions, interest accrued, and withdrawals. It is accessible after logging into the EPFO portal. Download and save a PDF copy annually for tax filing and audit purposes.

Aadhaar Authentication Tools

When linking your Aadhaar to your EPF account, use the official UIDAI portal (https://uidai.gov.in) to verify your Aadhaar status. Ensure your mobile number and email are registered with UIDAI to receive OTPs during UAN retrieval.

Third-Party Financial Apps

Some reputable financial apps like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay now offer EPF balance checks through partnerships with EPFO. These apps display your UAN and balance after authentication via OTP. While convenient, always cross-check the data with the official EPFO portal to ensure accuracy.

Employer Portal (For HR Teams)

Employers can access the EPFO Employer Portal to generate UAN reports, download contribution files, and update employee details. Employees can request their HR to share the UAN report for verification purposes. This report includes all enrolled employees, their UANs, and contribution history.

EPFO Helpline (For Technical Issues)

While not a direct method to retrieve your UAN, the EPFO offers a technical support system for portal-related issues. Visit the “Contact Us” section on the EPFO website to submit a query. Responses are typically provided within 3–5 working days.

Real Examples

To illustrate how the UAN retrieval process works in real-life scenarios, here are three detailed case studies.

Case Study 1: New Employee with No Prior EPF Account

Rahul, 26, joined a software company in Bengaluru in January 2024. His HR team provided him with a joining letter that included his UAN: 123456789012. Rahul wanted to verify this number before proceeding with KYC.

He visited the EPFO portal, selected “Know Your UAN,” and entered his mobile number. An OTP was sent, and upon submission, his UAN was confirmed. He noticed his name and employer were correctly displayed. Rahul then activated his UAN, linked his Aadhaar and PAN, and downloaded his e-passbook. He now monitors his contributions monthly and has set a calendar reminder for annual KYC review.

Case Study 2: Employee Who Changed Jobs Twice

Meera, 34, worked at two different companies over the past five years. She received a new UAN each time and forgot the first one. When she tried to transfer her old EPF balance, the system showed two separate accounts.

She used her Aadhaar number to search for her UAN on the EPFO portal. The system displayed both UANs. She logged into the newer UAN, navigated to “One Member – One UAN,” and initiated a merger request. After verification, her old account was consolidated under the new UAN. She now has a single, complete record of her contributions spanning eight years.

Case Study 3: Senior Citizen Retrieving UAN After Retirement

Mr. Joshi, 62, retired from a manufacturing firm in Pune. He had not accessed his EPF account in over a decade. He did not remember his UAN or mobile number.

He contacted his former employer’s HR, who retrieved his UAN from their records. He then used his PAN number to verify the UAN on the EPFO portal. He linked his Aadhaar, updated his bank account, and applied for final settlement. The entire process took 11 days, and the amount was credited to his account with interest accrued over the years.

FAQs

What if I don’t remember my mobile number registered with EPFO?

If you’ve changed your mobile number and no longer have access to the registered one, contact your current employer. They can update your mobile number in the EPFO employer portal. Once updated, you can use the new number to retrieve your UAN via SMS or the EPFO portal.

Can I have more than one UAN number?

No. Each individual is assigned only one UAN for life. If you have multiple UANs due to changing employers, you must merge them using the “One Member – One UAN” feature on the EPFO portal. Having multiple UANs is not permitted and may lead to account suspension.

Is UAN the same as EPF account number?

No. Your EPF account number is specific to each employer and changes when you switch jobs. The UAN is a permanent, portable number that links all your EPF accounts under one identity. Use your UAN to transfer funds between accounts.

How long does it take to activate a UAN?

Activation is instant once you set your password on the EPFO portal. However, if your KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, bank details) are pending verification, full access to features like passbook or withdrawal may be delayed by 3–7 business days.

Can I check my UAN without a mobile number?

Yes. If your mobile number is not registered, you can use your Aadhaar number or PAN card to retrieve your UAN through the EPFO portal. These are alternative identifiers accepted by the system.

What should I do if my name on UAN is misspelled?

If your name on the UAN does not match your official ID, contact your employer to initiate a correction. The employer must submit a correction request through the EPFO employer portal along with supporting documents like your Aadhaar or PAN. Once approved, the update will reflect on your UAN record.

Can I check my UAN for a deceased family member?

Yes, legal heirs can retrieve the UAN of a deceased member by submitting a claim through the EPFO portal with a death certificate and proof of legal succession. The process is governed by EPFO’s withdrawal rules for deceased members.

Why is my UAN not showing up on the portal even after entering correct details?

If your UAN does not appear despite correct inputs, it may mean your employer has not yet enrolled you in the EPF scheme, or your details were not uploaded to the EPFO database. Contact your HR department and request them to verify your enrollment status in the employer portal.

Is UAN mandatory for EPF withdrawal?

Yes. Since 2017, all EPF withdrawal and transfer requests require a valid UAN. It ensures the transaction is linked to the correct individual and prevents fraud. Without a UAN, your claim will be rejected.

How do I know if my UAN is active?

An active UAN will display your name, employer, and passbook details when you log in to the EPFO portal. If you see a message saying “UAN not activated” or “KYC pending,” you need to complete the activation process and upload required documents.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your UAN number is not just a technical skill—it is a fundamental step toward securing your financial future. Your UAN is the key that unlocks access to your retirement savings, enables seamless fund transfers, and ensures accurate record-keeping across your professional journey. Whether you’re a new employee, a job changer, or a retiree, the methods outlined in this guide provide reliable, secure, and efficient ways to retrieve and manage your UAN.

By following best practices—linking your Aadhaar and PAN, updating your contact details, monitoring your passbook, and consolidating multiple accounts—you empower yourself with full control over your EPF account. Utilize the official tools provided by EPFO and avoid third-party intermediaries to ensure your data remains safe and accurate.

Remember, your UAN is more than a number. It’s a lifelong record of your contributions, your employer’s commitments, and your right to a dignified retirement. Take the time to verify it, activate it, and maintain it. In doing so, you invest not just in your present, but in your long-term financial security.