Here's how you link your Aadhaar card with your mobile number

Image: Wikimedia Commons/Biswarup Ganguly

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that is issued by the Government of India. A number of people have also linked their Aadhaar number with their mobile phones in order to carry out government-specific transactions such as withdrawing their EPF. You can get your Aadhaar card link to mobile number within a few minutes only and it is absolutely free. You can either choose to get your mobile number verified online or offline. If you are wondering how to link mobile number with Aadhaar, the process is quick and simple.

There are two ways to link your Aadhaar with your mobile phone. Read more to find out how:

Steps to Link Aadhaar with Mobile Number through OTP

It is possible for mobile subscribers to link mobile number to Aadhaar and verify it through OTP method. This is a quick and convenient procedure and will not take more than a few seconds. However, customers who already have their Aadhaar link to mobile number will only be able to use this method of re-verification of Aadhaar. Other users will be required to follow the offline process for Aadhaar link mobile number by physically visiting the retailer or a store in case the number has not been linked with Aadhaar. Follow the below mentioned steps to complete the process of linking your Aadhaar with your phone number through OTP.

• Dial 14546 from your mobile number.
• You will be asked to choose whether you are an NRI or an Indian.
• Now give your consent in order to re-verify Aadhaar by simply pressing 1.
• You will now have to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and again press 1 to confirm it.
• This will lead to the generation of OTP which will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• You will now have to provide consent to your operator so as to assess your name, date of birth and photo from UIDAI database.
• The IVR will read out the last four digits of your mobile number and if it is correct, you will have to enter the OTP received.
• Now press 1 to complete the process of mobile number link to Aadhaar card. The entire process does not take more than a couple of minutes and will ensure that your Aadhaar is linked to the mobile within no time.

Steps to Link Aadhaar with Mobile Number by visiting the store

It is mandatory for you to carry out the process for Aadhaar card mobile link. In order to link it for the first time, you will have to make a visit to the service provider’s outlet. You need to remember that there is no online method to link your Aadhaar with your mobile phone for the first time. You will need a few minutes to get this process done. Here is the process to follow in order to link your Aadhaar with the mobile number.

• First and foremost, visit the telecom operator’s store.
• Carry a self attested copy of your Aadhaar card with you.
• Give your mobile number.
• The executive at the store will send an OTP to the registered mobile number which has to be linked.
• Provide this OTP to the executive for the purpose of verification.
• Provide your fingerprint to the executive for the completion of the verification process.
• You will receive an SMS from the telecom operator and you need to reply with ‘Y’ in order to complete the KYC process.

Importance of Linking Mobile Number with Aadhaar Card

The main reason behind Aadhaar card link with mobile number is security. In India, it is much easier to get a mobile SIM card from different providers. Due to this, one individual had access to numerous SIM cards and the documents submitted by the owners are not the original users. The documents belonged to someone else and the mobile number was used by a completely different person. When you link Aadhaar to mobile number, the fraudulent and illegal activities will reduce to a certain extent. Hence, with an Aadhaar mobile link, illegal SIM card holders will have to deactivate their SIM and this will put an end to their illegal acts. An Aadhaar also helps in ensuring that the social welfare schemes reach the right individuals and serve its purpose, when the mobile number and Aadhaar are linked, the process of verification will become easier and individuals will not be able to take advantage of any scheme which is not meant for them. Most importantly, the mobile Aadhaar link will ensure that individuals own a SIM card under their name and have proof of the same. It will be easier to track a number in case of an emergency or a crime.

FAQs

Some common questions related to the linking of mobile number with Aadhaar card are answered below.

Is there a fee for the verification of mobile with Aadhaar?

There is no fee for the process of verification of your mobile number with Aadhaar. It is absolutely free of cost. You simply need to head to the retail store of the service provider with your Aadhaar card and get the process done in a few minutes.

Is there any option to link mobile number with Aadhaar online?

There is no provision for linking Aadhaar with your sim card online. The only way you can do it is through the service provider’s store. You can do it offline through OTP but that is only after linking it once. For the first time, you will have to visit the store in person.

How can I add my mobile number in the Aadhaar card?

You need to visit the nearest enrollment centre to register your mobile number with Aadhaar card. You will be required to submit a form for the same. There are no documents required for this purpose and there is a fee of INR 30 for the procedure.

What happens if the linking process is not complete?

In case you fail to link the phone number with Aadhaar, your SIM connection will be deactivated until you re-verify it once again. Hence, it is important to ensure that the mobile number and Aadhaar are linked on time.

I have submitted my Aadhaar card as an address proof when I bought a new SIM. Do I have to do the process again?

Any mobile number which was issued after the biometric verification will not have to be linked to Aadhaar. The customers who had opted for E-KYC by Aadhaar based verification at the time of applying for the connection will not have to go through the verification process again. For the other customers, you will have to get the verification done because your biometric verification will have to be carried out.

Is there any special facility for specially enabled and senior citizens?

Yes, there is a special facility for people who cannot visit the retail store in person. Specially enabled and senior citizens will have representatives visiting their home for linking of Aadhaar with the sim card.

Is the Aadhaar based e-KYC verification process for all the customers?

Yes, it is mandatory for all customers in order to prevent deactivation of the SIM card.

Is there the same method of verification for prepaid and postpaid subscribers?

Yes, the process of linking Aadhaar remains the same irrespective of a prepaid connection or a postpaid connection. In case of a prepaid connection, the customers have to visit the retailer and in case of a postpaid connection, the customers have to visit the store of the telecom operator.

What do I do if I do not have an Aadhaar card?

In order to avoid disconnection of your mobile number, you need to apply for an Aadhaar card now and link it with the mobile.