Aadhaar Card Updates: Steps To Download Masked Aadhaar Card To Prevent Misuse

The UIDAI provides an option of downloading a masked Aadhaar, which displays only the last four digits of the 16-digit Aadhaar number.

Aadhar Card | File Image

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) urged people to use a masked Aadhaar which provides protection against misuse of data by hiding the first few digits of the number. Those who do not want to share their Aadhaar number can use an alternative feature. The UIDAI provides an option of downloading a masked Aadhaar, which displays only the last four digits of the 16-digit Aadhaar number. It can be downloaded from the UIDAI website.

According to UIDAI: “Mask Aadhaar option allows you to mask your Aadhaar number in your downloaded e-Aadhaar. Masked Aadhaar number implies replacing of first 8 digits of Aadhaar number with some characters like “xxxx-xxxx" while only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar Number are visible."

In an old tweet, the UIDAI said, "Masked Aadhaar can be used for eKYC where sharing Aadhaar Number is not necessary."

Masked Aadhaar can be used for eKYC where sharing Aadhaar Number is not necessary. It only shows the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar. Select 'Masked Aadhaar' option while downloading your Aadhaar from: https://t.co/IEWFdrHhVN #AadhaarOnlineServices pic.twitter.com/OTqdpQUJTo

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) November 9, 2018

How to download masked Aadhaar?

• Firstly, visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click on ‘Login’.
• Then enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code and click on ‘Send OTP’.
• You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number which you will need to enter on the required field and click on ‘Login.
• Now, under the ‘Services’ section, click on ‘Download Aadhaar’.
• Under the ‘Review your Demographics Data’ section, select the option asking ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’
• After selecting the option, click on ‘Download’.
• You can then successfully download masked Aadhaar in PDF format.
• Remember, the masked Aadhaar will be password protected and you can open the file by entering the first four letters of your name (as in Aadhaar) in CAPITAL letters and year of birth in YYYY format.