UAN Activation: A Complete Guide For Employees

If you're working in India and contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), you must know about UAN. This blog covers UAN activation.

What is UAN?

UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit unique number given by EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation). It stays the same throughout your working life, even if you switch jobs. Think of it like this:

UAN is your Aadhaar for PF.
All your PF accounts from different jobs are connected under this one UAN.
You don’t need to start over when you change companies.

How to Activate UAN Number?

You can activate your UAN (Universal Account Number) in two easy ways:

Through your employer (most HR teams will help you with it), or
By visiting the official UAN portal and doing it yourself.

Once your UAN is active, you can:

Check your PF balance
Withdraw your PF amount
Transfer PF from old job to new job
View your full PF passbook online

Let’s look at the self-activation process step by step.

What You Need Before Starting

Make sure you have:

Your UAN number (ask HR if not sure)
Member ID (optional, but helps)
Aadhaar number
PAN number
Mobile number linked with Aadhaar

Steps to Activate UAN Online:
You must have your UAN number to activate it. Along with your UAN number, you should have a member ID, Aadhar Number, and PAN. Follow the steps given below :

1. Visit the UAN portal, and you will be redirected to the homepage of UAN.

2. Now, click on “Activate UAN,” and a new page will open.

3. On that page, enter your UAN number, Aadhar number, name, date of birth, mobile no., and Captcha code.

4. After filling in your details, click on “Get Authorisation Pin”.

5. Your details will display on the new screen. Check the details and make sure all the information is correct.

6. Tick the “I Agree” checkbox. You will get the OTP on your mobile no. enter the OTP and then click on ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’.

7. After OTP verification you will receive the password on your registered mobile number.

8. After UAN activation, now login by entering the UAN, password. You can also change the password that you have received on your registered mobile number.

9. You need to know your UAN number to change your password.

By following the above steps, you can activate your UAN number.

What Happens After Activation?

You’ll now have full access to your EPF account online.
You can check your balance, download your UAN card, link Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details.
If you're changing jobs, just give the new employer your existing UAN. No need to make a new one.

How To Download Your UAN Card?

Your UAN Card is an important document. It shows your Universal Account Number, name, and KYC status. You may need it for job changes, loan applications, or PF-related services. Before downloading your UAN card, make sure:

Your EPF number is active
You have your UAN number
You know your UAN portal password

Download your UAN card by following the given steps :

Go to the EPFO website
Enter your UAN number, password, and the captcha code shown on the screen.
Click on “Sign In” to access your account.
After logging in, go to the top menu and click on “View” > “UAN Card”.
Your UAN card will appear on the screen.
Click on the “Download” button to save the card to your device as a PDF.

Also Check - How to Download PAN Card Online

UAN Benefits

One UAN for life: All your PF accounts from different jobs are linked under one UAN.
No need to depend on HR: You can check your PF details online, anytime.
Easy PF withdrawal: Withdraw funds quickly during emergencies without paperwork.
Smooth PF transfer: Transfer your PF from your old company to the new one in just a few clicks.
Instant PF statement download: Log in to the EPFO portal and get your PF passbook easily.
KYC updates online: Link Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details without visiting the office.
SMS & App alerts: Get monthly PF deposit updates on your phone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UAN is your PF lifeline. One number, one login, and you get access to all your PF accounts, past and present. Whether you work at Infosys, Amazon, or your uncle’s textile mill, your UAN never changes. Activate it once, and you’re set for life.