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If you’ve ever received a salary slip in India, chances are you’re already contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). And to access and manage your provident fund account, you need a Universal Account Number (UAN). But many employees, especially new joiners, often wonder: “How to know UAN number” or “How to find UAN number online.” Don’t worry, you can easily find and retrieve it through multiple online and offline methods.
Your UAN is crucial for checking PF balance, transferring funds, and tracking contributions. Let's walk you through the various ways to get UAN from employer, locate your UAN number, along with its benefits and pre-conditions.
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identifier allotted by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to every employee enrolled under the EPF scheme. Unlike your PF number, which changes every time you switch jobs, the UAN remains the same throughout your career.
If you are confused about how to know my UAN number, remember that it serves as a lifelong financial identity, helping you consolidate multiple PF Accounts under one umbrella. It also ensures transparency by letting you track contributions online anytime. Having your UAN handy makes withdrawals, transfers, and account updates much simpler.
If you are asking, “How can I find my UAN number?”, there are multiple easy methods to locate it online. Here are the step-by-step processes:
1. Search UAN using mobile number
2. Locate UAN number online with Aadhaar
3. Check UAN via EPFO portal
4. Retrieve UAN using Aadhaar on UMANG app
5. Find UAN with PF number
6. EPF UAN lookup process via SMS
7. Get UAN from the employer
8. Recover lost UAN number
While you can check your PF balance by giving a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number, this service does not provide UAN details - it only provides balance information.
These steps make the EPF UAN lookup process simple for every employee.
Important update: As of August 1, 2025, EPFO has discontinued UAN activation through their member portal. UAN activation now requires Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) via the UMANG app only.
Many employees think "How can I know my UAN number?”, and "Why is it important?" Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Seamless PF transfers and withdrawals: With UAN, transferring PF between jobs or withdrawing funds becomes faster, easier, and completely online.
2. Convenient online KYC updates: UAN enables linking Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account details online for smooth authentication and claim settlement.
3. Single identity across jobs: UAN acts as a lifelong financial identity, consolidating all your PF accounts under one umbrella, even if you switch employers.
4. Enhanced security and control: Since UAN is unique and permanent, it prevents duplication of accounts and ensures better security of your provident fund.
5. Transparency and easy access: Employees can easily track PF contributions, check balances, and download statements anytime through the EPFO portal or UMANG app.
If you are wondering how to find UAN number online, there are a few basic requirements you need to fulfil before proceeding. These include:
1. Active EPF account: You must be an active contributor to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).
2. Linked KYC details: Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account should be linked with your PF account for verification purposes.
3. Registered mobile number: The mobile number provided during EPF registration must be active to receive OTPs.
4. Employer-generated UAN: Your employer should have generated your UAN at the time of joining the organisation.
If you are unable to retrieve your UAN online, you can contact EPFO customer care at 1800-118-005 (toll-free) or 14470 (multilingual helpline, which is available 7 AM to 9 PM) for assistance. The 1800-118-005 helpline is specifically for UAN-related queries only. The helpline is available on working days during office hours to resolve queries related to UAN, EPF balance, and KYC updates.
You can also raise complaints or track requests through the EPFiGMS grievance portal for faster redressal.
If you have changed jobs multiple times, you may have accumulated several PF accounts linked to different employers. By linking all PF accounts with your Universal Account Number (UAN), you can consolidate them into a single account, making fund management simple and seamless.
Here’s the step-by-step process to link your PF accounts with UAN:
1. Log in to the EPFO portal using your UAN and password.
2. Navigate to ‘Online services’ and click on ‘One member – One EPF account (Transfer request)’.
3. Enter your previous PF account details along with the current account linked to your UAN.
4. Verify the details and authenticate the request using the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Submit the transfer request for processing.
Once submitted, the request will be sent to your previous employer for verification. After approval, your old PF balance will be transferred to your active PF account under the same UAN. You can also track the status of your transfer request through the EPFO portal.
Linking all your PF accounts under one UAN ensures transparency, prevents accounts from becoming inactive, and makes it easier to check your EPF balance, withdrawals, and contributions.
Finding your UAN is not a complicated task once you know the right steps. Whether you prefer to search UAN using your mobile number, locate UAN number online, or get UAN from your employer, multiple options are available. By following the EPF UAN lookup process, you can easily recover a lost UAN and ensure smooth access to your PF benefits.
So, if you are wondering “How to know UAN number” or “how to find UAN number online,” use the methods listed above and manage your provident fund account hassle-free. Always keep your UAN details updated and linked with Aadhaar to avoid login issues. A valid UAN not only ensures transparency but also makes your retirement savings secure and accessible anytime.
Also Read: EPFO claim status: How to check EPF claim status?
1. What information does the UAN card contain?
The UAN card contains your UAN, name, KYC status, and PF account details. It also shows your employer details and helps verify your employment history. You can download the UAN card anytime from the EPFO portal for easy reference.
2. Is the PF account number and UAN the same?
No. PF account number changes with each job, but the UAN remains constant throughout your career. This ensures that all your PF accounts are consolidated under one UAN. It simplifies fund transfer and withdrawal when you change jobs.
3. How can I open UAN on mobile?
You can access your UAN via the UMANG app or EPFO’s mobile site by logging in with Aadhaar/PAN. The app allows you to view your balance, download your passbook, and track claims easily. It is a convenient way to manage your PF account on the go.
4. What happens to UAN in case of a job change?
Your UAN remains the same even if you switch jobs. Only the PF member ID changes, which gets linked under your UAN. This ensures continuity and prevents the need to create a new UAN. It also helps you keep track of all past and present PF contributions in one place.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the content herein. Readers are advised to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.
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