Masked Aadhaar - Meaning, How to Download

A masked Aadhaar is an updated version of the regular Aadhaar card. In this, the initial 8 digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden in the form of special characters like ‘XXXX-XXXX-XXXX’ and only the last 4 digits are visible. All the other details like the photograph, QR code, contact details, address details, etc are written in the same manner and the only change is in the Aadhaar number. A masked Aadhaar card is also issued by the UIDAI and therefore can be legally used as identity proof anywhere in the country.

The Aadhaar number's appearance is the sole important distinction between masked Aadhaar and Regular Aadhaar. A standard Aadhaar will reveal your entire 12-digit unique Aadhaar number, but a masked Aadhaar merely demonstrates the final four digits.

An Aadhaar card that has been partially obscured cannot be utilised to access government programs and incentives since the full Aadhaar number is not accessible. However, you may apply using your standard Aadhaar and receive the perks.

Here are the different ways to download a masked Aadhaar card.

Method 1 - Aadhaar Number 

• Step 1: Navigate to the official website of UIDAI.

• Step 2: Go to the ‘‘My Aadhaar’’ section and choose ‘‘Download Aadhaar.’’

 

 

• Step 3: A new page will appear. Scroll down and click on the ‘‘Download Aadhaar’’ option

 

• Step 4: Following that, you will be taken to a new page. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and captcha. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number, enter that. 

   

 

• Step 5: After that, you can download your masked Aadhaar card. 

   

Method 2 - Enrolment Number

• Step 1: Go to UIDAI's official webpage.

• Step 2: Select "Download Aadhaar" under the "My Aadhaar" section to get started.

   

 

• Step 3: A new page will be displayed. Scroll to the bottom and choose the ‘'Download Aadhaar'’ option.

 

 

• Step 4: Next, you will be taken to a new page. Enter your 28-digit ‘‘Enrollment ID’’ and ‘‘Captcha.’

 

 

• Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter that. 

• Step 6: Now, you will be able to download the masked Aadhaar card.   

Method 3 - Virtual ID

• Step 1: Browse the official website of UIDAI.

• Step 2: To begin, select "Download Aadhaar" under the "My Aadhaar" section.

 

 

• Step 3: A new page will be loaded. Scroll to the bottom and choose ‘'Download Aadhaar.’’

 

• Step 4: Next, enter your 16-digit “Virtual ID” and “Captcha.”

   

 

• Step 5: Lastly, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Provide that to download your masked Aadhaar card. 

   

The citizens can also download masked Aadhaar cards via mAadhaar App as well. Follow these quick and simple steps and get a masked Aadhaar card on your device in minutes -

• Step 1: Install mAadhaar App on your device via PlayStore

• Step 2: Under the ‘Services’ section, click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option

• Step 3: Click on the box ‘I want a masked Aadhaar’ option

• Step 4: Select Aadhaar card number, enrolment number or virtual ID as Aadhaar download method

• Step 5: Enter the information as per your selection and  Captcha Code mentioned on the screen

• Step 6: Click on the ‘Send OTP’ option.  

• Step 7: Upon verification of the OTP, the masked Aadhaar card will be downloaded on your mobile

Aadhaar card is one of the most important documents used for various documentation and verification purposes. There are a variety of reasons why one should opt for masked Aadhaar cards - 

• Masked Aadhaar card is a convenient option in comparison to a photocopy.

• Masked Aadhaar card is equally valid and holds the same value as regular Aadhaar cards, as they are digitally signed by the UIDAI.

• Masked Aadhaar card is a password-protected electronic copy which can be easily carried.

• Masked Aadhaar card eliminates the possibility of personal information getting misused for fraudulent activities.

• Using a masked Aadhaar card in public places as identity proof will ensure the confidentiality of other relevant information.

• Masked Aadhaar card can be used for e-KYC as well, where 12-digits of Aadhaar card are not mandatory.

The password-protected electronic copy of the masked Aadhaar card comes with a default password set by the UIDAI. The password is a combination of the initial 4 letters of your name in CAPITAL and your birth year. So when an individual downloads a masked Aadhaar card, the PDF comes with the UIDAI set default password.  UIDAI does not offer the facility to change or reset the password of the masked Aadhaar card to the citizens.

The only difference between a regular Aadhaar card and a masked Aadhaar card is that in a masked Aadhaar card only the last 4-digits of your Aadhaar number are visible. All the other details are the same, however, the individuals must keep in mind that a masked Aadhaar card cannot be used to avail of the benefits of government schemes and scholarships. For suchpurposes, a regular Aadhaar card is mandatorily required.

Apart from that, a masked Aadhaar card can be used as identification proof.