How to Download Masked Aadhaar Online

Aadhaar has become one of the most widely used identity documents in India. It is required for banking, telecom, travel bookings, and many verification processes. At the same time, concerns around data privacy have grown. To address this, UIDAI introduced a safer version of Aadhaar called the masked Aadhaar.

A masked Aadhaar allows individuals to share their identity details without revealing their complete Aadhaar number. This option is especially useful when Aadhaar is needed only for identity verification and not for authentication.

In this guide, you will understand the meaning of masked Aadhaar, why it is useful, and how to download masked Aadhaar online using the official UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app.

What Is Masked Aadhaar

Masked Aadhaar is a privacy-protected version of your Aadhaar card. In this version, the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden, and only the last four digits are visible.

Even though the number is partially hidden, the masked Aadhaar card still contains
 • Your photograph
 • QR code
 • Name, date of birth, and address
 • Digital signature from UIDAI

Because it is issued and signed by UIDAI, a masked Aadhaar is considered valid wherever Aadhaar is accepted as proof of identity. This explains clearly what a masked Aadhaar card means and why it is safe to use.

Why Use Masked Aadhaar

Using a masked Aadhaar helps reduce the risk of misuse of personal information.

It is recommended when
 • Aadhaar is required only as identity proof
 • You are sharing documents online
 • You want to protect your full Aadhaar number

Many organisations now prefer masked Aadhaar for basic verification.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar Online

You can download a masked Aadhaar directly from the UIDAI website. The steps remain almost the same whether you use an Aadhaar number, enrolment number, or virtual ID.

Step-by-Step Process to Download Masked Aadhaar

Step 1
Visit the official UIDAI website and go to the My Aadhaar section. (https://uidai.gov.in/)

Step 2
Click on the option to download Aadhaar.

Step 3 Choose one of the following methods to proceed
 • Aadhaar number
 • Enrolment number
 • Virtual ID

• If you’ve selected the Aadhaar Number method

Enter the selected details along with your full name and PIN code.

• If you’ve selected the Enrolment Number method

Enter the 28-digit enrolment number. Add your full name and PIN code to download the Aadhaar card.

• If you’ve selected the Virtual ID method

Enter the 16-digit Virtual ID on the portal to download the masked Aadhaar card.

Step 5 Select the option that says you want a masked Aadhaar

Step 6
Click on Send OTP. A one-time password will be delivered to your registered mobile number.

Step 7
Enter the OTP to verify and download the masked Aadhaar card.

These steps explain clearly how to download a masked Aadhaar card without visiting any centre.

Download Masked Aadhaar Using mAadhaar App

You can also use the official mAadhaar app to access or download your masked Aadhaar.

Steps Using the mAadhaar App

• Download the app from the app store
• Log in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Select the Aadhaar profile
• Choose the masked Aadhaar option
• Download the PDF file

This method is helpful for people who prefer mobile access and already use the mAadhaar app download option.

Masked Aadhaar Password

The downloaded masked Aadhaar PDF is password-protected.

The password format is
 • First four letters of your name in capital letters
 • Year of birth

For example, if your name is Ramesh and year of birth is 1992, the password will be RAME1992.

Where Masked Aadhaar Can Be Used

Masked Aadhaar can be used for
 • Identity verification
 • Travel bookings
 • Hotel check-ins
 • KYC where the full Aadhaar number isn't necessary

It is not suitable where biometric or Aadhaar authentication is required.

Planning Digital Verification and Financial Use

An updated and protected Aadhaar is often required during online verification for various services. People applying through an online loan app or exploring instant loan online options are usually asked to upload identity documents.

In such cases, sharing a masked Aadhaar instead of the full number adds an extra layer of safety. Some users managing finances through instant loan platforms prefer masked Aadhaar for document uploads, where allowed, as it reduces exposure of sensitive information while completing verification steps smoothly.

Common Issues While Downloading Masked Aadhaar

Some users may face minor issues such as
 • OTP not received due to network delay
 • Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar
 • Incorrect details entered

Ensuring your mobile number is updated with Aadhaar usually resolves these issues.

Final Thoughts

Downloading a masked Aadhaar online is a simple and effective way to protect your personal data while continuing to use Aadhaar as a valid identity document. Whether accessed through the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app, masked Aadhaar offers the right balance between convenience and privacy. Keeping a copy ready ensures you can share identity details safely whenever required.

FAQs

Q1. What is a masked Aadhaar card?

It is a version of Aadhaar where the first eight digits are hidden for privacy protection.

Q2. How to generate a masked Aadhaar card?

You can generate it online through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.

Q3. Is masked Aadhaar valid everywhere?

Yes, it is valid wherever Aadhaar is accepted as identity proof.