If you are a salaried employee in India, you must be familiar with EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation). Every employee registered under EPFO is given a UAN – Universal Account Number. This number is very important because it helps manage your Provident Fund (PF) account online.
However, many people face a common issue – their UAN number is not activated. If you’re one of them, don’t worry. This article will guide you through the simple steps to activate your UAN, and also explain what to do if you face any problem.
What is UAN?
UAN (Universal Account Number) is a unique 12-digit number given to each employee by EPFO. It stays the same throughout your career, even if you change multiple jobs. Your different PF accounts from different employers are linked to this single UAN.
With an active UAN, you can:
- EPFO UAN: UAN Number is Not Activated? Don’t Panic See the Simple Process Here Check your PF balance
- Download your PF passbook
- Transfer or withdraw your PF amount
- Update your KYC details
- Get monthly SMS updates about your PF
Why is My UAN Not Activated?
Your UAN may not be activated due to one of the following reasons:
- You never activated it manually
- Your mobile number was entered wrong during registration
- Technical issues on the EPFO portal
- Your employer has not updated your details
Don’t worry, this issue can be easily fixed.
How to Activate UAN Number Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple process to activate your UAN online:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Website
Go to the official EPFO website: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Click on “Activate UAN”
You will see this option under the “Important Links” section on the homepage. Click on it.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
You need to fill in the following information:
- UAN number
- Member ID (You can get this from your employer or payslip)
- Aadhaar number or PAN number
- Name
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Captcha code
Make sure all details match exactly as per your EPFO record.
Step 4: Get OTP on Mobile
After entering your details, click on “Get Authorization Pin”. You will receive an OTP on your mobile number.
Step 5: Submit OTP and Activate
Enter the OTP and click on “Validate OTP and Activate UAN”. Your UAN will now be activated successfully.
What Happens After Activation?
Once activated, you will receive:
- A message with your UAN login ID and password
- You can now log in anytime using this UAN and manage your PF online
Visit the UAN Member Portal to:
- Check balance
- View passbook
- File claim (withdrawal or transfer)
- Update KYC (Aadhaar, PAN, bank)
Troubleshooting Facing Any Issue?
If your UAN is not activating, try these tips:
- Double-check your details – A small spelling error or wrong date of birth can stop activation.
- Try using your Aadhaar instead of PAN, or vice versa.
- Make sure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar and is working.
- If the issue still continues, contact your HR or employer to verify your Member ID and UAN.
- You can also call the EPFO helpdesk at 1800-118-005 (toll-free) or email them at employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in
Benefits of Activating UAN
Activating your UAN comes with several advantages:
- Full online access to your PF account
- Easy transfer of PF when changing jobs
- Instant withdrawal facility (when eligible)
- Track monthly PF deposits from your employer
- Faster processing of claims and updates
Important Tips
- Always keep your mobile number and email updated in UAN records
- Update your Aadhaar and PAN under KYC for smooth claims
- Don’t share your UAN password with anyone
- Use the UMANG App for easy access to EPFO services on mobile
Final Words
Your UAN is the key to your Provident Fund. If it is not activated, you may miss out on many helpful services. But as you’ve seen above, the activation process is very simple and can be done in just a few minutes. So don’t panic if your UAN is not working. Just follow the steps given above and take control of your PF account today.
