Telecom operators provide sim linking with Aadhaar.
Sim can be linked through OTP verification, agent-assisted authentication or IVR facility.
Mobile numbers can be linked to Aadhaar even through offline methods.
Aadhaar card, linked to a mobile number, previously was thought of as something that would weed out the illegal phone numbers operating in the country. Mobile number verification through Aadhaar would have made sure mobile numbers are not obtained through counterfeit measures. However, this method of verification fell through and Aadhaar is not being used to verify mobile numbers anymore.
Still, to be on the safe side with your mobile number, it is better to keep your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card. Even though mobile number verification is not being done through Aadhaar you can still avail of some benefits like using the Online Self Service Update Portal (SSUP), mAadhaar App, and more.
Telecom operators use methods like OTP verification, agent-assisted authentication and IVR facility to let their customers link their mobile numbers with Aadhaar. Customers can also visit physical mobile stores, register their biometrics, and get their mobile numbers linked. Let us take a look at each of the methods.
Table of Contents
Linking Aadhar with Fresh SIM
If you wanted to get a new SIM and link the same with your Aadhaar you would have to follow the following steps
- Visit the physical mobile store
- Request for a new SIM
- Provide a copy of Aadhaar for ID proof and address proof
- A biometric scanner would be used to register your fingerprint
- After the verification process is complete you will get your new SIM
- The new SIM gets activated in an hour
Steps to Link Mobile Number with Aadhar: Online
You can get your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar sitting at your home by the following steps
- You have to visit the telecom operator’s website
- Proceed with the mobile number to be linked, verified or re-verified with Aadhaar
- OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number
- Enter OTP and click on “Submit” for the next step
- A message will pop up on your mobile through the SIM number entered. The 12-digit Aadhaar number to be linked has to be entered
- A message would then be sent by the telecom operator for OTP generation
- The user would then receive a consent message about the e-KYC details
- Read the terms and conditions, accept them, and enter the OTP
- On completing the above procedure, a confirmation message about the Aadhaar and phone number re-verification will be sent.
Offline Methods
1. SMS-based Aadhaar and SIM Verification by OTP
- Visit the nearest telecom store
- Provide a self-attested copy of the Aadhaar card
- Submit mobile number and Aadhaar details
- Upon using the re-verification application, a 4-digit OTP would then be generated and sent to your registered SIM
- Submit the OTP to the store executive and provide verification biometrically
- After 24 hours your number will receive an SMS for confirmation. Reply “Y” to complete the e-KYC process
2. Linking mobile number to Aadhaar by IVR process
You can link your mobile number to your Aadhaar Card through Interactive Voice Response services for both prepaid and postpaid customers using the following steps
- Dial the toll-free number 14546 from your mobile phone
- The number will ask you whether you are an Indian citizen or NRI. Press 1 to confirm
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Press 1 to confirm your Aadhaar number
- Enter the mobile number registered with Aadhaar to receive OTP
- The telecom operator will ask for your consent to access your date of birth, name, and photo from the UIDAI database
- Enter the OTP received
- Press 1 to complete the process of re-verification.
Your mobile phone number can also be linked to your Aadhaar by visiting your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. This can be termed the third offline method for the linking procedure. You have to fill out a form and pay an amount of Rs 50 for the completion of the linking procedure. However, it is important to note that it is not mandatory to link your mobile number to Aadhaar anymore.
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Pritam Biswas
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