What is Masked Aadhaar and How to Download Online

Since its launch in 2009, the Aadhaar card has become popular among Indians and is considered a crucial ID and address proof document. However, for a considerable period of time, Aadhaar card security has been a topic of discussion. To address this issue, the government has introduced masked Aadhaar cards. In this blog, you will get to know what they are and how you can download one for yourself.

Masked Aadhaar: What is It?

A masked Aadhaar is an updated version of the regular Aadhaar card. It allows you to mask the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number, while the other 4 digits would be visible. While downloading this version, all details like the photograph, contact details, QR code, address, and many more are present in the same manner. As this disguised Aadhaar card is signed by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), you won’t have to worry about this card being accepted.

The only difference that lies between a masked Aadhaar and a regular Aadhaar is that it cannot be used to avail of the benefits of scholarships and government schemes. However, you can use this disguised card as identification proof.

How Does Masked Aadhaar Work?

The masked Aadhaar number will replace the initial 8 digits of your original Aadhaar number with characters like “XXXX-XXXX”. So when you share your masked number with others, the receiver can only see the last four digits. As per the UIDAI site, using this disguised card is legal to download electronic copies of your Aadhaar ID without disclosing the number.

Why Should You Opt for Masked Aadhaar?

As online fraud cases have increased in the past few years, it is crucial that you safeguard your data and only share it when absolutely necessary. Masked Aadhaar, which obscures your Aadhaar number is a widely accepted method of identification. This indicates that there is zero possibility of considering this disguised card as an 'invalid' form of identification. 

It is a much safer option than using your actual Aadhaar card as you don't have to give out your Aadhaar card often. Additionally, as the entire number is not revealed, there are fewer chances of online fraudulent activities. This mitigation factor makes it a very valuable and convenient tool. 

You can use this disguised card indefinitely, and the agency receives eKYC information along with the number whenever you share it. However, the primary advantage is that the agency cannot extract the Aadhaar number from it and it cannot be tracked. Instead, the UIDAI will notify the entity that the individual has verified his/her Aadhaar card. So by any means, no agency can get the original Aadhaar number for the verification process. 

If an entity verifies this card number, it must do so in accordance with a law that will be reviewed by UIDAI to validate its need for this number.

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card?

Individuals with a valid Aadhaar car can download this disguised card from the UIDAI website. Wondering how? Then you can check out the following ways mentioned below:

Method 1: Aadhaar Number

1. Kindly visit the official website of UIDAI.
2. Then select the option ‘Download Aadhaar’ present under ‘My Aadhaar’ section or tab.
3. Enter different details like your 12-digit Aadhaar number, address and name.
4. Then you will be redirected to a new page. Here you will get the option to download the masked Aadhaar card.
5. The next step is to select ‘Send OTP’ and enter the required OTP that you have received on your registered mobile number.
6. Finally, you can download your masked Aadhaar in PDF format successfully.

Method 2: Virtual ID

1. Visit the official website of UIDAI and tap on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ 
2. Now, kindly select the 'I want a masked Aadhaar' option.
3. Now enter several details like a 16-digit virtual ID number, name and address to download your masked Aadhaar.

Method 3: Enrolment Number

In this method after vising the official website, and tapping on the 'Download Aadhaar' option, use the 28-digit enrolment number along with your pin code and full name to download this card successfully.

In addition, you can download masked Aadhaar cards through mAadhaar app. Follow these simple steps to know how to get masked Aadhaar on your device with just a few steps.

1. Install mAadhaar App on your device from Google play store.
2. Now click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option visible under the ‘Service’ section.
3. Click on the ‘I want a masked Aadhaar’ option.
4. After completion of this process select the download method, enrolment number, Aadhaar card number or virtual ID.
5. Enter information as per your selection and Captcha code, visible on your device screen.
6. Now click on the ‘Send OTP’ option and after the OTP verification the masked Aadhaar card will be downloaded automatically.

How to Set Password for Masked Aadhaar?

The UIDAI provides the default password for the electronic copy of the masked Aadhaar card. This password is a combination of the first 4 letters of your name in capital and your birth year. 

For instance, if your name is Smriti Bhushan and you were born in 1980, your password would be SMRI1980. Therefore, when you download this disguised card, the PDF contains the default password set by UIDAI. You cannot change or reset the password accordingly on your masked Aadhaar through UIDAI.

Final Word

To secure the identity of an Aadhaar cardholder Indian Government has introduced masked Aadhaar. It is a good option as it eliminates the misuse of personal information for fraudulent activities. 

Also, it is a convenient option in comparison to a photocopy and equally authentic and holds similar value as a regular Aadhaar card. Besides this blog contains different steps that will help you in downloading your masked Aadhaar without any hassle.