March 27, 2026

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

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

Method 2: Virtual ID

  • Visit the official website of UIDAI and tap on the ‘Download Aadhaar’
  • Now, kindly select the 'I want a masked Aadhaar' option.
  • 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.
  • Install mAadhaar App on your device from Google play store.
  • Now click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option visible under the ‘Service’ section.
  • Click on the ‘I want a masked Aadhaar’ option.
  • After completion of this process select the download method, enrolment number, Aadhaar card number or virtual ID.
  • Enter information as per your selection and Captcha code, visible on your device screen.
  • 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.

Never miss a trading opportunity with Margin Trading Facility

Enjoy 2X leverage on over 900+ stocks

Upstox Margin Trading Facility
Apple Logo
Downloadlogo
iOS App
Google Play Logo
Downloadlogo
Android App

RELATED ARTICLES

Aadhar Card ID Search by Name Online - Step By Step Process

Aadhaar is a twelve-digit unique identification code (UID) provided to Indian residents by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). This government-issued identification card has become a requirement for almost every facet of an individual's life, from registering for a bank account to acquiring a mobile phone connection or receiving government benefits. However, people may lose or misplace their Aadhaar cards, making it difficult to access essential services. Luckily, UIDAI has provided a way to search for Aadhaar card details by name, giving those who do not have access to their Aadhaar card number an alternative. In this article, we will look at how to search for an Aadhaar card by name and father's name, including the steps to take, the documents needed, and the limitations of this search technique.

How To Change Address In Aadhar Card Online: Complete Steps

As is well known, the Indian government issues 12-digit identification numbers to its citizens. Every Indian has access to it. Aadhaar numbers are assigned to each citizen. The Aadhar Card stores the enrollee's name, address, photo, gender, biometric information, Iris information, and age. The Aadhar card has several applications in modern India, and the multitude of instances in which it can be used as legal or official documentation has increased. Because it stimulates the modernization principle, everything is now affiliated with the card. This article will cover how to Change the Address in Aadhar Card Online.

What is Aadhaar Virtual Id and How to Generate it Online - Meaning & Features

To maintain the privacy of personal data, including the biometric and demographic information on the Aadhaar Card, the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has lately introduced a new feature called Aadhaar Virtual ID to address the issue of your Aadhaar data breach as it is almost impossible to track the Aadhaar number and misuse your information using the virtual ID. Simplifying it as the Aadhaar Virtual ID is that it provides limited KYC (Know Your Customer) access, allowing users to access only the required information necessary for verification purposes rather than accessing the complete Aadhaar Card details. Hence, you can now provide your Aadhaar Virtual ID to both the government and private organizations with the assurance of your data safety. Table of Contents: ▪ What is Aadhaar Virtual ID? ▪ What are the features of the Aadhaar Virtual ID? ▪ How to generate an Aadhaar Virtual ID online? ▪ How to use mAadhaar to create an Aadhaar Virtual ID? ▪ How to create a virtual ID for Aadhaar using SMS? ▪ What are the benefits you enjoy after getting an Aadhaar Virtual ID? ▪ FAQs on Aadhaar Virtual ID. You may wonder what an Aadhaar Virtual ID is, including its features and benefits. This article will briefly discuss the same and how you can get your Aadhaar Virtual ID.

What is the Aadhar Card Password & How to Open: Format, & Example

The 12-digit Aadhaar number, a unique identification code for all Indian inhabitants, is contained on the Aadhaar card. If not protected, the biometric and demographic data on a person's Aadhaar card could be used to violate that person's privacy. The Aadhaar-issuing institution, UIDAI, offers a password-protected PDF of the Aadhaar card to make it safe and secure. As a result, cardholders can only utilize their Aadhaar when they wish to. - Visit the official UDAI website to download your Aadhaar card online. You'll see that the E-Aadhaar is a PDF file once you've downloaded it. This PDF document requires an Aadhaar card password to open. This E-Aadhaar PDF file's password is 8 characters long. This eight-character Aadhaar card open password combines your birth year with the first four letters of your name per your Aadhaar card.