Written by Sachin Gupta
Published on May 08, 2026 | 7 min read
Lost your Universal Account Number (UAN) number right when you needed to check your PF balance or file a withdrawal claim? You are not alone. Many salaried individuals in India struggle to find their UAN, especially after changing jobs, switching mobile numbers, or forgetting login credentials. In this article, we will navigate how to find UAN online and offline.
Issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit number assigned to every EPF member. Your UAN is one of the most important identifiers linked to your provident fund account. It is important to note that the UAN remains the same throughout your career, even if you switch jobs multiple times. Your UAN helps you:
Many employees forget their UAN or lose access after changing jobs or mobile numbers. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to retrieve it both online and offline. UAN acts as a central link connecting all your PF accounts created under different employers. For example, if you worked at three different companies, you may have three PF member IDs, but all of them are linked to one UAN.
This is the most reliable method online. You can follow the steps mentioned below to find UAN online:
Step 1: Visit the official EPFO member portal EPFO Member Portal
Step 2: Click on “Know your UAN” under the important links section on the EPFO portal
Step 3: Enter your registered mobile number and captcha, and verify by using OTP
Step 4: Enter details such as
Step 5: Click “Show My UAN” and your UAN will appear on the screen.
Requirements to Use the EPFO Portal for Finding UAN
Find UAN Using the UMANG App The UMANG app is a government-backed platform that offers easy access to various EPFO services, including UAN retrieval. Users can log in with their registered mobile number, verify via OTP, and view their UAN details within minutes. By following the steps below, you can find your UAN online using the UMANG app.
Recent EPFO updates have expanded UAN-related services through the UMANG app for better digital access.
This is usually the fastest and easiest method. You can check your most recent salary slip, as most employers print the UAN on monthly pay slips. You can find UAN by following the steps below:
Your employer can retrieve your UAN from the EPFO employer portal. You may need to provide:
This method is especially useful if your mobile number is not linked to your EPF account.
EPFO provides a simple missed call service that allows employees to retrieve their UAN and PF-related details without logging into the portal. This is one of the quickest offline methods for users who have their mobile numbers linked to their EPF accounts. How to Use the Service?
After the missed call, EPFO sends an SMS containing:
Important Conditions
This service works only if:
Before trying to retrieve your UAN online or offline, it is important to keep a few essential documents and details ready. These documents help verify your identity and make the process quicker and smoother:
In some cases, employees may end up with more than one UAN, especially after changing jobs. Since EPFO is designed to assign only one Universal Account Number per employee, having multiple UANs can create issues while accessing PF services, transferring funds, or filing claims. This can happen if:
In such cases:
EPFO has also introduced mechanisms to de-link incorrect member IDs and consolidate accounts more efficiently.
While retrieving your UAN is usually simple, some users may face verification or access issues due to outdated records or incomplete account setup. Here are some of the most common problems and their solutions.
If your registered mobile number is inactive or not linked to your EPF account, OTP verification may fail during the UAN retrieval process. In such cases, below are possible solutions:
Differences in personal details across Aadhaar, PAN, and EPF records can prevent successful verification. To avoid errors, ensure all documents contain exactly the same information
Certain EPFO services, including online login, passbook access, and claim filing, require an activated UAN.
Your UAN is the key to managing your EPF account efficiently. Whether you need to check your PF balance, transfer funds, or file claims, knowing your UAN saves time and avoids unnecessary delays. The easiest methods include the EPFO “Know Your UAN” portal, salary slips, the UMANG app, and the missed call service.
A UAN is a 12-digit Universal Account Number that links all your EPF accounts across different employers under one identity.
You can find your UAN using the EPFO portal or UMANG app with OTP verification and required personal details.
Yes, you can also retrieve your UAN using PAN card, PF member ID, salary slip, or registered mobile number.
Yes, the missed call service is completely free and works from your registered mobile number linked with EPFO records.
UAN is usually mentioned on salary slips near PF deductions, the employee details section, or the employer contribution information area.
No, EPFO allows only one UAN per employee, but multiple accounts must be merged into a single active UAN.
OTP may fail if your mobile number is not linked, inactive, or if your EPFO records contain mismatched personal details.
Yes, UAN activation is mandatory for accessing EPFO online services like passbook viewing, claim filing, and PF transfers.
About Author
Sachin Gupta
Senior Sub-Editor
is a seasoned financial writer with over eight years of experience across global markets, including Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. He specialises in simplifying complex financial concepts, making them accessible and engaging for a wide range of readers. When he’s not writing or traveling, he can often be found exploring the mountains, drawing inspiration from the calm and clarity of the outdoors.
Read more from SachinUpstox is a leading Indian financial services company that offers online trading and investment services in stocks, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, and more. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mumbai, Upstox is backed by prominent investors including Ratan Tata, Tiger Global, and Kalaari Capital. It operates under RKSV Securities and is registered with SEBI, NSE, BSE, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring secure and compliant trading experiences.
Personal Finance
How to Read a Balance Sheet Before Investing in Stocks8 min read | Written by Pradnya Surana
Personal Finance
Bonds Investment Guide 2026: Types, Returns, Risks & Tax Explained9 min read | Written by Sachin Gupta
Personal Finance
NPS Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Difference in Features, Tax Benefits, Eligibility7 min read | Written by Sachin Gupta
Personal Finance
50/30/20 Rule: Simple Framework to Manage Your Money7 min read | Written by Sachin Gupta