Crucially important to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) system, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is a single employee identification tool. Whether you are a new hire or someone having trouble activating UAN, properly managing your EPF account depends on knowing the detailed process.

This blog goes into great detail on how to turn on a UAN, create one, and fix problems such "UAN is not active."  Knowing this will provide you complete access to EPFO's web offerings

Learning the Universal Account Number (UAN)

Every employee who makes a contribution to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) receives the 12-digit UAN. This number is portable across multiple employers throughout your career. You can unify all accounts under a single UAN when switching jobs, eliminating the need to manage multiple EPF accounts.

Benefits of Activating UAN

Activating your UAN offers the following benefits:

1. Access the EPF account online:

•  Download passbooks
•  Check the account balance.
•  View transaction history

2. Hassle-Free Transfers: Seamlessly transfer your PF balance when switching jobs without delays.
   
   
3. Unified Management: Consolidate all EPF accounts from previous employers under one UAN.
   
   
4. Ease of Withdrawal: Withdraw PF funds directly without visiting the EPF office.
   
   
5. Account Security: Regularly monitor contributions from employers, ensuring transparency and correctness.

How to Check UAN Status Online

You can find out whether your UAN is active online by following these guidelines should you not know:

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Click on the ‘Know Your UAN’ link.
3. Enter your Aadhaar, PAN, or Member ID.
4. Send an OTP to your registered mobile number to verify the details.
5. Once verified, the system will display the UAN status. If it is inactive, proceed with the activation steps outlined below.

How to Generate a UAN

1. Through your employer
   Once their staff members register with the EPFO, most companies create UANs for them. Your pay slip or a request from your HR department will show your UAN.

2. Self-Generation on the EPFO Portal

If your employer hasn’t provided a UAN, you can generate it yourself:

1. Go to the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Click ‘Know Your UAN’.
3. Input your Member ID, PAN, or Aadhaar numbers.
4. To prove your identity, send an OTP to the mobile number you registered under.
5. Either your UAN will show on the system or it will ask you to generate a fresh one.

Step-by-step Guide to UAN Activation

Activating your UAN is straightforward and essential for managing your EPF account. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the UAN Portal

Navigate to the EPFO Member Portal.

Step 2: Click on "Activate UAN."

On the homepage, select the Activate UAN’ option.

Step 3: Fill out your details.

Provide the required information, including:

• UAN
• Member ID (provided by your employer)
• Aadhaar or PAN
• The EPFO records provide the name and date of birth.
• A registered mobile number

Step 4: Verify Through OTP

Click on ‘Get Authorisation Pin’. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Submit and set a password.

Enter the OTP and click ‘Validate OTP and Activate UAN’. Activation will prompt you to set a password for your account. Ensure that you choose a strong password for security.

Linking Aadhaar and PAN with UAN

1.  Log in to the UAN Portal:
   Use your UAN and password to access the portal.

2. Navigate to the KYC Section:
   Go to the ‘Manage’ tab and click on ‘KYC’.

3. Add Aadhaar and PAN Details:
   Enter your Aadhaar and PAN numbers.

4. Submit for Verification:
   We will verify your details against government databases. Once approved, we will link your Aadhaar and PAN.

Troubleshooting common issues with UAN activation

Issue 1: UAN Not Active

Your UAN is inactive if you haven't registered it on the EPFO portal. Follow the steps outlined above to activate it.

Issue 2: Incorrect Details

If your details don’t match the EPFO records, you may encounter errors during activation. In such cases:

• Cross-check your name, date of birth, and other details with your Aadhaar and PAN.
• Update incorrect details through your employer or directly via the EPFO.

Issue 3: Mobile Number Not Linked

A registered mobile number is essential for OTP verification. If your number is not linked:

• Update your mobile number through your employer or the EPFO office.
• Use the Update KYC’ option on the UAN portal to add your mobile number.

Issue 4: Forgot UAN

If you don’t remember your UAN, retrieve it by:

• Select the 'Know Your UAN' option from the EPFO portal.
• You are entering your Member ID, Aadhaar, or PAN details for verification.

Linking multiple EPF accounts to one UAN

If you've changed jobs and have multiple EPF accounts, you can link them to your UAN.

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
2. Go to the ‘Service History’ section to view all linked accounts.
3. Use the ‘One Member-One EPF’ feature to consolidate accounts.
4. Once you submit a request for account transfer, we will merge your funds.

How to Log in to the UAN Portal After Activation

Once you activate your UAN, you can log in to the portal to access EPF services.

1. Visit the UAN Member Portal.
2. Enter your UAN and password.
3. Complete the CAPTCHA verification and click ‘Sign In’.

How to Withdraw or Transfer Funds Using UAN

UAN activation also enables you to withdraw or transfer EPF funds online.

For Withdrawals:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
2. Click "Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)" under "Online Services".
3. Enter the pertinent information and send the essential docs.
4. Submit the claim for processing.

For Transfers:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
2. Under the "Online Services" menu, select "Transfer Request."
3. Describe your former and present companies in great detail.
4. Submit the request, and EPFO will transfer your funds.

How to Update UAN Details

Keeping your UAN details updated is crucial for error-free EPF management. Here’s how to update your details:

1. Log in to the UAN portal.
2. Go to the ‘Manage’ section and click ‘Modify Basic Details’.
3. Update your name, date of birth, or other incorrect details.
4. Submit the changes for employer approval.

 

Resolving UAN activation issues through the EPFO Helpdesk

If you encounter persistent problems during UAN activation, reach out to the EPFO helpdesk:

• Helpdesk Number: 1800-118-005
• Email Support: employerfeedback@epfindia.gov.in
• EPFO Office: Visit the nearest EPFO office for assistance.

FAQ

1. How can I activate my UAN?
   To activate your UAN:

• Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
• Click on “Activate UAN’ and fill in the required details.
• Send an OTP to your registered mobile number for verification.
• Set a password to complete activation.

 

2. How do I register in the PF portal?
   To register in the PF portal:

• Go to the EPFO portal and click on ‘Activate UAN’.
• Enter your UAN, Member ID, and other personal details.
• Submit and verify via OTP.
• Create a password to complete the registration process.

 

3. How do I track a PF claim?
   You can track your PF claim status online by:

• Logging in to the UAN portal.
• Navigating to the online services section.
• You can view updates by clicking on 'Track Claim Status'.

 

4. How can I activate my UAN number?
   Follow the same process for UAN activation:

• Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
• Click “Activate UAN’ and complete the form.
• Verify with OTP and set a password.

 

5. Is my PF account active?
   To verify whether your PF account is active, follow these steps:

• Log in to the UAN portal.
• Go to the ‘Service History’ section.
• Verify the status of linked accounts with your current employer.

 

6. How can I verify my UAN number using a mobile number??
   Use the 'Know Your UAN' feature on the EPFO portal.

• Enter your registered mobile number, Member ID, or Aadhaar.
• Verify with OTP to retrieve your UAN.

 

7. How do I check if my UAN is active or not?
   To check UAN status:

• Visit the EPFO portal and click ‘Know Your UAN’.
• Enter your details and verify via OTP.
• The system will display your UAN status.

 

8. Does UAN activation take time?
   UAN activation is immediate upon successful OTP verification and password creation.

 

9. What should I do if my UAN number is not active??
   If your UAN is not active:

• Activate it by following the UAN activation process.
• Contact your employer or EPFO for assistance if errors persist.

 

10. How do I check if UAN is active?
    Log in to the UAN portal. If you can access your account, your UAN is active.

11. How does UAN become inactive?
    A UAN becomes inactive if:

• The EPFO portal has neither registered it nor activated it.
• The linked mobile number is no longer valid. 
  
  

12. How long does it take for UAN to get activated?
    UAN activation is instant once OTP is verified and the password is set.
    
    

13. How can I activate my PF account online?
    Your PF account is activated automatically when your UAN is activated. Ensure your employer links your PF account to your UAN.
    
    

14. How can I activate my inactive PF account?
    To activate an inactive PF account:
    Log in to the UAN portal
    Use the ‘One Member-One EPF’ feature to link and reactivate old accounts.

15. How can I know if my PF account is active or not?
    To find if your PF account is operational, review the part on the UAN portal titled "Service History".

16. What happens if UAN is not active?
    Without an active UAN, you cannot access EPFO’s online services like balance checking, withdrawals, or claims.

17. How can I make my UAN active?
    Register your UAN on the EPFO portal, confirm via OTP, and choose a password to activate it.

18. How many hours after UAN is activated?
    UAN activation is immediate, allowing instant access to online EPF services.