How to Find our PF Account UAN Number

Learn how to find your Universal Account Number (UAN) for your Provident Fund (PF) account using easy methods like employer assistance and EPFO portal

How to Find Your Provident Fund (PF) Account UAN Number – Complete Guide (2025)

Author: AMAL AJI | Published: May 23, 2024 (Updated April 2026)

If you’re a salaried employee in India, you’ve probably heard of the Universal Account Number (UAN). It’s a 12-digit unique ID that follows you through your entire career, no matter how many jobs you change. Without your UAN, you cannot check your Provident Fund (PF) balance, withdraw money, or transfer your PF when switching companies. Yet, many employees don’t know where to find their UAN or how to retrieve it if lost.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5 reliable methods to find your UAN – from checking your payslip to using the UMANG app. I’ll also answer common questions and share tips to keep your PF account secure. Let’s dive in.

Why Your UAN Is Crucial (And Why You Need It Now)

Your UAN is like a permanent PF account number. Before UAN, each employer gave a different PF number, making transfers and withdrawals a nightmare. Now, UAN links all your PF contributions under one roof. With UAN, you can:

  • View your PF passbook online.
  • Transfer your PF balance when you change jobs – instantly.
  • Withdraw PF money for emergencies (medical, marriage, house, etc.).
  • Check claim status and update KYC details.

If you’ve never activated your UAN or lost it, don’t worry. Here’s how to find it.

For more on managing your finances online, check out our guide on EPFO passbook login issues and fixes.

Method 1: Through Your Employer (Easiest & Fastest)

Your employer is the first source. Every company registered under EPFO assigns a UAN to each employee. Here’s where to look:

1.1. Monthly Payslip

Most payslips print the UAN under the “PF Details” section. Look for a 12-digit number labeled “UAN” or “Universal Account Number”. If you have digital payslips, search for “UAN” using Ctrl+F.

1.2. HR or Payroll Department

If you can’t find it on your payslip, simply email or call your HR/accounts department. They maintain a database of all employee UANs. Provide your employee ID and request your UAN.

Method 2: Through the EPFO Member Portal (Know Your UAN)

The EPFO’s online portal is the official method. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal.
  2. Click on the “Know your UAN” link under “Important Links”.
  3. Enter your personal details: Aadhaar number, PAN, or member ID along with name, date of birth, mobile number, and email.
  4. Click “Get Authorization PIN”. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
  5. Enter the OTP and submit. Your UAN will be displayed on screen and also sent via SMS.

Note: Your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar and registered with EPFO. If not, use one of the other methods.

Method 3: Through the UMANG App (Best for Mobile Users)

The UMANG app (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) brings all government services to your phone. Here’s how to find UAN using UMANG:

  1. Download the UMANG app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Open the app and search for “EPFO”.
  3. Select “Employee Centric Services” then “Know your UAN”.
  4. Enter your Aadhaar number or PAN, name, date of birth, and registered mobile number.
  5. Verify with OTP. Your UAN will be shown instantly.

Method 4: Using Missed Call or SMS Service (No Internet Required)

If you don’t have internet access or are in a hurry, EPFO provides offline methods:

  • Missed Call: Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number. You’ll receive an SMS with your UAN and linked PF account details.
  • SMS: Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format: EPFOHO UAN <language code>. For English, send “EPFOHO UAN ENG”. You’ll get your UAN via reply SMS.

These services are free, but standard SMS charges may apply.

Method 5: Activate Your UAN If You Have Your PF Number

If you have an old PF number but no UAN, you can generate your UAN online:

  1. Go to the UAN Member Portal.
  2. Click on “Activate UAN” under the “Important Links” section.
  3. Enter your PF number (from your payslip or previous employer), along with personal details and Aadhaar.
  4. Submit. Your UAN will be generated and sent to your mobile.

Once you have your UAN, set a password to log in and access your PF passbook.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your UAN

Sometimes, even after trying all methods, you may not receive your UAN. Common reasons:

  • Your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar or not updated with EPFO.
  • Your employer hasn’t completed the KYC verification.
  • You’ve changed your mobile number and haven’t updated it with EPFO.

Solutions:

  • Contact your HR and ask them to update your mobile number and Aadhaar in the EPFO database.
  • Call the EPFO helpline: 1800-118-005 (toll-free).
  • Visit the nearest EPFO office with your Aadhaar card and employer details.

For more tech support, check out our article on EPFO passbook login issues and fixes – it covers common errors and how to resolve them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is UAN mandatory for PF withdrawal?

Yes. Without a UAN, you cannot submit a PF withdrawal claim online. You can still file a physical claim using Form 19, but online is much faster. UAN also makes PF transfer between jobs seamless. So getting your UAN is essential.

2. Can I have multiple UANs?

No. You should have only one UAN for life. If your previous employer gave you a UAN and a new employer gives you another, you need to transfer your PF balance and link both accounts to the first UAN. EPFO allows you to merge multiple UANs through the portal.

3. What if I forgot my UAN password?

On the UAN portal, click “Forgot Password”. You’ll need your UAN and the mobile number linked to it. An OTP will be sent to reset your password. If your mobile number is not registered, contact your HR to update it first.

4. How do I know if my UAN is activated?

Try logging into the UAN portal. If you can log in and see your passbook, it’s activated. If you see an error “UAN not activated”, go to the portal and click “Activate UAN”. You’ll need your PF number and personal details to activate it.

5. Is there any fee to get or use UAN?

No. EPFO provides UAN services completely free. Never pay anyone who promises to retrieve or activate your UAN. It’s a government service – use official channels only.

Tips to Keep Your UAN and PF Account Secure

Your UAN is linked to your hard-earned savings. Protect it:

  • Never share your UAN password or OTP with anyone.
  • Keep your mobile number and Aadhaar updated with EPFO.
  • Log in only through the official EPFO website (look for “.gov.in” domain).
  • Enable two-factor authentication on the UAN portal if available.
  • Check your passbook regularly to spot any unauthorized withdrawals.

For broader digital safety, read our guide on common cyber crimes in India and how to avoid them.

Conclusion: Get Your UAN Today and Take Control of Your PF

Your UAN is the key to managing your Provident Fund efficiently. Without it, you’re missing out on easy online access to your own money. Using any of the five methods above – payslip, HR, EPFO portal, UMANG app, or missed call – you can retrieve your UAN in minutes. Once you have it, activate your account, check your passbook, and keep it handy for every job switch.

If you face issues, don’t ignore them. Reach out to your HR or the EPFO helpline. Your future self will thank you when you smoothly withdraw your PF for a down payment or emergency.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a colleague who just joined a new company. And follow Domebytes for more finance, tech, and career tips.

Ready to manage your PF online? Click here to visit the EPFO portal.

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Tags: UAN, Provident Fund, EPFO, UMANG App, PF Account, Employee Provident Fund, find UAN number, Indian government services, Domebytes

About the author

AMAL AJI
Web wizard

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