Tired of never having your Aadhaar handy just when it’s needed the most? One asks for a physical copy, another for a clearer soft copy. Do you also face difficulty with DigiLocker or the UIDAI portal? Well, downloading your Aadhaar has just become easier. The government (because Aadhaar is a must in most government services) will now let WhatsApp users get their Aadhaar through a chatbot called MyGov Helpdesk. How do you download one yourself? Can you download one without an OPT? Here’s a step-by-step guide. Learn more.
Must-Haves for Aadhar Download via WhatsApp
- You must have a DigiLocker account (it’s a secure digital documents wallet by the government of India).
- Your Aadhaar must be linked to DigiLocker.
- Your mobile number must be the one registered with Aadhaar.
Note: Without these must-haves, downloading your Aadhar via WhatsApp is difficult.
Steps to Download Aadhaar on WhatsApp
Save This Number First:
- +91-9013151515 as MyGov Helpdesk to your contacts.
Start a chat on WhatsApp:
- Open the app and type in a simple greeting like “Hi” or “Namaste” to this number.
Choose DigiLocker services:
- MyGov Helpdesk chatbot will reply to you with some options, from which select DigiLocker services.
Provide Your Aadhaar details:
- Once you confirm your DigiLocker account,
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number correctly.
Verify with OTP:
- The OPT will go to your registered mobile number. Before it expires, enter it to verify yourself.
Select your document:
- The MyGov Helpdesk chatbot will give you a list of documents in your DigiLocker.
- From that, select Aadhaar.
Receive Aadhaar PDF:
- Once all is done correctly, your Aadhaar card PDF will be sent directly to your WhatsApp.
Important to note:
- You can download only one document at a time and not more.
- In case your Aadhaar isn’t linked to your DigiLocker account, you can’t download it.
- You’ll first need to link the DigiLocker website or app.
Downloading Aadhaar Without OTP
This is what you need to do if you want to skip the OTP step altogether:
- First, visit the UIDAI website.
- To find your record, you’ll need to enter details like name, gender, and date of birth.
- Then enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, request number, and date of birth.
- Here, instead of an OTP, use a TOTP (time-based one-time password) from the mAadhaar app.
- Once done, this provides you with an electronic Aadhaar that can be stored on your phone.
Note: This works well as a valid ID proof, but it can’t be printed.
Why This Is Useful
- You can also download your Aadhaar via websites or apps like DigiLocker or the UIDAI portal, but the WhatsApp method is generally quicker.
- You don’t have to switch between apps or websites while waiting in line for government services.
- You don’t have to worry about data safety as it uses DigiLocker and OTP/TOTP verification.
- Additionally, WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption and will not read your chats.
Final Note:
- Don’t use any public devices, like a PC that is not yours.
- Avoid using unofficial WhatsApp numbers that claim to provide Aadhaar information.