Life happens—a new job, a fresh city, an updated phone number on every account. But when it comes to your retirement savings, changes like a new mobile number can cause confusion. The Universal Account Number (UAN) from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is essential for accessing your PF details online, checking balance, and tracking savings. Changing your mobile number? Pause before panic sets in! Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Indians on how to activate UAN when your mobile number has changed. Plus, discover the latest on how to check PF balance using the updated pf balance check number.
Why is the UAN important
UAN is your unique 12-digit ID for managing your PF. It links all your PF accounts, letting you:
– View passbooks and balances
– Track transfers between jobs
– Access services like withdrawals, KYC updates, and loan applications
– Get SMS alerts for contributions and status updates
A valid, active mobile number is key—it verifies your identity, delivers OTPs, and triggers important notifications from EPFO.
Changed your mobile number? Here’s the problem:
If you’ve changed your mobile number, you might:
– Miss critical OTPs
– Fail at UAN activation through the normal online process
– Get locked out from the member portal
– Be unable to check PF balance quickly via SMS
The good news? There’s a solution. The EPFO has routines for situations just like this.
How to activate UAN if you’ve changed your mobile number
Direct UAN activation is only allowed with the mobile number recorded in EPFO’s records. If you’ve recently updated your mobile number, it’s important to understand how to activate UAN using the new details. Here’s a clear workflow on activating your UAN after updating your mobile details.
Pillar 1: Update your new mobile number in EPFO records
1. Through Your Employer (Recommended):
– Approach the HR/Payroll department.
– Fill out the ‘Joint Declaration Form’ for correction of mobile number.
– Attach a copy of your Aadhaar as proof of identity.
– The employer uploads the request to EPFO’s employer portal.
– Once approved, your new mobile number is updated.
Timeline: Generally 7-15 working days.
2. Through Unified Member Portal (If you remember your old login):
– Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal
– Log in with UAN and password.
– Go to ‘Manage’ then to ‘Contact Details’.
– Tick the box against ‘Change Mobile Number’, enter the new number, and click ‘Get Authorisation Pin’.
– Enter OTP received on your old mobile.
– Submit; your number updates instantly.
Didn’t keep your old number? Opt for the offline route through your employer.
Pillar 2: Activate your UAN online
Once your new mobile number is in the EPFO system:
1. Visit the EPFO UAN Activation page
2. Enter your UAN, name, date of birth, and your new mobile number.
3. Enter the captcha as shown.
4. Click ‘Get Authorisation PIN’—you will receive an OTP on the new mobile number.
5. Enter the OTP.
6. Set and confirm your password.
Congratulations! UAN is now activated with your new mobile number. You get instant access to your PF records.
Pillar 3: Download UAN passbook and check PF balance
Check PF Balance using pf balance check number via SMS:
– SMS format: `EPFOHO UAN ENG` to 7738299899
– Use the registered mobile. (Make sure it’s your updated number)
– ‘ENG’ is for English; use regional codes for messages in other languages.
Balance Check via Missed Call:
– Give a missed call to 9966044425 using your updated registered mobile number.
– Registered mobile is essential. If it’s not updated, SMS service won’t respond.
Through EPFO Portal:
– Log into the EPFO Member Portal
– Navigate to ‘Our Services’ > ‘For Employees’ > ‘Member Passbook’.
– Login with UAN and the new password.
– Download or view your updated PF passbook in seconds.
Pillar 4: FAQs on UAN activation and mobile update
Q. What if access to the employer is not possible?
Visit the nearest EPFO office with identity proof and a written request for mobile number update.
Q. Any documents required?
Usually, an Aadhaar card and self-attested copy suffice for authentication.
Q. Can the process be done fully online?
Yes, but only if you can receive the OTP on your existing (old) registered number. Offline/through employer is required for other cases.
Q. Does it cost anything?
No, EPFO does not levy charges for UAN activation or updating mobile numbers.
Common calculations: PF at a glance
Suppose the average monthly wage deduction for PF purposes is Rs. 2,000. With an interest rate of 8.15% per annum (2023-24 figures), here’s what accumulates over 5 years (ignoring salary rises and withdrawals):
– Yearly PF contribution: Rs. 2,000 x 12 = Rs. 24,000
– Interest (First year): Rs. 24,000 x 8.15% = Rs. 1,956
– Total after one year: Rs. 24,000 + Rs. 1,956 = Rs. 25,956
– Compounding for 5 years:
– At end of 5 years, total accumulates to approximately Rs. 1,47,636 (using compound interest calculator)
Keep track using the UAN portal to see your actual contributions and interest as per your unique employment scenario.
UAN and PF Security tips
– Never share UAN or password with anyone.
– Use the official EPFO site for all updates.
– Change passwords regularly and enable alerts.
– Always log out after checking your PF balance.
Summary
Changing mobile numbers doesn’t mean losing access to your vital provident fund information. If you have recently updated your phone number, simply notify your employer or visit the nearest EPFO office to initiate the update in official records. Online correction is possible only if you still have access to your old number for OTP verification. Once your new mobile number reflects in the EPFO database, UAN activation is smooth through the official UAN Activation portal. Here, input your updated number, receive your OTP, and set your new password.
After activation, convenient services become accessible: view or download your passbook, get instant PF balance via SMS by texting ‘EPFOHO UAN ENG’ to 7738299899, or by giving a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile. Your UAN links your professional journey, and ensuring it is connected to your latest mobile number enhances security and control over your retirement funds.
For those curious about their PF growth, monthly contributions as small as Rs. 2,000 accumulate through compounding interest, resulting in nearly Rs. 1.5 lakh over five years without even factoring wage hikes or employer increments. Always safeguard your credentials, monitor your funded accounts, and use only the official channels for UAN and mobile updates.
With these actionable insights, your retirement funds stay safe, accessible, and growing—no matter how many times your mobile number changes.
Disclaimer:
Investors must gauge all pros and cons before engaging in EPFO account management or any trading in the Indian financial market. Rules may change; always verify all steps on the official EPFO website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/.
