How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card Online? What are the Benefits of a Masked Aadhaar? Check All Relevant Details Regarding the Masked Aadhaar Card Below.

In today’s digital age, protecting our personal information has become more crucial than ever. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a feature called the Masked Aadhaar card to enhance the security of Aadhaar cardholders.

What is a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A Masked Aadhaar card is a modified version of the regular Aadhaar card where the first eight digits of the 12-digit Aadhaar number are hidden or masked and the last 4-digits are visible.

This feature helps protect your Aadhaar number from potential misuse while still allowing you to use it as a valid form of identification.

Benefits of a Masked Aadhaar Card

There are several benefits of a masked Aadhaar Card, a few prominent among them are:

• Enhanced privacy: By hiding most of your Aadhaar number, it reduces the risk of identity theft.
• Secure identification: It can be safely used as an ID proof without revealing your full Aadhaar number.
• Reduced misuse: The masked version minimizes the chances of your Aadhaar details being misused.
• Virtual ID: It provides a Virtual ID (VID) that can be used for authentication purposes instead of your actual Aadhaar number.

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar Card Online?

Follow these detailed steps to download your Masked Aadhaar card:

Step 1: Visit the Official UIDAI Website

• Open your web browser and go to the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/
• The website is available in both Hindi and English. Choose your preferred language.

Step 2: Navigate to the Download Section

• Scroll down the homepage until you find the “Get Aadhaar” section.
• Click on the “Download Aadhaar” option.

Step 3: Select Aadhaar Number Option

• On the next page, you’ll see three options to download your Aadhaar: a. Aadhaar Number b. Enrollment ID c. Virtual ID (VID)
• For this process, select the “Aadhaar Number” option.

Step 4: Enter Your Aadhaar Details

• In the provided field, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number carefully.
• Below the Aadhaar number field, you’ll see a captcha code.

Step 5: Request OTP

• After entering your Aadhaar number and captcha, click on the “Send OTP” button.
• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.

Step 6: Enable Masked Aadhaar Option

• Before entering the OTP, look for the option that says “Do you want to download masked Aadhaar?”
• Click on this option to enable it. The button should turn blue when selected.

Step 7: Enter OTP and Download

• Enter the OTP you received on your registered mobile number.
• Click on the “Verify and Download” button.

Step 8: Save Your Masked Aadhaar Card

• After verification, a success message will appear.
• Your Masked Aadhaar card will begin downloading automatically.
• Choose a location on your device to save the downloaded file.

Step 9: Open Your Masked Aadhaar Card

• Locate the downloaded file on your device. It will be in PDF format.
• When you try to open the file, it will ask for a password.
• The password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (as written on your Aadhaar card) in capital letters, followed by your year of birth. For example, if your name is Rahul Kumar and you were born in 1990, your password would be RAHU1990.
• Enter the password and click “Open” to view your Masked Aadhaar card.

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Understanding Your Masked Aadhaar Card

Once you open your Masked Aadhaar card, you’ll notice several key features:

• Masked Aadhaar Number: The first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number will be replaced with Xs, showing only the last 4 digits.
• Virtual ID (VID): You’ll see a 16-digit Virtual ID on your Masked Aadhaar card. This VID can be used for authentication purposes instead of your actual Aadhaar number.
• QR Code: The Masked Aadhaar card includes a QR code that contains your Aadhaar details in encrypted form.
• Other Details: Your name, address, date of birth, gender, and photograph will remain visible, just like on a regular Aadhaar card.

Using Your Masked Aadhaar Card

Your Masked Aadhaar card is as valid as your regular Aadhaar card. You can use it for various purposes:

• As a proof of identity
• For address verification
• For any service that requires Aadhaar authentication

When using your Masked Aadhaar card, you can provide the Virtual ID instead of your actual Aadhaar number for added security.

Renewing Your Virtual ID

The Virtual ID on your Masked Aadhaar card can be changed or renewed at any time:

• Visit the UIDAI website and go to the “Aadhaar Services” section.
• Choose the “Generate VID” option.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and follow the OTP verification process.
• A new VID will be generated, replacing the old one.

Additional Security Measures

While the Masked Aadhaar card provides an extra layer of security, it’s important to take additional precautions:

• Never share your Aadhaar number, VID, or any other Aadhaar-related details with unknown persons or on unsecured platforms.
• Regularly check your Aadhaar authentication history to ensure there’s no unauthorized use.
• Enable biometric or OTP-based locking for your Aadhaar to prevent misuse.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• OTP not received: Ensure your mobile number is correctly registered with UIDAI. If issues persist, visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
• Incorrect password: Double-check that you’re entering the first four letters of your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card, followed by your birth year.
• Download fails: Check your internet connection and try again. If the problem continues, clear your browser cache and cookies before retrying.
• Masked Aadhaar not accepted: While most organizations accept Masked Aadhaar, some might require the full Aadhaar number. In such cases, you may need to provide additional identification or use the regular Aadhaar card.

Conclusion

Downloading a Masked Aadhaar card is a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your Aadhaar information. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain your Masked Aadhaar card and enjoy its added privacy benefits.

Remember to use your Masked Aadhaar responsibly and continue to protect your personal information in all your digital interactions. As identity theft and data breaches become increasingly common, tools like the Masked Aadhaar card play a crucial role in safeguarding our digital identities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is a Masked Aadhaar card legally valid?

A: Yes, a Masked Aadhaar card is legally valid and can be used wherever Aadhaar is accepted as an identity proof.

Q2: Can I get a physical copy of my Masked Aadhaar card?

A: Yes, you can print your downloaded Masked Aadhaar card. This printout is as valid as the digital version.

Q3: How often should I renew my Virtual ID?

A: There’s no mandatory renewal period for Virtual IDs. However, for enhanced security, it’s recommended to generate a new VID periodically or if you suspect any misuse.

Q4: Can I switch back to my regular Aadhaar card after getting a Masked Aadhaar?

A: Yes, you can always download and use your regular Aadhaar card. The Masked Aadhaar is an additional security feature, not a replacement.

Q5: Is the Masked Aadhaar card available in regional languages?

A: Currently, the Masked Aadhaar card is available in Hindi and English. UIDAI may introduce more language options in the future.