Get Aadhaar Instantly on WhatsApp: Step-By-Step Guide

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.