Why You Need to Mask Your Aadhaar
Identity fraud using stolen Aadhaar numbers is on the rise in India. Masking your Aadhaar before sharing it for non-government purposes is now a recommended security practice by UIDAI and cybersecurity experts.
Option 1: UIDAI Portal (Official Offline Method)
How It Works
- Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- Login with your Aadhaar + OTP
- Select "Download Aadhaar"
- Check the "Do you want a masked Aadhaar?" checkbox
- Download the password-protected PDF
Pros
- Official government source
- Always up-to-date with latest photo and details
Cons
- Requires OTP on registered mobile number
- Portal can be slow or down during peak hours
- Only works if your mobile is linked to Aadhaar
Option 2: Browser-Based Masking (Online Method)
How It Works
Tools like our Aadhaar Masker let you upload an existing Aadhaar image or PDF and mask it instantly in your browser.
Pros
- Works instantly — no OTP needed
- Works with any Aadhaar copy (scanned, photographed, downloaded)
- No mobile number dependency
- Client-side processing — data stays on your device
Cons
- Uses your existing copy (won't reflect recent updates)
- Need to verify the tool is genuinely client-side (check for network requests)
Which Should You Choose?
Use the UIDAI portal when you need an officially updated copy. Use a browser-based tool when you need to quickly mask an existing copy for KYC — especially if your mobile isn't linked or the portal is down.