Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
4 Min
26 Jun 2025
Ravi Verma, a 32-year-old marketing professional from Pune, recently changed his job and wanted to transfer his provident fund (PF) balance to his new employer. However, when he tried to log into the EPFO portal, he realised he had forgotten his UAN password.
His Aadhaar was already linked, and his mobile number was registered. Thanks to the online UAN password reset facility, he regained access to his account within 10 minutes without visiting any office. If you are in a similar situation, this comprehensive guide will show you how to change your UAN password the right way.
The UAN (Universal Account Number) password is a secure credential that enables EPFO members to access online services provided by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. With this password, members can:
Function | Access With UAN Password |
EPF Balance Check | Yes |
Withdrawal Application | Yes |
KYC Update | Yes |
UAN Passbook Download | Yes |
Nominee Addition | Yes |
Example: If Nisha has contributed ₹10,000 every year for 10 years, her PF balance would roughly be over ₹12 lakh, including interest. Without her UAN password, she cannot withdraw or transfer this amount.
To ensure better security, EPFO mandates a specific format for the UAN password. The format includes:
Example Password | Validity |
Ravi@2022 | Valid |
Kumari#88 | Valid |
Pooja123 | Invalid (no special character) |
AB_2023 | Invalid (less than 7 characters) |
Example: If Prakash chooses a password like "Prakash@123", it includes all required criteria and will be accepted. However, "prakash123" will be rejected.
Before resetting your UAN password, ensure the following:
Requirement | Mandatory? | Remarks |
UAN Activation | Yes | Cannot proceed without activation |
Aadhaar Link | Yes | Required for OTP verification |
Mobile Linked to Aadhaar | Yes | OTP sent to this number |
Example: If Amit has a UAN but hasn’t linked it to his Aadhaar, he won’t receive the OTP during the reset. He must first complete this linkage.
If you have forgotten your UAN password, follow these steps:
Example: Suresh forgot his password but followed the above process. Within 5 minutes, he regained access by setting a new password: "Suresh@2023".
Even if you remember your current password, you may want to change it for security reasons. Here's how:
Result: A message like "Password updated successfully" will be displayed.
Example: Deepika updates her password from "Deepika@22" to "DeeP!k@2025" due to suspicious activity on her account. She completes the process within 3 minutes.
Example: If Anita updates her password at 11:00 AM, she should be able to log in by 11:05 AM. If not, she must reach out to the EPFO
helpdesk.
For a quicker experience:
Example: Rahul wrote down his password on a sticky note and lost it during travel. He then used a password manager to store
credentials safely and prevent future risks.
Changing or resetting your UAN password is a simple yet essential task. Whether you forgot it or wish to update it for better security, you can complete the process online within minutes. Always ensure your Aadhaar and mobile are correctly linked, and follow the official UAN password format to avoid login issues.
Q1. How many times can I change my UAN password?
You can change your UAN password as often as you like. There are no limits.
Q2. Is there a charge to reset the UAN password?
No. Changing or resetting the password is completely free.
Q3. What should I do if I do not receive the OTP?
Ensure your mobile is linked with Aadhaar. If the issue persists, contact EPFO support.
Q4. Can I change my mobile number during the reset process?
Yes, you can update your mobile number during the reset if it's different from the old one.
Q5. Can I use the same password as before?
Yes, but it's recommended to use a new, secure password each time for better security.
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LoansJagat Team
We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?
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