You've probably been there. You are trying to link your bank account, download an investment app, or maybe just login to the ITR portal, and then it happens. The dreaded "OTP sent to your registered mobile number" message appears. But the number it's sending that code to? It’s an old SIM card you lost three years ago or a number that belonged to your college roommate.
Suddenly, your digital life is on pause.
Getting an aadhaar update phone number request sorted is one of those things everyone thinks they can do in two minutes from their phone while lying in bed. Honestly, that is the biggest myth out there. If you are looking for a "magic link" to change your phone number purely online without leaving your house, I’ve got some bad news: it doesn't exist. UIDAI is incredibly strict about this for a very good reason—security.
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The Reality Check: Why You Can't Do It Fully Online
Let’s be real for a second. If anyone could change the phone number linked to an Aadhaar card just by clicking a link, identity theft in India would be a nightmare. Because your phone number is the "master key" for every OTP-based service, the government requires you to show up in person.
Basically, you need to prove you are you through biometrics.
You can't just receive an OTP on a new number to verify a change from an old number you no longer have access to. It's a chicken-and-egg problem. To change anything online via the myAadhaar portal, you need an OTP. But if you don't have the phone, you can't get the OTP.
The "Partial" Online Method (Appointment Booking)
While you can't complete the update online, you can save yourself four hours of standing in a sweaty queue by using the UIDAI appointment portal.
- Go to the official UIDAI website and look for "Book an Appointment."
- Choose your city. If you live in a metro like Delhi or Bangalore, the Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK) are usually run directly by UIDAI and are way more efficient than bank branches.
- Select "Aadhaar Update" and enter any mobile number just to get a login OTP for the booking.
- Pick a time slot.
Showing up with a digital appointment slip makes you feel like a VIP. You skip the crowd, get your biometrics scanned, and you're out in 15 minutes.
What Does it Actually Cost in 2026?
Inflation hits everywhere, and Aadhaar services aren't immune. As of early 2026, the fee structure has seen some slight tweaks.
If you are just doing a demographic update (which includes your mobile number or email), the standard charge is ₹75. It used to be ₹50 for the longest time, but recent revisions have pushed it up slightly to cover operational costs at the centers.
Wait. There is a catch.
If you decide to update your photo or fingerprints (biometrics) at the same time, the fee jumps to ₹125. However, if you do the mobile number update alongside a mandatory biometric update (for kids turning 5 or 15), the mobile update part is often clubbed in for free or at a massive discount.
Always ask for a printed receipt. If an operator asks for ₹200 for a simple mobile update, they are overcharging you. Period.
No Documents? No Problem (Seriously)
This is the part that surprises people the most.
To change your name, you need a gazette notification or a passport. To change your address, you need a rent agreement or a utility bill. But to update your mobile number? You need absolutely zero documents.
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You don't need the old SIM card.
You don't need a FIR for the lost SIM.
You don't even need a birth certificate.
You just need yourself and your 12-digit Aadhaar number. The operator will simply ask you to fill out the form, type in the new 10-digit number, and then ask you to place your thumb or look into the iris scanner. Your body is the document.
The "Postman" Shortcut
Not many people know this, but India Post has become a massive player in the Aadhaar ecosystem.
Through the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), many postmen are now equipped with tablets and biometric scanners. In many areas, you can actually request a mobile update right at your doorstep.
It’s a lifesaver for senior citizens who find it hard to travel to a Seva Kendra. You can check the IPPB website to see if "Doorstep Banking" for Aadhaar services is active in your pin code. It’s the closest thing to an "online" update you’ll ever get.
How Long Until the "Master Key" Works?
UIDAI officially says it can take up to 90 days.
In reality? It’s usually much faster. Most people see their aadhaar update phone number status change within 3 to 7 working days.
You'll get a URN (Update Request Number) on a slip of paper. Keep that safe. You can go to the UIDAI portal and stalk the status of your request every day if you're anxious. Once the status shows "Complete," you can start using the new number for OTPs immediately.
One weird thing to note: You won't get a new physical Aadhaar card in the mail just for a phone number change. UIDAI doesn't waste paper on that. They just update the database. If you want a physical card with the new info (though the number isn't printed on the card anyway), you’ll have to order an Aadhaar PVC card separately for ₹75.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Process
- Wrong Form: People sometimes fill out the "New Enrolment" form instead of the "Update" form. Use the one that says "Update."
- Dirty Fingers: Sounds silly, but if you’ve been working with your hands or have henna (mehendi) on, the scanner might fail. Make sure your hands are clean.
- Typing Errors: Double-check the number the operator types. One digit off and you've just given someone else the keys to your digital identity.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're stuck with an old number, here is your plan for tomorrow:
- Locate a Center: Use the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal or the UIDAI website to find the nearest "Aadhaar Seva Kendra" or a bank branch that handles updates.
- Book the Slot: Don't just walk in. Use the "Book an Appointment" feature on the UIDAI website for the 10:00 AM slot. It’s always the fastest.
- Carry Cash: While many centers are taking UPI now, some smaller branches in banks still prefer the exact change of ₹75.
- Check the Slip: Before leaving the counter, look at the acknowledgement slip. Ensure the mobile number written there is 100% correct.
- Verify After 5 Days: Once a week has passed, go to "Verify Email/Mobile Number" on the UIDAI website. Enter your Aadhaar and the new number. If it says "The mobile number you had entered is already verified," you're good to go.