Aadhaar Card Download Not Working โ How to Fix Guide)
Aadhaar download not working on myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in? Fix OTP errors, invalid Aadhaar/VID, PDF password issues, and mAadhaar app problems.
Why Is Your Aadhaar Card Download Not Working?
Downloading e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal should be simple, but many users face errors โ from OTP failures to PDF password issues. This troubleshooting guide covers every common problem and its fix so you can download your Aadhaar successfully.
Quick Tip: The official portal for Aadhaar download is now myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in (not the older resident.uidai.gov.in). Always use the new portal.
Common Errors When Downloading Aadhaar
| # | Error / Problem | Likely Cause |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Invalid Aadhaar Number" | Typo or entering VID in Aadhaar field |
| 2 | OTP not received on mobile | Unregistered mobile, network issue, or DND |
| 3 | "Invalid VID" or VID expired | VID was regenerated or never created |
| 4 | TOTP not working | Time sync issue or expired TOTP |
| 5 | Website shows error / won't load | Server downtime or browser cache |
| 6 | PDF downloaded but won't open | Wrong password entered |
| 7 | "Technical Error, Please try again" | UIDAI server overload |
| 8 | mAadhaar app download fails | App version outdated or device issue |
Fix for Each Error
1. "Invalid Aadhaar Number" Error
- Double-check your 12-digit Aadhaar number โ no spaces, no extra digits.
- Do not enter your VID (16 digits) in the Aadhaar number field. Use the VID option separately.
- If your Aadhaar was recently enrolled, wait 72 hours before attempting download.
- Verify your Aadhaar number at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in โ "Verify Aadhaar."
2. OTP Not Received on Mobile
This is the most common issue. Quick fixes:
- Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar (check via "Verify Aadhaar").
- Wait at least 2-3 minutes โ OTP delivery can be delayed.
- Check if DND (Do Not Disturb) is active on your number โ disable it via your telecom provider.
- Ensure you have proper network signal โ try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Don't request OTP more than 3 times in 24 hours โ you may get temporarily blocked.
- If your mobile number is not linked, visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update it.
๐ Detailed guide: Aadhaar OTP Not Coming? 8 Quick Fixes
3. "Invalid VID" or VID Expired
- VID (Virtual ID) is a temporary 16-digit number that maps to your Aadhaar.
- If you regenerated your VID, the old VID becomes invalid immediately.
- Generate a fresh VID: Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in โ Login โ "VID Generator."
- Alternatively, use your Aadhaar number directly instead of VID for download.
4. TOTP Not Working
TOTP (Time-based OTP) is generated via the mAadhaar app and is valid for only 30 seconds.
- Ensure your phone's date & time is set to automatic (time sync is critical).
- Open mAadhaar โ Generate TOTP โ enter it on the website within 30 seconds.
- If it keeps failing, switch to regular OTP instead.
5. UIDAI Website Not Loading / Technical Error
- Try after some time โ UIDAI servers face heavy load during peak hours (10 AM โ 2 PM).
- Clear browser cache and cookies, or try in incognito/private mode.
- Use Google Chrome or Firefox (latest version).
- Disable browser extensions like ad blockers that might interfere.
- Check if the site is down for everyone at downdetector.in.
6. Password-Protected Aadhaar PDF Won't Open
The e-Aadhaar PDF is password-protected. The password is:
First 4 letters of your name (UPPERCASE) + Year of birth (YYYY)
Example: If your name is "Rajesh Kumar" and birth year is 1990, the password is: RAJE1990
Rules for the password:
- Name must be in UPPERCASE as printed on Aadhaar
- Use the first 4 letters of your first name
- If your name has fewer than 4 letters, use all available letters
- Birth year must be in 4-digit format (e.g., 1990, not 90)
- No spaces between name and year
Still not working?
- Check the exact spelling of your name on Aadhaar โ it may differ from what you expect.
- Try with and without special characters if your name has them.
- Use Adobe Acrobat Reader โ some PDF viewers don't handle password-protected PDFs well.
7. "Technical Error, Please Try Again" Message
- This is usually a server-side issue. Wait 15-30 minutes and retry.
- Don't refresh repeatedly โ it may lock your session.
- Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
8. mAadhaar App Errors
- Update to the latest version from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- The app requires your mobile number to be registered with Aadhaar.
- Clear app cache: Settings โ Apps โ mAadhaar โ Clear Cache.
- If the app crashes on login, uninstall and reinstall.
- mAadhaar supports only one Aadhaar profile per device.
How to Download Aadhaar Card Online (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps on the official portal:
- Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- Click "Login" and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Enter the captcha and click "Send OTP"
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
- After login, click "Download Aadhaar"
- Choose between Aadhaar number or VID as identifier
- Click "Download" โ the PDF will be saved to your device
- Open the PDF with the password (first 4 letters of name in caps + birth year)
๐ Full walkthrough: How to Download e-Aadhaar Card PDF Online
resident.uidai.gov.in vs myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
| Feature | resident.uidai.gov.in | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Old portal (being phased out) | New official portal (recommended) |
| Download e-Aadhaar | May redirect to myaadhaar | โ Fully supported |
| Update Aadhaar | Limited | โ Full update options |
| VID Generation | Available | โ Available |
| Aadhaar Lock/Unlock | Available | โ Available |
Always use myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in โ the old resident portal may stop working anytime.
Alternative: Download Aadhaar via mAadhaar App
If the website isn't working, use the official mAadhaar app:
- Download mAadhaar from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Set a 4-digit PIN on first launch
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
- Your Aadhaar profile loads โ tap "Download Aadhaar" or "View Aadhaar"
- You can also share the PDF directly from the app
mAadhaar Advantages:
- Works when the website is down
- Supports TOTP generation (no need to wait for SMS OTP)
- Biometric lock/unlock from your phone
- Offline Aadhaar access once downloaded
Important Tips
- โ Bookmark myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in โ avoid Googling and clicking on fake/phishing sites
- โ e-Aadhaar PDF is legally valid and accepted everywhere โ you don't need the physical card
- โ If your mobile number isn't linked, visit an Aadhaar centre to update it first
- โ Keep your VID handy โ it's safer to share than your actual Aadhaar number
- โ ๏ธ Never download Aadhaar from third-party websites โ they may steal your data
- โ ๏ธ UIDAI never asks for money to download e-Aadhaar โ it's completely free
- โ ๏ธ Don't share your OTP with anyone โ UIDAI representatives will never ask for it
Related Guides
- How to Download e-Aadhaar Card PDF Online โ Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Download e-Aadhaar Card Online
- How to Order Aadhaar PVC Card Online โ Plastic Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar PVC Card Order Not Delivered โ How to Fix
- Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many times can I download e-Aadhaar in a day?
There is no strict limit on downloads, but UIDAI may temporarily restrict if you make too many OTP requests (usually more than 3-5 in a short period). Wait a few hours and try again.
Can I download Aadhaar without a registered mobile number?
No. You need a registered mobile number to receive the OTP. If your number isn't linked, visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update your mobile number. You can also use the Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) method if you have your enrolment slip.
Is e-Aadhaar valid as ID proof?
Yes. e-Aadhaar (the digitally signed PDF) is legally valid and accepted for all purposes โ bank KYC, government schemes, SIM activation, passport application, and more.
What if my name or details are wrong on the downloaded Aadhaar?
You need to update your Aadhaar details first. Follow our guide on Aadhaar Name Correction Online or Aadhaar Address Change Online, then download again after the update is processed.
Can I download someone else's Aadhaar card?
No. You can only download Aadhaar for a number that has your registered mobile number linked to it. The OTP is sent to the registered mobile, so you must have access to that phone. For children's Aadhaar, the parent's linked mobile receives the OTP โ see our Baal Aadhaar guide.
How do I check if my mobile number is linked to Aadhaar?
Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in โ "Verify Aadhaar" โ Enter your Aadhaar number. It will show a masked mobile number if one is linked. You can also check via Aadhaar Update Mobile & Email guide.
Why does the Aadhaar download page keep showing captcha errors?
Captcha issues usually happen due to browser cache or slow internet. Try clearing cache, using incognito mode, or switching browsers. If the captcha image doesn't load, refresh the page โ don't try to guess a blank captcha.
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