EPF Basics: How to Activate UAN, Check PF Balance and Download Passbook

Who needs this service?

• Salaried Employees: Any employee whose basic salary is ₹15,000 or less (mandatory coverage).

• Voluntary Members: Employees earning above ₹15,000 who have opted for EPF with their employer.

• First-time Users: Employees who have a UAN on their payslip but have never logged into the EPFO portal.

Required Documents

Before starting, ensure you have these details handy. Mismatches here are the #1 cause of errors.

• UAN (Universal Account Number): Find this on your monthly salary slip.

• Aadhaar Number: Must be linked to your mobile number for OTP.

• PAN Card: For identity verification.

• Bank Account Details: Account number and IFSC code (for withdrawals later).

• Active Mobile Number: The number linked to your Aadhaar card.

Part 1: How to Activate UAN (Online Process)

You cannot check your balance or withdraw money until your UAN is “Activated.” This is a one-time process.

Step-by-Step Activation:

1. Go to the Official Member Portal:Visit: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

   (Note: This URL often loads slowly. Try early morning if it times out.)

2. Locate Activation Link:On the login screen, look at the bottom right under “Important Links”.

   Click on “Activate UAN”.

3. Enter Details:

   • UAN: Enter your 12-digit UAN.

   • Aadhaar: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.

   • Name & DOB: Enter exactly as printed on your Aadhaar card.

   • Mobile Number: Enter the number linked to Aadhaar.

4. Consent & OTP:

   • Check the “Consent” box (Aadhaar verification).

   • Click “Get Authorization Pin”.

   • An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

5. Validate & Activate:

   • Enter the OTP.

   • Click “Validate OTP and Activate UAN”.

6. Success:

   • You will receive a Password via SMS on your registered mobile.

   • Wait 6 Hours: You can log in to the main portal immediately, but the Passbook will only be visible after 6 hours.

Part 2: How to Check PF Balance & Download Passbook

There are 4 official ways to check your balance.

Method A: Online Portal (Detailed Passbook)

Use this to see monthly contributions and interest.

1. Visit Passbook Portal:https://passbook.epfindia.gov.in/MemberPassBook/Login

   (Note: This is a different link from the activation portal.)

2. Login:

   • User Name: Your UAN.

   • Password: The password you received via SMS (or created).

   • Math Captcha: Solve the sum (e.g., 10+5 = 15).

3. Select Member ID:

   • If you have worked in multiple companies, you will see multiple Member IDs. Select the current one.

4. View & Download:

   • Click “View Passbook (New Year)” to see current balance.

   • Click “Download Passbook” to save the PDF.

   • Green entries = Employer/Employee contribution. Red entries = Withdrawals.

Method B: UMANG App (Govt Official App)

1. Download UMANG App from Play Store/App Store.

2. Search for “EPFO” service.

3. Select “Employee Centric Services” > “View Passbook”.

4. Login with UAN > Enter OTP sent to mobile.

Method C: Missed Call (No Internet Required)

• Dial: 011-22901406 or 9966044425 (Number updates occasionally; check official site if fails).

• Process: Give a missed call from your registered mobile number. The call will disconnect automatically after two rings.

• Result: You will receive an SMS with your latest PF balance and last contribution details.

• Prerequisite: Your KYC (Aadhaar/PAN/Bank) must be seeded with your UAN.

Method D: SMS Service

• Send SMS to: 7738299899

• Format: EPFOHO UAN ENG(Replace ‘ENG’ with ‘HIN’, ‘TAM’, ‘BEN’, etc. for other languages).

• Result: SMS reply with balance details.

Offline Process (District Office)

Note: UAN Activation is online only. You cannot activate UAN offline.

However, if you have complex grievances (e.g., fraud, multiple UANs, employer not signing), you can visit the Regional PF Office.

• Locate your office: https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/Locate_an_EPFO_Office.php

• What to bring: Hard copy of “Joint Declaration Form” (if correcting name/DOB), Aadhaar, PAN, and a written application addressed to the “Regional PF Commissioner”.

Status Check / Tracking

If you have applied for a Withdrawal (Advance/Full) or KYC Update, track it here:

1. Login to Member Portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

2. Go to: Online Services > Track Claim Status.

3. Status Meanings:

   • Submitted at Portal: Application received.

   • Sent to Field Office: Processing started.

   • Settled: Money sent to bank (takes 3 working days to reflect).

   • Rejected: Check “View Rejection Reason” (usually name mismatch or unclear cheque).

Common Problems and Solutions

Official Helpline Numbers

• Toll-Free Helpline: 14470 (7:00 AM to 11:00 PM)

• Helpdesk Number: 1800 11 8005

• Grievance Portal (EPFiGMS): https://epfigms.gov.in/(Use this for complaints if the employer is not cooperating. You get a registration number to track.)

• WhatsApp Helpline: Number varies by state. Check the official list here: https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/Downloads_PDFs/WhatsApp_Helpline.pdf

Next Step for You: If you have your UAN and mobile handy, try the Missed Call service (9966044425) right now. It is the fastest way to confirm if your account is active and seeded correctly.

This information is from official sources as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal for the latest updates.