You must provide your Aadhaar information for authentication while purchasing a plane ticket or opening a bank account. Over the past few years, the 12-digit unique ID, or Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has grown in use and popularity.

These days, we may use Aadhaar in a variety of ways pretty casually. However, we must exercise caution when using it.

Because dishonest individuals or organizations can use Aadhaar to steal personal information, UIDAI issues Masked Aadhaar, which adds an extra degree of security.

What is Masked Aadhaar Card?

According to the official UIDAI website, Masked Aadhaar is as follows: “You can hide your Aadhaar number in your downloaded e-Aadhaar by using the mask Aadhaar option. The first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number are replaced with characters like “XXXX-XXXX” in a “masked Aadhaar number,” leaving only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number exposed.”

Because it displays the holder’s name, address, and photo, this version of the Aadhaar card is valid. By following a few easy steps, users can download Masked Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal.

Why do you need it?

The first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden while using a Masked Aadhaar, leaving only the final four digits visible.

All the sensitive personal data connected to your Aadhaar number is safeguarded in this way. The government encouraged users not to distribute photocopies of the original Aadhaar card. And instead to only share their Masked Aadhaar copies in an advisory released on May 27. Although the Masked Aadhaar was introduced five years ago, few people are aware of it.

Also Read :- How to update Date of Birth in Aadhaar Card

From where to get it?

Step1: First, go to https://uidai.gov.in, the official UIDAI website.

Step 2: Click the “My Aadhaar” tab and choose “Download Aadhaar.”

Step 3: The third step is downloading your Masked Aadhaar Card using one of the following procedures. Indian citizens can use the first two techniques.

1st  Method: Aadhaar Number

Using the portal, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, complete name, and pin code if you already have an Aadhaar card.

Method 2: Student ID number

To download the card, enter your full name, the 28-digit enrollment number, and the pin code.

Method 3: Virtual ID

To download the Aadhaar that has been a mask, enter the portal’s 16-digit Virtual ID.

Step 4: To select a masked Aadhaar, select the box labeled “I want a masked Aadhaar?”

Step 5: On the “Send OTP” button in step 5, an OTP will be delivered to the registered mobile number.

Step 6:To access your masked Aadhaar, do step 6 and enter this OTP on the page.

Step 7: Alternatively, you can utilize the time-bound OTP (TOTP) produced by the mAadhaar app by clicking on the ‘Enter TOTP’ button.

Step 8: The eighth step is the download of your masked Aadhaar.