Aadhaar QR code reader for PC (UIDAI): verify the secure QR on an Aadhaar card

The direct answer

To check an Aadhaar card on a computer, install UIDAI Smart QR Code Reader from UIDAI's QR code reader page. The file is QrCodeReaderV4.2.msi. On a phone, use UIDAI's Aadhaar QR Scanner app. Both read the secure QR code, check UIDAI's digital signature and tell you whether the data is genuine. See our Aadhaar QR Code Reader page.

What the secure QR code holds

UIDAI says the secure QR code contains the Aadhaar holder's details and photograph, digitally signed by UIDAI so that any change can be detected. The listed fields are: reference ID, name, gender, date of birth, mobile, email, address, photograph and a 2048-bit digital signature.

It's printed on the Aadhaar letter and on e-Aadhaar, and it's shown in the Aadhaar app. UIDAI's Aadhaar app FAQ adds that QR codes on PVC Aadhaar cards and e-Aadhaar continue to work.

Verify on Windows

UIDAI's steps:

1. On uidai.gov.in/en/qr-code-reader, download the UIDAI Smart QR Code Reader (QrCodeReaderV4.2.msi).
2. Double-click the installer and click Install.
3. Wait for the success message.
4. Open UIDAI Smart QR Code Reader 4.0. UIDAI's own steps use this name even though the file is labelled 4.2.
5. Choose how to feed it the QR code: a handheld QR scanner device, a QR code file (an image), or an offline XML file.
6. Read the result. If the signature is verified, the reader shows the details and photograph with a verified message. If not, it shows a not verified screen.
7. To check the mobile number and email, click the matching buttons and type the mobile number and email ID the person gives you. UIDAI's page says the same step applies on Android.

UIDAI lists these STQC-certified handheld scanners for the Windows client: Zebra DS 8108 and DS2208, Honeywell HH 660, Pacific Infotech (PRIMACODE) PR-3153, TVS Electronics BS-i201N DPM, and Best Barcode System iDATA/QS4260-SR.

Verify on a phone

• Android: Aadhaar QR Scanner on Google Play, published by UIDAI. The listing says it shows the masked Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, gender, address and photograph, then validates them against the signature and shows "Aadhaar Data Verified".
• iPhone: Aadhaar QR Scanner on the App Store (iOS 15.1 or later). The older iOS link on UIDAI's page returned "not found" when we checked on 30 October 2026, so use the App Store search or this listing.
• The new Aadhaar app reads QR codes too. UIDAI's FAQ says the newer QR-based sharing can be read only by the Aadhaar app and the Aadhaar QR Code scanner.

Troubleshooting

"Not verified" on a card someone handed you. Don't accept it as proof. The data in the QR doesn't match UIDAI's signature, which means it was altered or isn't a genuine Aadhaar QR. Ask for a fresh e-Aadhaar or another way to verify.

The scanner doesn't read the code. Use one of the STQC-certified scanners UIDAI lists. Or save a clear photo or scan of the QR and use the QR code file option instead.

A faded photocopy won't scan. The QR needs to be sharp. Ask for the original letter or PVC card, or for e-Aadhaar.

A normal QR scanner app shows a long string of numbers. That's raw data. Only UIDAI's readers check the signature and say whether it's verified.

The installer says 4.2 but the program says 4.0. That's how UIDAI labels them: the file name says 4.2 and UIDAI's own steps say to open "UIDAI Smart QR Code Reader 4.0".