Quick answer: You cannot see your EPF balance without a UAN, because every balance check (SMS, missed call, Umang app, EPFO passbook) is tied to it. But you can find your UAN in under five minutes using only your mobile number or PAN/Aadhaar, and then check the balance immediately. This guide shows how to find the UAN, activate it, and check the balance four different ways.
First, find your UAN (it already exists)
If PF has ever been deducted from your salary, your employer has already generated a UAN for you. It is printed on most salary slips. If not, use the EPFO portal:
- Go to the EPFO member portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
- Click Know your UAN under “Important Links”.
- Enter the mobile number registered with EPFO and the captcha, then verify the OTP.
- Enter your name, date of birth, and Aadhaar or PAN number.
- Your UAN is shown on screen and sent by SMS.
If your mobile number is not registered with EPFO, ask your HR or payroll team for the UAN; they can see it in the employer portal. Alternatively, the Umang app has a “Know your UAN” option under EPFO services.
Activate the UAN (one-time, 2 minutes)
- On the same portal, click Activate UAN.
- Enter UAN, name, date of birth, mobile number, and Aadhaar.
- Verify the OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- A password is sent by SMS. Log in and change it.
Activation makes the passbook, SMS, and missed-call services work. Without activation, none of the balance-check methods below will respond.
Four ways to check your EPF balance
1. Missed call (fastest)
Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your UAN-registered mobile. Within a minute you receive an SMS with your last contribution, total balance, and KYC status. It is free and works without internet.
2. SMS
Send EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899 from the registered mobile. Replace ENG with HIN, TEL, TAM, KAN, MAL, MAR, GUJ, BEN or PUN for other languages. You get the balance and last contribution details by reply SMS.
3. EPFO passbook portal
Go to passbook.epfindia.gov.in, log in with UAN and password, and select the member ID. The passbook shows month-wise employee and employer contributions, interest credited, and the closing balance. Note that the passbook is available only 6 hours after UAN activation.
4. Umang app
Install Umang from the Play Store or App Store, register with your mobile, open EPFO → View Passbook, and log in with UAN and OTP. This is the easiest option on a phone and also lets you raise claims.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No SMS after missed call | UAN not activated or mobile not linked | Activate UAN; update mobile via “Manage → Contact Details” |
| Passbook shows “not available” | UAN activated less than 6 hours ago, or employer has not filed ECR | Wait 6 hours; ask employer to file returns |
| Balance seems low | Employer deposits pending, or interest not yet credited (credited annually) | Check monthly entries; interest for the year appears after EPFO posts it |
| Two UANs exist | New UAN created by a new employer | Raise a UAN merge request on the portal under “One Member – One EPF Account” |
Frequently asked questions
Can I check EPF balance with just my PF account number?
Not directly anymore. Older SMS and portal services accepted the PF number, but since 2014 every service is UAN-based. Use the “Know your UAN” step above; the PF number is inside your passbook once you log in.
Is the missed-call service free?
Yes. The call disconnects automatically after two rings and no charge applies.
How often is the balance updated?
Contributions appear after your employer files the monthly ECR, usually by the 15th of the following month. Interest is credited once a year, typically between September and December.
What if my employer never gave me a UAN?
Use “Know your UAN” with your Aadhaar-registered mobile. If nothing is found, your employer may not have deposited PF at all; you can file a grievance at epfigms.gov.in.
Information reflects EPFO services as of September 2026. Phone numbers and portal menus can change; verify on epfindia.gov.in if a step does not match.