ePAN OTP Not Received - Complete Fix Guide

Quick Solution

ePAN OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar (UIDAI), not your current number. Verify Aadhaar mobile, check spam/blocked messages, wait 2-3 minutes, or use alternative verification methods if OTP repeatedly fails.

Understanding ePAN OTP Process

When downloading ePAN from incometax.gov.in, the system sends OTP to verify your identity:

1. You enter PAN number and Aadhaar number
2. System sends OTP to mobile number linked with your Aadhaar card (UIDAI database)
3. OTP valid for 10 minutes
4. Enter OTP to authenticate and download ePAN PDF

Critical: OTP goes to Aadhaar-registered mobile, not PAN application mobile or current number.

Common Reasons for OTP Not Received

1. Wrong Mobile Number in Aadhaar Database

Most common cause. You changed phone numbers but didn't update Aadhaar mobile. OTP sent to old number you no longer use.

Solution: Update Aadhaar mobile number first

2. DND (Do Not Disturb) Enabled on Mobile

DND blocks promotional messages but sometimes blocks OTPs from unfamiliar senders like UIDAI.

Solution: Temporarily disable DND, then request OTP again

3. SMS Blocked by Spam Filter

Phone's built-in spam filter or third-party SMS app marked UIDAI sender as spam and auto-deleted message.

Check: Spam folder in messaging app

4. Network or SMS Gateway Delay

Network congestion, telecom provider delay, or UIDAI SMS gateway overload during peak hours.

OTP may arrive after 5-10 minutes or not at all

5. Aadhaar Mobile Number Not Updated/Verified

No mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, or mobile number registered but not verified with UIDAI.

Visit Aadhaar center to add/verify mobile number

6. Incorrect Aadhaar Number Entered

Typo in 12-digit Aadhaar number. System trying to send OTP to wrong Aadhaar's mobile.

Double-check: Aadhaar number from physical card

7. SIM Card Issues

Inactive SIM, full SMS inbox, poor network signal, or phone in airplane mode.

Check: Signal strength, SMS inbox capacity

8. UIDAI System Temporary Downtime

UIDAI authentication servers under maintenance or experiencing technical issues.

Rare - retry after 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Solution Process

Step 1: Verify Aadhaar-Registered Mobile Number

Check which mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar:

• Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
• Go to "Retrieve Lost UID/EID"
• Enter your name and email - system shows last 2 digits of registered mobile
• Or call 1947 (UIDAI helpline) with Aadhaar number to verify mobile
• Alternatively: Check Aadhaar enrollment/update receipt for registered mobile

Step 2: Basic Checks Before Requesting OTP

• Ensure good network signal (3+ bars)
• Turn off airplane mode
• Delete old SMS to free inbox space
• Check DND status: Send SMS "STATUS" to 1909
• If DND active: Send "STOP 0" to 1909 to disable
• Temporarily disable third-party SMS apps
• Check spam/blocked messages folder

Step 3: Request OTP Again

On incometax.gov.in ePAN download page:

• Carefully re-enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers (verify each digit)
• Click "Request OTP"
• Wait 3-5 minutes (don't click multiple times)
• Check SMS from sender ID: UIDAI or similar
• OTP format: 6-digit numeric code

Step 4: If OTP Still Not Received - Update Aadhaar Mobile

If mobile number is outdated, update it with UIDAI:

Online Update (Free):

• Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
• Login with Aadhaar and OTP (if accessible via old number)
• Update mobile number in profile
• New number will be active in 24-48 hours

Offline Update (At Aadhaar Center):

• Find nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center
• Carry: Original Aadhaar card + Mobile phone + Valid ID proof
• Request mobile number update (free service)
• Biometric verification required
• Updated number active within 24 hours

Step 5: Alternative Verification Methods

If Aadhaar OTP repeatedly fails, use these alternatives:

Method 1: Request PAN Card via Post

If PAN already allotted, request physical card reprint (₹50) and wait 15-20 days for delivery.

Method 2: Visit Income Tax Office

• Visit nearest Assessing Officer office with ID proof
• Request ePAN download assistance
• They can verify identity manually and provide ePAN printout

Method 3: PAN Center Assistance

• Visit TIN-Facilitation Center (NSDL/UTIITSL)
• Request ePAN download help
• Carry: Aadhaar card, acknowledgement receipt (if new PAN)
• They may have alternate verification options

Step 6: Escalate to Support (If All Else Fails)

Contact UIDAI and Income Tax helplines:

• UIDAI Helpline: 1947 (for Aadhaar mobile verification issues)
• Income Tax Helpline: 1800 180 1961
• Explain: OTP not received despite correct mobile number
• Request: Alternative verification method or technical support

Also raise grievance on incometax.gov.in under "PAN Services → ePAN Download Issue"

How to Check What Mobile is in Aadhaar

3 Ways to Verify Aadhaar Mobile Number:

1. Retrieve Lost UID Service

Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Retrieve Lost UID" → Enter name + email → System shows Aadhaar number with last 2 digits of registered mobile (e.g., XXXXXXXX45)

2. UIDAI Helpline

Call 1947, provide Aadhaar number and identity verification, ask operator to confirm registered mobile number

3. mAadhaar App

If you have mAadhaar app installed and can access it, check profile section for registered mobile number

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Clicking "Request OTP" repeatedly

Multiple requests within short time can cause system delays. Wait 3-5 minutes between requests.

Assuming OTP goes to PAN application mobile

OTP ALWAYS goes to Aadhaar-registered mobile, not the number you provided in PAN application.

Not checking spam/blocked messages

OTP may be auto-filtered by phone's spam blocker. Always check spam folder first.

Paying agents for "OTP bypass" services

No legitimate way to bypass Aadhaar OTP. Fraudsters exploit this - only use official channels.

Using expired/inactive SIM card

If Aadhaar mobile number's SIM is inactive, you cannot receive OTP. Must update Aadhaar mobile first.

Prevention Tips

Always keep Aadhaar mobile number updated when changing phone numbers
Disable DND before requesting any Aadhaar OTPs
Add UIDAI sender IDs to safe sender list in messaging app
Keep physical PAN card as backup to avoid ePAN download dependency
Verify Aadhaar-registered mobile periodically on UIDAI portal
Download and save ePAN immediately after first successful retrieval

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OTP not coming to my current mobile number?

ePAN OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar card in UIDAI database, not your current number or the number you provided in PAN application. You must update your Aadhaar mobile number to receive OTP.

How long does it take for Aadhaar mobile update to reflect?

Online mobile update: 24-48 hours. Offline update at Aadhaar center: 24 hours. After update, wait for confirmation SMS from UIDAI before trying ePAN download again.

Can I download ePAN without Aadhaar OTP?

No direct way to bypass Aadhaar OTP for instant ePAN download. Alternatives: Visit Income Tax office for manual verification, request physical PAN card reprint via post, or update Aadhaar mobile and use OTP method.

What if I don't have access to Aadhaar-registered mobile at all?

Visit nearest Aadhaar enrollment center with original Aadhaar card and ID proof. Request mobile number update with biometric verification. Cannot be done online without OTP access to old number.

How many times can I request OTP?

No official limit, but avoid requesting OTP more than 3-4 times within an hour. Excessive requests may trigger temporary block. Wait 3-5 minutes between each attempt.

Can DND block Aadhaar OTP messages?

Yes, DND (Do Not Disturb) can sometimes block OTPs from UIDAI. Temporarily disable DND by sending "STOP 0" to 1909, then request OTP again. Re-enable DND after downloading ePAN if desired.

Is there a fee to download ePAN?

No, ePAN download is completely free on incometax.gov.in. You only need PAN and Aadhaar numbers. Beware of websites charging fees for ePAN download - they are unofficial.