How to check Aadhar and account linking status on mobile using USSD

I have already written an article on how to know the status of Aadhar and bank account linking status on UIDAI website. The status can also be checked using USSD.

What is USSD?
(If you are not fond of jargons directly skip to next paragraph.) USSD  which stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data is a Global System for Mobile(GSM) communication technology that is used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network.

Let me simplify. It is nothing but sending a text message and receiving the answer from the service provider in text format. The prepaid balance enquiry you do on your mobile by calling a number starting with * and ending with # (like *123#) is the best example.

Is knowing the status of linking of Aadhar and bank account as easy as knowing your prepaid mobile balance? Yes, of course.

• Open the phone option or home screen and type *99*99# and press call button
  

• You will receive a welcome message. Reply 1 for Aadhar linking status option.
  

• You will get a message to enter 12 digit Aadhar number. Send a reply with your Aadhar number. Do now add space between the numbers. The number displayed in Aadhar card has space after every 4 digits. Enter the number continuously without space and send.
  

• A message will display the Aadhar number you had entered. Reply 1 to confirm if the Aadhar number you had entered is correct.
  

• You will get a message with the status of the Aadhar and bank account linkage. It will also give the name of the bank you have linked your Aadhar along with the date of linking. 
  

It works only on GSM mobile phones and does not work with CDMA phones (if they exist now!).
The mobile service provider will charge you for this service. I was charged Rs 0.50 when used this service from BSNL mobile. You might be charged maximum up to Rs 1.50 as per the TRAI rules.
Alternatively, you can also check the status of Aadhar and Bank account linkage on UIDAI website.