Google Wallet adds Aadhaar support in India, expands digital IDs to more countries

This is a significant move for digital convenience in India. Google has officially partnered with the UIDAI to integrate Aadhaar Verifiable Credentials directly into Google Wallet.

This isn’t just a digital copy of your card; it uses a privacy-first system called “selective disclosure,” meaning you can share only specific details (like just your age or name) without revealing your entire Aadhaar number or address.

What You Need to Know

• Availability: The rollout began on April 28, 2026.

• Early Partners: You can already use it for age verification at PVR INOX cinemas, verified profiles on BharatMatrimony, and international visa applications via Atlys.

• Coming Soon: Support is expected to expand to Mygate (for visitor/staff verification) and Snabbit.

   

• Global Expansion: Beyond India, Google is launching passport-based digital IDs in Singapore, Taiwan, and Brazil.

How to Set It Up

If you are on Android 9 or higher and have a screen lock enabled, here is how you can add it:

1. Via mAadhaar App: Open the official mAadhaar app → Sign in and verify your identity → Tap “Add to Wallet” → Select Google Wallet.

    

2. Via Google Wallet: Open the app → Tap “+” (Add) → Select Aadhaar from the list of IDs → You will be redirected to the mAadhaar app to complete the OTP verification.

Is It Secure?

The credentials are stored locally on your device (encrypted) rather than on Google’s servers. This ensures that even if you’re offline or the government portal is down, your digital ID remains accessible for verification via QR code or NFC.

It’s a great step toward leaving the physical wallet at home, though it’s worth noting this is a supplementary ID—it doesn’t completely replace your physical card for every legal scenario yet.