You tried to create a DigiLocker account to download your Driving License or Marksheet, but instead of a "Welcome" screen, you got a red error message.
"Aadhaar already registered."
"Mobile number not linked."
"OTP not received."
I get these queries every day on my channel. The government servers in 2026 are still... well, government servers. But 90% of these errors are actually fixable on your end. Here is the Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide to get your DigiLocker working today.
Error #1: "Aadhaar Number Already Registered" (Most Common)
The Scenario: You enter your Aadhaar number to sign up, and it says it's already in use.
The Reality: You probably created an account 4 years ago to download a vaccination certificate and forgot about it. DigiLocker does not allow two accounts for one Aadhaar.
The Fix:
- Do NOT click "Sign Up." Click "Sign In."
- Enter your Aadhaar Number.
- When it asks for a PIN, click "Forgot Security PIN."
- It will send an OTP to your registered mobile. Reset the PIN, and you are in.
Error #2: "OTP Not Received"
The Scenario: You are staring at the screen for 10 minutes, but no SMS arrives.
The Fixes (Ranked):
- The "DND" Trap: Check if your phone has "Do Not Disturb" mode on. This often blocks automated SMS.
- The "Server Load" Hack: Try creating the account after 10:00 PM or before 8:00 AM. During office hours, the UIDAI server traffic is massive, and OTPs get delayed.
- Network Reset: Turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds and turn it off. It forces your phone to re-connect to the nearest tower.
Error #3: "Mobile Number Not Linked with Aadhaar"
The Scenario: You enter your number, and DigiLocker refuses to proceed.
The Hard Truth: You CANNOT fix this online. No YouTube video or blog can help you here.
The Fix: You must visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Post Office. It costs ₹50 to update your mobile number. Once updated, wait 48-72 hours before trying DigiLocker again.
Error #4: "Name Mismatch" (Document Not Fetching)
The Scenario: Account created, but when you try to fetch your PAN or Marksheet, it fails.
The Cause: Your name on Aadhaar is "Nibejit Roul" but on PAN it is "Nibejit Kumar Roul". Even a single letter difference causes failure.
The Fix: You have to correct the name in the simpler document. It is usually easier to update your PAN name online (via NSDL) than to change your Aadhaar name.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Error Message | Immediate Solution |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Already Registered | Use "Sign In" > "Forgot PIN". |
| User Already Exists | Try a different username (add numbers like 123). |
| Failed to Fetch Data | Check Name/DOB spelling mismatch. |
| Network Error | Try using a different browser (Chrome/Edge). |
Final Verdict
DigiLocker is mandatory in 2026. You cannot skip it. If you are stuck, stop trying to create a new account and focus on recovering your old one.
Related Reading: How to Link PAN with Aadhaar (Step-by-Step)