Aadhaar Card Biometric: How To Lock & Unlock?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to every Indian citizen. It serves as an identification document and includes biometrics used to complete the authentication process. You can use it to access a variety of services, including government schemes and financial services. As Aadhaar is an important document, UIDAI offers cardholders the option to lock and unlock their cards for security reasons. This blog contains a thorough guide on Aadhaar biometrics lock and unlock.

What is Biometric Locking/Unlocking?

Biometric Locking/Unlocking is a service that enables Aadhaar holders to lock and temporarily unlock their biometrics, such as fingerprints and iris scans. This feature protects the privacy and secrecy of Aadhaar number holders' biometric data. 

What Happens when Biometrics are Locked? 

A biometric lock is a security feature that prevents any type of biometric authentication where Aadhaar cardholders cannot use their biometrics for authentication. 

Locked Biometrics indicates that Aadhaar holders cannot use biometrics (fingerprints/iris/face) for authentication; this is a security feature that prevents any type of biometric authentication.

ALSO READ: PNB Aadhaar Link – Link Aadhaar to Bank Online 2024

Who should Lock their Biometrics and When? 

Aadhaar cardholders with a registered mobile number can easily lock their biometrics. This will strengthen the privacy and confidentiality of Aadhaar number holders' biometric data.

If a UID is used for authentication services using biometrics, an error number '330' will be displayed, indicating that biometrics are locked. 

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics?

Once an Aadhaar number bearer enables the Biometric Locking mechanism, their biometric remains locked until the Aadhaar bearer selects one of the following options:

• Unlock it (temporarily) 
• Disable the locking system.

An Aadhaar cardholder can unlock biometric information through the UIDAI website, an aadhaar enrolment center, Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK), or mAadhaar App.

How To Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

Here is how to unlock Aadhaar biometric online -

• Visit the UIDAI's myAadhaar webpage.
• Click on the 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar' tab.
• Read the guidelines and then click 'Next'.
• Click on 'Unlock Aadhaar'
• Enter the virtual ID and captcha. 
• Click 'Send OTP. '
• Enter the OTP 
• Now, Aadhaar biometric is unlocked. 

Using mAadhaar App-

Here is how to unlock Aadhaar biometric using mAadhaar App-

• Download mAadhaar app 
• Open and sign in with your credentials.
• Click on the 'My Aadhaar' icon.
• Enter Aadhaar number and captcha code.
• Enter OTP received.
• Click on the 'Biometrics Lock' option. 

Via SMS

Here is how to unlock Aadhaar biometric using SMS-

• Send the message "GVID " to 1947 to generate a VID.
• Once created, send the message as “GETOTP” to 1947
• Send a message in the format “UNLOCKUID <6 digits of the OTP>” to 1947.
• Once Aadhaar verification is complete
• A confirmation message with the status will be received.

If your mobile number has been used to register multiple Aadhaar numbers, you must enter the final ten digits of your Aadhaar virtual ID rather than the last six. 

Aadhaar Biometric period to Lock/Unlock -

• Aadhaar biometric locks remain unlocked for 10 minutes using the myAadhaar website or mAadhaar app.
• After ten minutes, the biometrics automatically lock again.
• Aadhaar card biometrics need to be unlocked when you want to use it. 

How To Lock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

Here are some simple steps to generate an Aadhaar virtual ID- 

• Go to the UIDAI's official website 
• Click on the 'VID Generator' link.
• Once you've received your Aadhaar virtual ID, follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar biometrics online:
• Go to UIDAI's myAadhaar webpage.
• Click on 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar. '
• Read the guidelines and click 'Next. '
• Enter virtual ID, full name, pincode, and captcha
• Click on 'Send OTP. '
• Enter the OTP
• Verification is complete, and biometrics are secured. 

Using mAadhaar App-

Here is how to lock Aadhaar biometric using mAadhaar App-

• Download the mAadhaar app 
• Log in to the app using credentials.
• Click on the 'My Aadhaar' icon.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code 
• Enter the OTP received
• Click on the 'Biometrics Lock' option 

Via SMS

• Send a message in the format as “GET OTP Last four digits of Aadhaar number” to 1947.
• The OTP will be received.
• Send the message as “LOCKUID <last four digits of aadhaar number><6 digits of the OTP>” to 1947.

If your mobile number is used to register multiple Aadhaar cards, you must enter the eight digits of your Aadhaar number rather than the last four digits. 

ALSO READ: What Are the Documents Required for Aadhaar Card Update?

Conclusion

In the current digital era, safeguarding your Aadhaar biometrics is a wise move to preserve your personal information. The mAadhaar app, SMS services, and the UIDAI website offer straightforward choices for locking and unlocking your biometrics, making it easier than ever. Knowing how to handle your Aadhaar biometrics allows you to maintain control over your identity, whether protecting against abuse or getting ready for biometric-based identification. Your privacy is worth it, so take a moment to lock your Aadhaar now.