Aadhaar has emerged as a crucial document for identity verification and address proof in India. With the increasing importance of Aadhaar, UIDAI has introduced a feature to lock and unlock Aadhaar biometric data to enhance security and prevent misuse. This guide explains the Aadhaar biometric lock and unlock feature, detailing the steps to perform these actions.
The Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock feature protects your Aadhaar biometric data, including fingerprint and iris patterns, from unauthorized use. By locking your biometric data, you ensure that no one can access your Aadhaar biometric information without your permission. This feature is crucial for preventing identity theft and fraud.
The Aadhaar biometric lock is an important security feature provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that allows users to lock their biometric information (fingerprints and iris scan) to prevent misuse or unauthorized access. Once locked, no one can use your biometric details for authentication until you unlock them.
Here’s a detailed process for locking your Aadhaar biometric data through different methods:
This is one of the most common ways to secure your Aadhaar biometric information. The official UIDAI website allows you to lock your biometric data easily. Here are the steps:
Go to the official UIDAI website by visiting https://uidai.gov.in.
On the homepage, look for the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and under it, click on ‘Aadhaar Authentication History’ or ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and then type in the captcha code as shown. After entering these details, click on the ‘Send OTP’ button.
You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the required field on the portal.
After logging in successfully, click on the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option. A page will open where you can lock your biometric details.
On the page, choose the ‘Enable’ option to lock your biometric data. Confirm your choice, and your biometric information will be locked.
Once the lock is activated, a confirmation message will be displayed on the screen, and you will also receive an SMS notification on your registered mobile number.
If you prefer using your mobile phone for locking Aadhaar biometrics, you can use the mAadhaar mobile app, which provides easy access to this feature. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Here are the steps to Lock Aadhaar Biometric via the mAadhaar App:
Download the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
After installing, open the app and log in using your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID). You will need to verify your account using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
After logging in, navigate to the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section within the app. Look for the option labeled ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.
Choose the option to ‘Lock Biometrics’. Confirm your action by following the prompts. Your biometric data (fingerprint and iris scan) will now be locked.
A confirmation message will appear on the screen stating that your Aadhaar biometric data is successfully locked. You will also receive a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number.
For those who may not have internet access or a smartphone, UIDAI offers an SMS-based service to lock Aadhaar biometrics. This service is convenient and allows users to secure their biometrics using just their registered mobile number.
Here are the steps to Lock Aadhaar Biometric via SMS:
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Unlocking Aadhaar biometric is necessary when you need to perform transactions or authenticate your identity using your biometric information, such as fingerprints or iris scans, after it has been locked for security reasons. You can unlock your Aadhaar biometric data using three methods: via the UIDAI Portal, through the mobile application, or via SMS.
You can unlock your Aadhaar biometrics by visiting the official UIDAI website which is managed by the government body. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Go to the official UIDAI website by visiting https://uidai.gov.in.
On the homepage, locate the ‘My Aadhaar’ section. Under this section, click on ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code displayed on the page.
Click on ‘Send OTP’ to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number in the given field on the website.
Once logged in, you will see the option to unlock your biometric details. Choose the option to ‘Unlock Biometrics’.
After unlocking, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen, and you will also get a notification via SMS confirming that your Aadhaar biometrics have been unlocked successfully.
You can also unlock your Aadhaar biometrics through the mAadhaar mobile app. This is a convenient option for smartphone users who have the app installed.
Here are the steps to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via the mAadhaar App:
Open the mAadhaar app on your smartphone (available on Android and iOS).
Log in using your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID). You will need to authenticate using an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Once logged in, go to the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section in the app. Look for the option labeled ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.
Select the ‘Unlock Biometrics’ option. This will temporarily unlock your biometric data for authentication.
After unlocking, you will receive an on-screen confirmation, and an SMS will be sent to your registered mobile number confirming that your Aadhaar biometrics are now unlocked.
The biometric data will remain unlocked for a short period (usually 10 minutes) after which it will automatically lock again. If you need to unlock it for a longer duration, you can do so through the app by following the same steps.
For those without internet access, you can unlock your Aadhaar biometrics through SMS. This service is available on your registered mobile number.
Here are the steps to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via SMS:
Aadhaar biometric data plays a critical role in securing and verifying identities. Here are key benefits:
The Aadhaar biometric lock and unlock feature is essential for safeguarding your biometric data against misuse and fraud. By following the outlined steps, you can easily manage the security of your Aadhaar information. Regularly updating and securing your Aadhaar biometric data ensures that your identity remains protected in today’s digital world.
If you use the methods mentioned above, you can easily lock or unlock your Aadhaar biometric data when needed. It ensures a smooth and secure process for transactions and identity verification.
Locking your Aadhaar biometric data prevents unauthorized access and reduces the risk of identity theft.
The biometric lock may take up to 6 hours to become active through the mAadhaar app.
Yes, you can unlock your Aadhaar biometric data anytime using the UIDAI portal, mAadhaar app, or SMS services.
You need to generate a new Virtual ID by sending a message to 1947 with GVID [SPACE] last four digits of Aadhaar.
No, there is no fee for locking or unlocking your Aadhaar biometric data.
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