Lock / Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online

Aadhaar Biometric Lock/Unlock is a feature provided by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) to secure biometric data. Locking your Aadhaar card prevents unauthorised use, while unlocking helps in your Aadhaar authentication.

Unlocking or locking the Aadhaar card adds security and privacy to Aadhaar-based services, giving users control over personal information.

There are different ways to Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar card, through UIDAI website, through m-Aadhaar app and through the Umang app. Follow the step-by-step process mentioned below to Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar card

Different Ways to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Data

In response to growing concerns about digital security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced multiple methods to enable individuals to secure and manage access to their Aadhaar biometric data, offering varying levels of security and flexibility to users.

Here are three ways through which you can Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar card:

1. Aadhaar Biometric Lock through UIDAI Website
2. Aadhaar Biometric Lock through m-Aadhaar App
3. Aadhaar Biometric Lock through Umang App

Prerequisite for Aadhaar Lock/Unlock

• You need a registered mobile number with your Aadhaar.
• Locked biometrics become temporarily unavailable for Aadhaar authentication until unlocked.
• You can unlock your biometrics using the same methods mentioned above.
• Locking biometrics doesn't affect your Aadhaar number or other demographic information.

Aadhaar Biometric Lock/Unlock through UIDAI Website

One of the ways through which you can Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar card is through the UIDAI website, the step-by-step process mentioned below will help you through the process:

Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website: uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Click on "My Aadhaar" and then "Aadhaar Lock & Unlock".

Step 3: Select " Lock/ Unlock Aadhaar" and proceed.

Step 4: Enter your Virtual ID number, full name as per Aadhaar records, and the security code displayed.

Step 5: Click on "Send OTP" and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.

Step 6: Select "Biometric Locking" and choose the specific biometric modalities you want to lock (fingerprint, iris, or face).

Step 7: Review the disclaimer and confirm your request.

Aadhaar Biometric Lock / Unlock through m-Aadhaar App

Connect your Aadhaar Card to your savings/ current bank account with the help of mobile app or net banking. Here is the step by step guidance to activate your biometric lock.

Step 1: Download and install the m-Aadhaar app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Log-in with the OTP pin generated on your registered mobile number.

Step 3: Go-to to the "My Aadhaar" section at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Create a ‘My Aadhaar’ account if you have not created it or login using the password.

Step 5: Scroll down and click on ‘Biometric lock’.

Step 6: If your aadhaar card is unlocked the status also reflects ‘unlocked’ and vice versa. Thus you can do the needful based on your requirement. If your Aadhaar card is unlocked it will show as the same and you can lock it. In case it is locked it will show that the Aadhaar card is locked and you can unlock it.

Lock / Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Using UMANG App

Step 1: Download the UMANG App from the app store or play store and Login or Sign up to the same:

Step 2: Click on All Services from the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Search for My Aadhaar and click on it.

Step 4: Scroll down and find the option ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’

Step 5: Enter the details asked and click ‘send OTP’ and Lock/unlock your Aadhaar card.

Why Should You Lock /Unlock Your Aadhaar Biometric Data?

Reasons to Lock:

1. Enhanced Security: Locking your biometrics for Aadhaar adds extra security when you suspect misuses such as

• Lost or stolen device containing your Aadhaar data.
• Suspicious activity related to your Aadhaar.
• Travelling to areas with higher security risks.

2. Preventing Accidental Sharing: If you accidentally share your Aadhaar details with someone you don't trust, locking biometrics prevents unintended authentication.

Reasons to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric

1. Using Aadhaar Services: When you need to use your Aadhaar for transactions or verification requiring biometric authentication, you'll need to unlock them beforehand. This includes activities like:

• Opening a bank account.
• Filing income tax returns.
• Boarding a train or flight.
• Accessing government services.

2. Convenience: When you know you'll be using Aadhaar services frequently, unlocking biometrics streamlines the process and avoids repeated unlocking steps.