How to Lock and Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data Online and Offline?
The biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scan data helps secure Aadhaar-linked transactions and services. UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) introduced a procedure through which Aadhaar card owners can lock and unlock Aadhaar biometric data. This article discusses the detailed process of locking and unlocking Aadhaar biometric details. Keep reading!
How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Information
The procedure of locking the biometric information present in your Aadhaar card is straightforward. The steps you have to follow for that are as follows:
Step 1: Go to the online portal of UIDAI to begin the procedure of locking your biometric data.
Step 2: Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, you will find the ‘Aadhaar Services’ option. You need to select ‘Aadhaar Lock/ Unlock’ from there to proceed further.
Step 3: After clicking on it, a secure UID authentication channel will open. Over there, you will find two choices — lock UID and unlock UID. Choose the former one.
Step 4: Now, you will have to provide certain details here, such as your UID, full name, security code, etc.
Step 5: After filling in these details, you need to tap on ‘Send OTP’ to get a one-time password on your registered number.
Step 6: Submit the OTP to verify your information, and the process of locking your Aadhaar biometrics will be complete.
How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics on Mobile App
You must follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar biometrics via mobile phone application:
Step 1: Download the mAadhaar app on your mobile phone and log in using your credentials.
Step 2: The next step entails clicking on three dots situated at the top right corner.
Step 3: After that, click on the ‘Biometric Settings’ option.
Step 4: Select the ‘Enable Biometric Locking’ option and click on the tick mark at the top of the screen.
Step 5: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number.
Step 6: The app will automatically detect the OTP.
Step 7: The last step involves submitting the request for the biometric lock.
Step 8: Your biometric lock request will be activated within 6 hours.
Procedure to Lock Aadhaar Number via SMS
Note that not just the biometrics, you can also lock your Aadhaar number to strengthen your privacy. You can use the SMS procedure to do that. Know the complete process in the following section:
Step 1: Type GETOTP and then the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number and send this message to 1947. However, you need to make sure that you are sending this SMS from the phone number that is registered with UIDAI.
Step 2: After that, you will receive the 6-digit one-time password on your phone. Now, to go ahead with the locking process of your Aadhaar biometric data, you have to send another message from your phone.
Step 3: You need to type LOCK UID, and then the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar, and then the 6-digit OTP. Send this message to 1947 again to lock your Aadhaar data.
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How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data
You may have locked your Aadhaar biometrics previously for a reason, but if you intend to unlock the information, you can do so by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Go to the web portal of UIDAI. Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, you will find ‘Aadhaar Services’.
Step 2: Choose the ‘Aadhaar Lock/ Unlock’ option from there. It will redirect you to another page.
Step 3: Now, you need to select ‘Unlock UID’ and provide mainly your UID and security code. After entering these, click on ‘Send OTP’ to proceed further.
Step 4: Once you get the OTP on your phone, enter that and click on ‘Submit’. By doing this, you will be able to unlock your Aadhaar number successfully.
Note that UIDAI allows individuals to lock their biometrics information present in their Aadhaar card to prevent any kind of fraudulent activities. That said, remember that you will only be able to lock your Aadhaar number if you have a virtual ID (VID) generated under your name.
How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric on the Mobile App
You need to follow these simple steps to get your biometrics unlocked via the mAadhaar application:
Step 1: Download the mAadhar application on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Login using your Aadhaar number and password.
Step 3: Select the three dots on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Step 4: After this, select the biometric settings option.
Step 5: In the next step, deselect the option enabling the biometric lock and then click on the tick mark at the top of the screen.
Step 6: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, and the app will automatically validate the OTP. The final step involves approving unlock request.
Step 7: Your Aadhaar biometric will unlock temporarily for 10 mins. You must complete the authentication within this period.
If you want to permanently disable the biometric lock option, you need to do that from the online portal of UIDAI. Permanently disabling the biometric lock cannot be done via the mobile application.
How to Unlock Your Aadhaar Biometrics Via SMS
You can also unlock your Aadhaar biometrics through an SMS by following these steps:
Step 1: You need to send an SMS using your registered mobile number on 1947 to receive an OTP. You also need to remember your latest virtual ID (VID) to unlock your biometrics. The message should be sent in the given format – GETOTP SPACE XXXXXX. Here, XXXXXX is the last 6 digits of your VID.
Step 2: After sending the message, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 3: A second SMS needs to be sent to UIDAI to complete the unlocking process of your biometrics on Aadhaar. The format of this SMS is as follows – UNLOCKUID SPACE XXXXXX SPACE AAAAAA, where XXXXXX is the last 6 digits of your VID and AAAAAA is OTP received on your mobile number.
Step 4: You will receive a confirmation message stating that your Aadhaar biometrics are unlocked. You can use them for authentication purposes.
How to Generate a Virtual ID
In case you do not already have a virtual ID, you can generate it by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.
Step 2: In the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section, you have to select ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’.
Step 3: Now, on the next page, you will have to provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number, including a security code for verification purposes.
Step 4: After providing these details, you need to click on ‘Send OTP’.
Step 5: After submitting the OTP, you can either click on ‘Generate VID’ or ‘Retrieve VID’. After choosing your preferred option, click on the ‘Submit’ button to finish the procedure.
Within a few minutes, you will receive your 16-digit virtual ID on your registered phone number. Note that you can generate this for both yourself and your family members if you have relevant information with you.
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Final Word
Aadhaar has strengthened the overall safety and security related to one’s identity. However, your biometrics data may still be compromised under certain situations. To nullify such threats, you can lock your Aadhaar biometric details at your convenience and also unlock aadhaar biometric later on.
FAQs on Lock and Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data
Ans: Aadhaar locking and unlocking are procedures that secure your identity. The UIDAI does not charge any fee for locking your Aadhaar card biometrics. Similarly, you do not need to bear any charges when unlocking this information.
Ans: You can unlock your biometric information on Aadhaar temporarily. A user can do this for authentication. However, keep in mind that you will only have a 10-minute window to complete your authentication before the data is locked again.
Ans: To avail of the Aadhaar biometric locking and unlocking services, a card owner must have two things. First, you will need to have access to a virtual ID. Moreover, your mobile number should be registered with UIDAI and linked with Aadhaar.
Ans: Presently, the UIDAI does not offer an offline procedure for locking or unlocking biometric details. You can lock/unlock the information using one of two ways. Either you can use the UIDAI website or the official mobile application for Aadhaar, known as mAadhaar.
Ans: Even though the biometric information is mostly safe, they are still susceptible to misuse. If third parties get access to this data, they can misuse the same to acquire your bank account details or personal information. When you think that someone may have accessed your biometrics, you should lock the same information as soon as possible.
Ans: Individuals can permanently disable their biometrics lock only through the UIDAI portal. They must visit the portal and log in using their Aadhaar number and enter the CAPTCHA code. After this, they need to select the disable button. After submitting their request, the biometrics lock will be permanently disabled.
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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.
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