How To Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics Using UIDAI Website And mAadhaar App?

Aadhaar, launched by the Unique Identification Authority of India in 2010, has become a primary identity for document verification among Indian citizens. However, the hacking of Aadhaar details has become a serious threat today. To ensure security, the agency has provided an option to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar biometrics, preventing unauthorized access and boosting data security.

Once the Lock option is enabled, if any entity attempts to use the authentication services using biometric data, then a specific error code '330' will be displayed on the screen, indicating that the data is locked.

What is a Biometric Lock/Unlock?

The UIDAI has defined biometric lock/unlock as a service to allow Aadhaar holders to lock and unlock their biometrics for a temporary period, aiming to strengthen data privacy and confidentiality of the holders.

Importance Of Aadhar Biometric Lock/Unlock Feature

Many institutions, such as banks, as well as telecom and marketing companies, require Aadhaar-based verification for providing services to customers. With this lock/unlock feature, Aadhaar holders can ensure that their fingerprint, face, and iris data will remain blocked from unauthorized requests of such institutions.

Notably, the biometric lock/unlock feature is for a temporary period only, which means that the Aadhaar holders have an option to lock/unlock their biometric data for a single authentication session.

Aadhaar holders will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) to their Aadhaar-registered mobile number for biometric locking/unlocking, ensuring that only the original holder has the full authority to enable this feature. However, if the mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, this feature cannot be availed. Those who want to get their mobile number linked to Aadhaar can visit the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point for the service.

How To Lock Biometric Data?

• Open the UIDAI website or log in to the mAadhaar mobile application.
• Enter your Aadhaar link number or Virtual ID to proceed.
• Enter the captcha code.
• Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
• Navigate to the biometric section and click on 'Lock'.

How To Unlock Biometric Data Via UIDAI Website ?

Once you lock the biometric data, Aadhaar authentication will not work until this feature is disabled. The UIDAI offers a simple online process to unlock the data through its official website.

• Visit the UIDAI website.
• Navigate to the 'Enrolment & Update' section and select 'Aadhaar Services'.
• Look for the 'Unlock/Disable Biometrics' option under 'Reference Links'.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• Enter the security code displayed on the page.
• Click on the 'Send OTP' button.
• Click on 'Login' after entering the OTP.
• Enter the security code.
• Select the 'Disable' option to unlock the Biometric data.

How to Unlock Biometric Data via mAadhaar App?

• The Aadhaar holders can also disable the lock on their biometric data using their smartphones.
• Install the mAadhaar app from the Play Store or App Store.
• Enter your Aadhaar-registered mobile number and click on the 'Send OTP' button.
• Enter OTP for verification.
• Enter the 4-digit passcode to access your profile.
• Navigate to the 'Biometric Settings' section from the menu.
• Uncheck the 'Enable Biometric Lock' option.
• The app will verify the action with the OTP sent by UIDAI.