What Is Aadhaar Biometric Lock And Unlock Feature? When And How To Use It?

In a bid to improve data security and protection of Aadhaar cardholders from online fraud and information misuse, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has enabled a feature to lock and unlock Aadhaar biometrics. The feature is useful for those who fear Aadhaar data misuse for online transactions and other activities.

Locking Aadhaar prohibits its usage for any kind of online authentication, KYC or verification, especially by using one one-time password (OTP) sent to a person's registered mobile number.

What is Aadhaar Biometric Lock Feature?

It is an online mechanism designed by UIDAI to strengthen the security of Aadhaar number holders by locking or unlocking the Aadhaar number. A person can lock or unlock his or her Aadhaar card to block its usage for any kind of online authentication or verification on multiple portals and government websites.

How To Lock Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar number holders can lock or unlock the Aadhaar card on UIDAI website, ie www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Another way to lock Aadhaar card is through mAadhaar application. Follow the below mentioned steps to lock Aadhaar card via myaadhaar portal.

-Visit the myAadhaar Portal, ie (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).
-Select the option to 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar'
-Select Lock Aadhaar and enter your VID Number. The 16-digit VID number is a mandator information to be mentioned for Aadhaar locking.
-If you don't have Aadhaar VID number than you can generate it via SMS service or UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in)

SMS Service. GVID space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- GVID 1234.
-Now select UID Lock Radio Button and enter UID number, your full name, PIN code and other required details. You will also be required to enter the security code.
-Select the option to 'Send OTP'.
-Enter your OTP to lock your Aadhaar number.

How To Unlock Aadhaar Biometric?

-It is important to have 16 digit VID to unlock Aadhaar number. For those who forgot their Aadhaar number VID can retrieve it through SMS service.

RVID Space last 4 or 8 digit of UID. SMS to 1947. Ex- RVID 1234
-Visit the UIDAI website.
-Select the unlock option on the website,
-Enter your latest VID and the security code.
-Proceed and select the 'Send OTP option'.
-Enter the OTP and proceed to unlock your Aadhaar.

About Aadhaar

Aadhaar is a 12-digit random number that is allotted to an individual seeking enrolment after completing the enrolment process. The unique number is allotted to eligible individuals. It is linked to their biometrics and hence, a person can't have duplicate Aadhaar cards. A person can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre and submitting a request along with valid supporting documents. The enrolment operator shall capture the required information during enrollment, like: 1. Mandatory Demographic information (Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address); 2. Optional demographic information (mobile number, email); 3. Details of Mother/Father/Legal Guardian (in case of HOF-based enrolment), etc.