Aadhaar Biometrics Lock: Keep Your Aadhaar Data Safe on mAadhaar App for Enhanced Data Protection

Protection of your Aadhaar data is of utmost importance to protect yourself from any fraud or scam. Since Aadhaar-related banking frauds are on the rise where the fraudsters use an individual's Aadhaar biometric data to withdraw funds from their bank accounts, the Indian government has come up with initiatives to ensure the safety of an individual's biometric data stored in the Aadhaar system.

One such initiative is the introduction of the mAadhaar app, which enables users to lock and unlock their biometrics at their convenience.

mAadhaar, the official mobile application developed by UIDAI is more than an Aadhaar card in a wallet.

On one hand, the mAadhaar profile is accepted as valid ID proof, and on the other, residents can use the features in the app to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who seek Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services.

One must note that only someone with an Aadhaar linked to a registered mobile number can create an Aadhaar profile in the mAadhaar App.

mAadhaar app provides an interface for Aadhaar card number holders to carry their demographic information including, name, date of birth, gender, and address along with a photograph as linked with their Aadhaar number.The mAadhaar app offers various features, including the ability to lock and unlock your biometric data to prevent unauthorized use.

Locking biometric data prevents any unauthorized access to the bank accounts linked to that Aadhar card or misuse of the data. Locked Biometrics confirms that Aadhaar holders will not be able to use Biometrics (fingerprints/iris/Face) for authentication, it is a safety feature to stop any kind of biometric authentication.

It also ensures that any entity by any means cannot perform biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for that Aadhaar holder. Aadhaar number holders who have registered mobile numbers may lock their biometrics.

How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics?

In this article, we will discuss how you can use the mAadhaar app to keep your biometric data safe. Resident can lock his or her Aadhaar (UID) via UIDAI website or through the mAadhaar app.

How to lock your Aadhaar Biometric Data Through mAadhaar App?

Step 1: Download the mAadhaar App on your Android or iOS device.
Step 2: Open the app
Step 3: Register Your Aadhaar Number
Step 4: Receive an OTP
After entering your Aadhaar number, you will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. The OTP is essential for the registration process and subsequent logins. Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number.
Step 5: Set a 4-Digit PIN.
Step 6: Access Your Aadhaar Profile.
Step 7: Lock and Unlock Biometrics.

How to lock Aadhaar (UID) via UIDAI:

• Visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock).
• Under My Aadhaar tab, Click on Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services.
• Select UID Lock Radio Button and enter UID Number, Full Name, and Pin Code as in latest details and enter Security code.
• Click on Send OTP or select TOTP and click on submit.
• Your UID will be locked successfully.

How to Unlock (locked) Aadhaar Biometrics?

• Once resident enables Biometric Locking system their biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose any below mentioned option:
• Unlock it (which is temporary )or Disable the Locking system
• The biometric unlock can be done by resident either by visiting UIDAI website, enrolment centre, Aadhaar Seva Kendra(ASK), through m-Aadhaar.

Note: Registered Mobile Number is essential to avail this service. In case your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar visit the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point.