Aadhaar Biometric - Steps to Lock and Unlock

Aadhaar has become one of the most trusted government documents, serving as both conformations of identity and verification of address. However, for several security reasons, UIDAI has taken a step to unlock Aadhaar biometric data online. This service is intended to assist customers in preventing their biometric information from being misused in any way. Many agencies ask applicants to validate their information using the Aadhaar biometric authentication facility.

What is Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock Feature?

The Aadhar Biometric Unlock and Lock feature safeguards the Aadhaar card number as well as biometrics like fingerprint recognition and iris patterns. Individuals can temporarily lock/unlock the method to protect their Aadhaar number biometric data. Similarly, applicants can reactivate their Aadhaar number and resume using it if necessary. The procedure for locking and unlocking the Aadhaar number is straightforward. Users must complete a few preliminary procedures before performing the Aadhaar biometric lock and unlock process.

Step-by-Step Process for Aadhar Card Biometric Lock

Here are the various ways and their respective processes for Aadhaar card biometric lock.

a. Aadhar Card Biometric Lock through UIDAI Portal

To lock their Aadhaar biometrics, an applicant should follow the guidelines below.

Step 1: Visit UIDAI's official website.

Step 2: Go to 'My Aadhaar' and select  'Aadhaar Services' from the drop-down menu. Now, click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'

Step 3: Tick the box, then select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'

Step 4: Enter both your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code.

Step 5: Enter your OTP, then turn on the locking feature.

Step 6: Aadhaar biometric data will be encrypted.

b. Aadhar Biometric Lock through Mobile Application

Step 1: Access your mAadhaar app.

Step 2: Click the hamburger icon (three vertical dots) in the application's upper right corner.

Step 3: Check the Enable Biometric Locking box under Biometric Settings.

Step 4: An OTP will be obtained from your mobile number and automatically entered into the application (there is no option to enter the OTP manually).

Step 5: Your biometric is locked once you authorize it. The lock, however, may take up to 6 hours to activate.

c. How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric through SMS

Some of the steps for Aadhar Lock and Unlock biometrics via SMS service are as follows:  

Step 1: Text 1947 with the words GET OTP [SPACE] and the last four digits of your Aadhaar card number. 

Step 2: Send another text message to 1947 with LOCKUID [SPACE], the last four digits of your Aadhaar card number [SPACE], and the previously obtained OTP. 

Step 3: A text message confirming the current status of your Aadhaar card number will be delivered to your registered mobile number. 

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Devices?

Check the step-by-step process to unlock Aadhaar biometric devices below:

a. Unlock Aadhaar Biometric through the UIDAI Portal

To unlock Aadhaar biometrics, an applicant must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Visit UIDAI's official website.

Step 2: 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' should be selected from the 'My Aadhaar' option.

Step 3: Tick the declaration box before clicking 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'

Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number as well as the captcha code.

Step 5: To enable biometrics, click 'Get OTP' and input it.

Step 6: The Aadhaar biometrics will be unlocked.

b. Aadhaar Biometric Unlock through Mobile Application

You can unlock your biometric details through the mAadhaar app when validating your Aadhaar using your biometrics. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1: Open your mAadhaar app and go to your profile.

Step 2: Select the Biometric Settings option by clicking the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the app.

Step 3: To complete the process, uncheck the Enable Biometric Locking option and click the tick mark.

Step 4: An OTP will be sent and entered into the app immediately.

Step 5: Before your biometrics are unlocked for 10 minutes, you must approve the process within that time frame.

c. Aadhar Card Biometric Unlock through SMS

Some methods are shown below if the applicant wants to conduct Aadhar Biometric unlock of the card number again through the SMS feature. As a result, a virtual ID is required to complete this transaction. 

Step 1: To create a VID, send a text message to 1947 with the GVID [SPACE] last four digits of their Aadhaar card number.

Step 2: After creating your VID, candidates must obtain an OTP.

Step 3: Send a text message to 1947 with the phrase GET OTP [SPACE] your Virtual ID to receive the OTP.

Step 4: After entering an OTP, the user must send another text message to 1947 with the following information: UNLOCK UID [SPACE] last six digits of your Virtual ID [SPACE] six digits of an OTP. 

Step 5: Once the verification is complete, an applicant will receive a text message from UIDAI informing them of the current status of unlocking their Aadhaar card number.

Significance of Aadhaar Biometric

Aadhar card biometrics has a major role to play when it comes to security and ID verification. A few of the significances are listed below:

• • Your aadhaar biometric and unique aadhar number serve as valid identification proof across India for various verification purposes. 
  • It prevents duplicacy of aadhar cards since no two people can have similar biometric details.
  • Since the aadhar biometrics are linked directly to your aadhar card, it also prevents misuse of your aadhar details. 
  • It helps in easy identification and authentication for verification purposes.