Aadhaar Biometric Lock allows you to temporarily disable your fingerprint, iris, and face authentication. This protects your biometric data, preventing misuse by fraudsters while keeping your Aadhaar itself active for other uses.
Why You Should Use It
- Prevents identity theft: Stops unauthorized biometric authentication.
- You control access: Lock when not needed, unlock only when required .
- Free of cost & quick: Works online, via app, or SMS—no fees.
Step-by-Step: Locking Your Biometrics
A. Via UIDAI Website
- Visit the UIDAI portal.
- Go to My Aadhaar → Aadhaar Services → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
- Tick the consent checkbox.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, then Send OTP.
- Input OTP received on your registered mobile.
- Confirm “Lock Biometrics”, and you’ll receive an on-screen message + SMS confirmation.
B. Via mAadhaar App
- Download/open mAadhaar and login using your Aadhaar or Virtual ID (VID).
- Go to Aadhaar Services or profile menu (
⋮). - Choose Lock/Unlock Biometrics, then tap Lock.
- OTP arrives automatically; confirm to lock. You’ll see confirmation on screen and via SMS.
C. Via SMS (If no internet)
- Send:
GET OTP <last 4 digits of Aadhaar>to 1947. - You’ll receive OTP.
- Then send:
LOCKUID <last 4 digits> <OTP>to 1947. - You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once biometrics are locked.
Unlocking Your Biometrics
- Via website or mAadhaar: Same steps, but select Unlock Biometrics. OTP required. Unlock lasts ~10 minutes, then auto-locks.
- Via SMS:
- Generate VID:
GVID <last 4 digits>→ OTP - Unlock:
UNLOCKUID <last 6 VID digits> <OTP>to 1947.
- Generate VID:
Quick Comparison
| Method | Lock | Unlock |
|---|---|---|
| Website | My Aadhaar → Biometrics → Lock | Same → Unlock + OTP |
| mAadhaar App | Services → Lock | Services → Unlock + OTP |
| SMS | GET OTP → LOCKUID | GVID → UNLOCKUID + OTP |
Things to Keep in Mind
- You must have a registered mobile number.
- You cannot authenticate via biometrics until you unlock again.
- Unlock window is short (~10 minutes).
- No charges involved.
In Simple Terms
Think of this as flipping a switch on your fingerprints and iris scans. Lock it when not in use—no one can misuse. Need to use them? Unlock briefly, complete your task, and lock again.
