How to Lock or Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

Lock or Unlock Aadhaar Biometric

The Aadhaar card has become a pivotal document for accessing various services, making its security paramount. To prevent misuse, the Aadhaar lock and unlock feature empowers users to control access to their biometric details. The Aadhaar lock and unlock feature allows cardholders to temporarily secure their biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans. This step safeguards sensitive data and prevents unauthorized authentication attempts.

How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics Online?

1. Generate Virtual ID (VID): Obtain a 16-digit VID, a prerequisite for locking.
2. Access UIDAI Website: Visit UIDAI’s website or use the link: resident.uidai.gov.in/bio-lock.
3. Navigate to Aadhaar Lock/Unlock: Click ‘My Aadhaar’ > ‘Aadhaar services’ > ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock.’
4. Provide Aadhaar/VID: Enter the Aadhaar number or VID.
5. Captcha and OTP: Complete Captcha, request OTP, and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile.
6. Enable Lock: After entering the displayed security code, click ‘Enable.’ Your biometric data will be locked.

Implications of Locking: Locked biometrics prevent UID, UID Token, or ANCS Token-based authentications. However, 16-digit VID can be used for various authentications.

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

1. Access UIDAI Website: Visit www.uidai.gov.in.
2. Navigate to Aadhaar Lock/Unlock: Click ‘My Aadhaar’ > ‘Aadhaar services’ > ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock.’
3. Select Unlock UID: Choose ‘Unlock UID’ and input the virtual ID and security code.
4. OTP Verification: Request OTP, enter it, and submit.
5. Unlock Successful: Your Aadhaar number’s biometric data will be unlocked.

Alternate Methods

Locking Aadhaar via SMS:

1. Generate Virtual ID: Obtain a Virtual ID.
2. Send OTP Request: SMS GETOTPLAST (last 4/8 digits of Aadhaar) to a designated number.
3. Locking Request: SMS LOCKUIDLAST (last 4/8 digits of Aadhaar) (6-digit OTP) to the same number.
4. Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation of the Aadhaar locking.

Unlocking Aadhaar via SMS:

1. Send OTP Request: SMS GETOTPLAST (last 6/10 digits of Virtual ID) to the designated number.
2. Unlocking Request: SMS UNLOCKUIDLAST (last 6/10 digits of Virtual ID) (6-digit OTP) to the same number.
3. Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation of the Aadhaar unlocking.

Unlocking Your Biometrics Using the Mobile App

1. Login to the mAadhaar App: Use your password to log in to the mAadhaar App.
2. Access Biometric Settings: Go to your profile and tap the ‘three dots’ menu again.
3. Disable Biometric Lock: Unselect ‘Enable Biometric Lock’ and confirm with a ‘tick mark.’
4. OTP Verification: An OTP will be sent to your mobile and automatically verified.
5. Temporary Unlock: Approve the process to unlock your Aadhaar biometrics for 10 minutes. Remember that they will lock again automatically after this period, so ensure to complete your authentication within this timeframe.

Disabling Your Aadhaar Biometrics

If you wish to disable the biometric lock permanently, follow these steps:

1. Access the UIDAI Portal: Visit the UIDAI portal online.
2. Login: Log in using your Aadhaar card.
3. Disable Biometrics: Enter the security code displayed on the portal and click on ‘Disable.’ Your biometrics will be permanently disabled.

Guide to Updating Aadhaar Biometrics

Updating Aadhaar demographics is digital, but biometrics require an offline approach. Here’s how:

1. Find an Aadhaar enrollment center: Use UIDAI’s site or mAadhaar app. Website Steps: a. Visit the site, and click ‘Get Aadhaar.’ b. Select ‘Locate an Enrollment Centre.’ c. Choose ‘Search Box,’ ‘Postal Code,’ or ‘State.’ App Steps: a. Open the app, and select ‘Enrollment Centre.’ b. Choose ‘Advanced Search’ or ‘Search by Text.’
2. Update Aadhaar biometrics: After finding a center, follow these steps:

   a. Get the biometric update form. b. Fill out and submit it. c. Authenticate using an unchanged fingerprint or iris scan. d. Recorded biometrics get updated in UIDAI’s database.

Important Points to Remember

To ensure a smooth process of locking and unlocking your Aadhaar biometrics, consider the following key points:

1. Registered Mobile Number is Essential: A registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is crucial for the lock/unlock feature, as the OTP required for the process is sent only to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar account.
2. Registering Your Mobile Number: If your mobile number isn’t registered with Aadhaar, visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment centre or use the mobile update facility to link your mobile number. Without a registered mobile number, you won’t be able to use the biometric lock/unlock service.
3. Service Availability: Ensure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar to access the biometric lock/unlock service.
4. No Fee Required: No charges for locking, unlocking, or disabling your biometrics. These services are provided free of charge by UIDAI.
5. Online Process Only: The entire locking and unlocking of biometrics is conducted online through the mobile app or the UIDAI website. Ensure a stable internet connection for these actions.
6. Error Code ‘330’ for Locked Biometrics: After locking your biometrics, attempting biometric-based authentication will result in error code ‘330.’ This code indicates that your biometrics are locked and need to be unlocked for authentication.

Conclusion

Securing your Aadhaar biometric data is crucial to prevent misuse. The online Aadhaar lock and unlock feature provides a powerful tool for controlling access. Whether through the UIDAI website, Mobile app or SMS, these steps ensure you have the reins over sensitive information, enhancing your data’s privacy and security.