Aadhaar has emerged as one of the most reliable government documents, functioning both as proof of identity and address verification. However, to enhance security, UIDAI has introduced a feature to unlock Aadhaar biometric data online. This service is designed to assist users in preventing the misuse of their biometric details. Many agencies require applicants to validate their details through Aadhaar biometric authentication.
What is the Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock Feature?
The Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock feature helps protect both the Aadhaar card number and biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris patterns. Users can temporarily lock or unlock this feature to safeguard their Aadhaar biometric data. If required, individuals can unlock their Aadhaar number and continue using it. The process for locking and unlocking the Aadhaar number is simple, with a few necessary steps to follow before performing the Aadhaar biometric lock and unlock operation.
Step-by-Step Process for Locking Aadhaar Card Biometric
Here are the various methods and the corresponding steps to lock Aadhaar card biometric data.
a. Lock Aadhaar Biometric via UIDAI Portal
To lock your Aadhaar biometrics, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Navigate to 'My Aadhaar,' then choose 'Aadhaar Services' from the dropdown menu. Select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'
Step 3: Tick the box and click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'
Step 4: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number along with the captcha code.
Step 5: Enter the OTP and activate the locking feature.
Step 6: Your Aadhaar biometric data will be encrypted.
b. Lock Aadhaar Biometric via Mobile Application
Step 1: Open the mAadhaar app.
Step 2: Tap the hamburger icon (three vertical dots) at the top right corner of the app.
Step 3: Enable the Biometric Locking option in the Biometric Settings.
Step 4: An OTP will be automatically retrieved from your mobile number and entered into the app (manual OTP entry is not required).
Step 5: Upon approval, your biometric data will be locked. The lock may take up to 6 hours to take effect.
c. Lock Aadhaar Biometric via SMS
Follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar biometrics via the SMS service:
Step 1: Text 1947 with the message GET OTP [SPACE] followed by the last four digits of your Aadhaar number.
Step 2: Send a second SMS to 1947 with the text LOCKUID [SPACE], the last four digits of your Aadhaar number [SPACE], and the OTP received earlier.
Step 3: You will receive a confirmation SMS showing the current status of your Aadhaar card number.
How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Devices?
Below is the step-by-step guide to unlock Aadhaar biometric devices:
a. Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via UIDAI Portal
To unlock Aadhaar biometrics, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' under 'My Aadhaar.'
Step 3: Tick the declaration box and click 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code.
Step 5: Click 'Get OTP' and enter the OTP received.
Step 6: Your Aadhaar biometrics will be unlocked.
b. Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via Mobile Application
You can unlock your Aadhaar biometric details via the mAadhaar app. Here's how:
Step 1: Open your mAadhaar app and navigate to your profile.
Step 2: Select the Biometric Settings option by clicking the three vertical dots in the app.
Step 3: Uncheck the Enable Biometric Locking option and confirm.
Step 4: An OTP will be sent and automatically entered into the app.
Step 5: You must approve the process within 10 minutes for your biometrics to be unlocked.
c. Unlock Aadhaar Biometric via SMS
If you wish to unlock your Aadhaar biometric via SMS, follow the steps below. A Virtual ID is required for this procedure.
Step 1: Send an SMS to 1947 with the message GVID [SPACE] followed by the last four digits of your Aadhaar number.
Step 2: After receiving your VID, request an OTP by sending an SMS to 1947 with GET OTP [SPACE] your Virtual ID.
Step 3: Once you receive the OTP, send a message to 1947 with UNLOCK UID [SPACE] last six digits of your Virtual ID [SPACE] the six-digit OTP.
Step 4: After verification, UIDAI will notify you of the status of your Aadhaar card unlock request.
Importance of Aadhaar Biometric
Aadhaar biometric data plays a crucial role in security and identity verification. Some of its key benefits include:
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- Your Aadhaar biometric and unique number serve as a valid form of identification across India for various verification purposes.
- It prevents duplication of Aadhaar cards as no two people can have identical biometric information.
- Since Aadhaar biometrics are linked directly to your Aadhaar number, they help protect your Aadhaar details from misuse.
- It aids in quick and accurate identification and authentication for verification purposes.