Aadhaar Biometric Lock/Unlock: In today’s times, the Aadhaar card has become an essential document. It is used for a wide range of purposes, including opening bank accounts, availing benefits of government schemes, purchasing mobile SIM cards, and accessing services related to pensions, subsidies, income tax returns, and passports. Many Aadhaar-related services rely on biometric authentication to verify an individual’s identity; this includes fingerprint, iris, and—more recently—face authentication.
However, the increased usage of Aadhaar has also raised the risk of cyber fraud and the misuse of biometric data.
Consequently, the UIDAI advises people to keep their Aadhaar biometric data locked when biometric authentication is not required. This ensures that no one can use your fingerprint, iris, or face data without your permission. Thanks to the new UIDAI Aadhaar app, locking and unlocking biometrics has become easier than ever; you can use this feature right from your mobile phone in just a few minutes.
What is the Aadhaar Biometric Lock?
The biometric lock is a security feature that allows you to completely deactivate the fingerprint, iris scan, and face authentication capabilities linked to your Aadhaar. When your biometrics are locked, no one can verify your identity using your Aadhaar number and biometric information. Even if someone attempts fraud by creating a copy of your fingerprint or using other methods, biometric authentication will not succeed.
Where can I find the Biometric Lock/Unlock option in the Aadhaar app?
The option to lock and unlock biometrics is easily accessible in the new UIDAI Aadhaar app. This feature appears in two places: the ‘Biometric Lock/Unlock’ option is available right below the Aadhaar card details on the app’s home screen, and it can also be found within the ‘Security’ tab located at the bottom of the app. You can lock or unlock your Aadhaar biometric data using either of these options.
How to lock fingerprint, iris, and face data using the Aadhaar app
If you wish to keep your Aadhaar biometric data secure, follow the simple steps below:
First, open the official Aadhaar app installed on your smartphone.
After opening the app, log in by entering your 6-digit MPIN.
If you haven’t set an MPIN previously, you will need to create one first.
Once logged in, tap on the ‘Biometric Lock/Unlock’ option visible on the home screen.
If this option is not visible on the home screen, you can also select it by going to the ‘Security’ tab at the bottom.
You will now see a ‘Confirm Lock’ option on the screen.
Tapping this will lock the fingerprint, iris scan, and face authentication associated with your Aadhaar for security reasons.
Consequently, no entity will be able to use your biometrics until you unlock them again.
How to temporarily unlock Aadhaar biometrics?
If you need to undergo biometric verification at a bank, government office, Aadhaar update centre, or elsewhere, you can unlock it temporarily. To do this, open the Aadhaar app and log in using your MPIN. Navigate to the ‘Biometric Lock/Unlock’ option and tap the ‘Unlock’ icon. Confirm the instructions displayed on the screen; your biometrics will then be temporarily unlocked. It is advisable to lock them again for security purposes once your task is complete.
What are the benefits of locking biometrics?
In today’s world, cybercriminals often attempt to misuse people’s personal information. If your Aadhaar biometrics are locked, no one can use your fingerprints or iris data to perform fraudulent identity verification. By keeping your biometrics locked when you do not need to verify your identity via Aadhaar, you can maintain full control over your data. Even if someone gains access to your Aadhaar number or a copy of your Aadhaar card, they will not be able to use your biometrics because the authentication remains locked. Aadhaar-based identification is used in numerous banking services and financial transactions; keeping the biometrics locked minimises unnecessary risks associated with these services.
Aadhaar-based verification is used to identify beneficiaries for government schemes. Locking your biometrics reduces the likelihood that your information will be misused. In today’s world, securing your digital identity is crucial, and a biometric lock provides an extra layer of protection for your digital profile.
When might you need to unlock your biometrics?
You may need to unlock your biometrics when opening a new bank account. Additionally, unlocking might be required when availing benefits from government schemes, obtaining a SIM card, applying for pension schemes, completing Aadhaar e-KYC, or whenever biometric approval is necessary for other services.
Conclusion
Aadhaar has become an integral part of almost every essential financial and government service today. Consequently, securing its biometric data is equally important. UIDAI’s biometric lock/unlock feature gives you complete control over your fingerprint, iris, and face authentication. Keeping your biometrics locked when not in use can significantly reduce the risk of fraud. If biometric verification is required for a service, you can temporarily unlock it within minutes using the Aadhaar app.