Aadhaar Biometric Lock: Nowadays, everyone uses an Aadhaar card. It is utilised for banking, government schemes, and accessing various essential services. Tasks involving an Aadhaar card often require fingerprint, iris scan, or facial authentication. Given these factors, ensuring the security of your Aadhaar data is crucial.
The UIDAI provides Aadhaar cardholders with the option to lock their biometrics. Once locked, no one can perform Aadhaar authentication using your fingerprints or iris scans. You can also unlock it whenever necessary. Let’s look at the process in detail.
How to lock Aadhaar biometrics?
If you wish to keep your Aadhaar biometric data secure, you can lock it via the official UIDAI website by following these steps:
First, visit the official UIDAI website.
Next, navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.
Under ‘Aadhaar Services’, select the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code displayed on the screen.
Click on the option to generate an OTP; an OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Enter the received OTP to complete the verification process.
Finally, click on the ‘Enable Biometric Lock’ option.
How to unlock Aadhaar biometrics?
If you need to undergo biometric verification—for instance, at a government office—you must first unlock your biometrics. You can do this through the official UIDAI website or the Aadhaar app.
To unlock, visit the official UIDAI website.
Open the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option.
Enter your Aadhaar number and the required security details, then complete the verification using an OTP. Now, you need to use your Virtual ID (VID) for the unlocking process.
Following these steps step, you must enter your CAPTCHA code.
Next, select the option to unlock your biometrics.
You will then be able to perform Aadhaar authentication once again using your fingerprints or iris.
How can you obtain a virtual ID?
Aadhaar cardholders require a virtual ID to unlock their biometrics. A VID is a 16-digit number that serves as a substitute for your Aadhaar number. If you do not have a VID, you can obtain one through the official UIDAI website. Alternatively, to receive a VID via SMS, send a message from your registered mobile number in the following format: type ‘RVID’, add a space, include the last 4 or 8 digits of your Aadhaar number, and send it to 1947.
What are the benefits of locking your Aadhaar biometrics?
Locking your fingerprints and iris helps prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar card. You can lock or unlock your biometrics as needed. This ensures that no one else can use your biometrics to perform Aadhaar authentication.