Here is How to Lock and Unlock Aadhaar Card Biometric Details?

Aadhaar is one of the most important documents issued to Indian citizens by the government. Aadhaar is mandatory for all citizens of the country. Anyone, from a newborn to a senior citizen, can sign up. Aadhaar cards can be used to gain access to a variety of government-sponsored services and programmes. The card also contains vital personal information like fingerprints, iris scans, and facial images. With growing concerns about data privacy and security, it is critical that you ensure the safety of your data, particularly biometrics, stored in your Aadhaar card. Security hackers and fraudsters can use these details to their advantage. Because of its importance, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented a feature that allows users to easily lock and unlock biometric details.

What is Biometric Locking?

Biometric Locking/Unlocking is a service that allows Aadhaar cardholders to temporarily lock and unlock their biometrics. This facility aims to improve the privacy and security of residents' biometric data.

Who and when to lock Biometrics?

Anyone with a valid Aadhaar card should be able to use the service. This feature allows Aadhaar holders to lock biometric data.

If a UID is used to invoke any of the Authentication services using a biometric modality (Fingerprint/Iris) after locking biometrics, a specific error code '330' indicating biometrics are locked is returned.

How to lock Biometrics?

Step 1: Go to the official website of the UIDAI at uidai.gov.in.

Step 2: Go to My Aadhaar on the homepage and then click on Lock Biometrics under Aadhaar Services.

Step 3: Check the box and then select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.'
Step 4: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number as well as a captcha verification code.
Step 5: Now, click Send OTP and enter the received OTP.
Step 6: Next, click Lock Biometrics and then Confirm.
Your biometrics will be successfully locked.

How to Unlock biometrics?

Step 1: Go to uidai.gov.in, the official website.
Step 2: From the 'My Aadhaar' dropdown on the homepage, select Unlock Biometrics.
Step 3: Select the checkbox and then select 'Unlock Biometrics.'
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and the verification code for the captcha.
Step 5: Select 'Get OTP' and enter it to enable your biometrics.
Step 6: Your Aadhaar biometrics will be unlocked.

Note: A registered mobile number is required to use this service. If your mobile phone number is not already registered with Aadhaar, go to the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point.

FAQS

What happens when Biometric is locked?

Locked Biometrics ensures that the biometrics (fingerprints/iris) of the Aadhaar holder cannot be used for authentication.

What Biometric can be locked?

The fingerprint and iris data in a resident's Aadhaar card, which is used for authentication, can be locked.