🔐 What Is Aadhaar biometric Lock?
Aadhaar biometric lock is a security feature offered by the Unique Identification Authority of india (UIDAI) that lets you disable fingerprint, iris, and facial biometric authentication linked to your Aadhaar. Once locked, no one (including you) can use your biometrics for Aadhaar authentication until you unlock them.
This prevents misuse of your biometric details — such as unauthorized login, bank withdrawals through AEPS, SIM activations, or other Aadhaar-based services using biometric scans.
🛡️ Why You Should Use It
✅ Stops biometric fraud: If someone gets hold of your fingerprints or iris data, they cannot authenticate using them once locked.
✅ Protects against identity theft: biometric misuse in schemes like AEPS (bank transactions via fingerprint) is common in fraud cases — locking biometrics blocks such use.
✅ Easy to control: You can lock by default and temporarily unlock only when needed (e.g., at a bank counter).
⛔ Limitation: While biometrics are locked, biometric authentication won’t work until unlocked, so plan accordingly when you need such verification.
📋 How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics (Step-by-Step)
📍 Method 1 — Via uidai Website
Visit the official uidai portal → My Aadhaar → Aadhaar services → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code.
Click “Send OTP” — an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Enter the OTP to authenticate yourself.
Tick the consent box and click “Enable biometric Locking”.
You’ll see a success message confirming that your biometrics are locked.
🔔 Note: You must have a registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar because OTP is required.
📱 Method 2 — Using the mAadhaar mobile App
Install and open the mAadhaar app.
Log in with your Aadhaar or Virtual ID and enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
Go to Lock/Unlock Biometrics or Biometric Settings.
Toggle Enable biometric Lock and confirm with the OTP.
You’ll get a confirmation message in the app and via SMS.
✉️ Method 3 — Via SMS (No Internet)
Send an SMS to 1947:
2. GETOTP
→ OTP is sent to your registered mobile.
Then send:
4. LOCKUID
→ Your biometrics will be locked and a confirmation SMS will arrive.
🔓 How to Unlock When Needed
You can temporarily unlock your biometrics anytime using the same process (website, app, or SMS), and it usually stays unlocked only for a short period to complete the required authentication.
There’s also an option to disable the biometric lock permanently until you choose to lock again — useful if you need frequent biometric authentication.
📌 Important Points to Remember
✔ Biometric Authentication Stops: Once locked, you won’t be able to use biometric methods for any service until temporary unlock.
✔ OTP Still Works: services based on OTP (One-Time Password) continue to work normally.
✔ Missed mobile Number: If your Aadhaar doesn’t have your current phone number, you must update it at an Aadhaar centre first before using the lock feature.
✔ Auto Re-Lock: Temporary unlock usually auto-relocks after the session or within a short window.
🏁 In Summary
✔ Aadhaar biometric lock is a simple but powerful way to protect your fingerprint, iris, and face data from misuse.
✔ You can lock and unlock it online, via SMS, or through the mAadhaar app.
✔ While locked, biometric authentication won’t work — but it greatly reduces the risk of fraud and identity theft.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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