Check Aadhaar Card Services Through SMS

Check Aadhaar Card Services Through SMS: UIDAI Provides Several of Its Services on SMS Including generating Virtual ID, Locking/Unlocking Aadhaar, Locking/Unlocking Biometric, Generating OTP, etc. Check the Entire List Here.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of India, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken a groundbreaking step with its “Aadhaar Services on SMS” initiative.

This innovative approach is transforming the way millions of Indians interact with their Aadhaar-related services, bringing important functionalities to their fingertips through the simple medium of text messaging.

Check Aadhaar Card Services Through SMS

Let’s explore in detail the range of services offered by UIDAI through SMS:

Retrieve an Existing UIDAI Virtual ID through SMS

Virtual IDs are a cornerstone of UIDAI’s efforts to enhance privacy and security for Aadhaar holders. These 16-digit random numbers can be used in place of Aadhaar numbers for various services, significantly reducing the risk of Aadhaar number misuse.

Generating a Virtual ID:

To generate a Virtual ID, follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “GVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: “GVID 9123“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your newly generated Virtual ID.

Retrieving an Existing Virtual ID:

To retrieve your Virtual ID, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “RVID” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: “RVID 9123“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing your existing Virtual ID.

Benefits of Virtual IDs:

• Enhanced Privacy: By using a Virtual ID instead of your Aadhaar number, you limit the exposure of your actual Aadhaar number.
• Revocable: You can generate a new Virtual ID at any time, invalidating the old one and adding an extra layer of security.
• Service-Specific Usage: You can use different Virtual IDs for different services, further compartmentalizing your digital identity.

Obtain a One-Time Password (OTP) on Aadhaar Registered Mobile Number Through SMS

OTPs play an important role in securing various Aadhaar-related transactions and services. The ability to generate OTPs via SMS ensures that users can authenticate their actions even without internet access.

To obtain an OTP using your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “GETOTP” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123, the SMS should read: “GETOTP 9123“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing a 6-digit OTP.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use your Virtual ID, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Step 2: Compose a new SMS with the text “GETOTP” (without quotes), followed by a space and the last six digits of your Virtual ID.
• For example, if your Virtual ID is 1234-1234-1234-9123, the SMS should read: “GETOTP 349123“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a response SMS containing a 6-digit OTP.

Importance of OTPs:

• Enhanced Security: OTPs add an extra layer of security to Aadhaar-related transactions, protecting against unauthorized access.
• Time-Sensitive: OTPs are typically valid for a short duration, minimizing the window of vulnerability.
• Transaction-Specific: Each OTP is unique to a specific transaction, preventing reuse and enhancing security.

Locking and Unlocking Aadhaar Numbers

This feature allows users to prevent unauthorized use of their Aadhaar numbers by locking them. When locked, the Aadhaar number cannot be used for authentication or other services until it is unlocked by the user.

Lock Your Aadhaar Number:

To lock your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “LOCKUID” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “LOCKUID 9123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that your Aadhaar Number has been successfully locked.

It’s important to note that for locking your Aadhaar Number, you must have a pre-generated Virtual ID. If you have multiple dependent Aadhaar Numbers linked to the same mobile number and the last four digits of the Aadhaar Numbers are the same for at least two dependents, the second SMS should include the last eight digits of the Aadhaar Number instead of the last four digits.

Unlocking Your Aadhaar Number:

To unlock your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last six digits of your Virtual ID to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “UNLOCKUID” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last six digits of your Virtual ID, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Virtual ID is 1234-1234-1234-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “UNLOCKUID 349123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that your Aadhaar Number has been successfully unlocked.

If you have multiple dependent Aadhaar Numbers linked to the same mobile number and the last six digits of the Virtual IDs are the same for at least two dependents, the second SMS should include the last ten digits of the Virtual ID instead of the last six digits.

Benefits of Locking/Unlocking:

• Prevent Misuse: Locking your Aadhaar number prevents its unauthorized use for authentication or other services.
• Flexible Control: You can easily unlock your Aadhaar number when needed and lock it again after use.
• Peace of Mind: This feature gives you greater control over your digital identity and how it’s used.

Get Aadhaar Update Status Through SMS

After submitting a request to update your Aadhaar details, you can easily check the status of your update via SMS.

Process:

• Step 1: For this, type “UID STATUS” followed by a space and your 14-digit Enrolment ID or 28-digit Aadhaar number in your phone message app and send the SMS to 51969.
• E.g., UID STATUS<space>14-digit enrollment number, or UID STATUS<space>28-digit EID and send it to 51969.

Importance of Update Status Checking:

• Stay Informed: Regularly checking your update status keeps you informed about the progress of your request.
• Plan Ahead: Knowing the status helps you plan for when you might need to use your updated Aadhaar details.
• Prompt Action: If there are any issues with your update request, you can address them promptly.

Enable/Disable Aadhaar Biometric Lock Through SMS

Biometric locks add an extra layer of security to your Aadhaar data by preventing unauthorized biometric authentication. This feature is particularly useful for protecting sensitive biometric information.

Enabling Biometric Lock:

To enable a biometric lock using your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “ENABLEBIOLOCK” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “ENABLEBIOLOCK 9123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that the biometric lock has been successfully enabled.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use your Virtual ID, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last six digits of your Virtual ID to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “ENABLEBIOLOCK” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last six digits of your Virtual ID, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Virtual ID is 1234-1234-1234-9123 and the OTP received is 123456, the SMS should be: “ENABLEBIOLOCK 349123 012345”.
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that the biometric lock has been successfully enabled.

Disabling Biometric Lock:

To disable a biometric lock using your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “DISABLEBIOLOCK” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “DISABLEBIOLOCK 9123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that the biometric lock has been successfully disabled.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use your Virtual ID, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last six digits of your Virtual ID to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “DISABLEBIOLOCK” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last six digits of your Virtual ID, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Virtual ID is 1234-1234-1234-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “DISABLEBIOLOCK 349123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that the biometric lock has been successfully disabled.

Temporarily Unlocking Biometrics:

To temporarily unlock your biometrics using your Aadhaar Number, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “UNLOCKBIO” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last four digits of your Aadhaar Number, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Aadhaar Number is 1234-5678-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “UNLOCKBIO 9123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that your biometrics have been temporarily unlocked.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use your Virtual ID, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain an OTP by sending an SMS with the text “GETOTP” followed by a space and the last six digits of your Virtual ID to 1947.
• Step 2: Once you receive the OTP, compose a new SMS with the text “UNLOCKBIO” (without quotes), followed by a space, the last six digits of your Virtual ID, another space, and the received 6-digit OTP.
• For example, if your Virtual ID is 1234-1234-1234-9123 and the OTP received is 012345, the SMS should read: “UNLOCKBIO 349123 012345“
• Step 3: Send the SMS to the designated number 1947.
• Step 4: Wait for a confirmation SMS indicating that your biometrics have been temporarily unlocked.

It’s important to note that if your Aadhaar Number is locked, certain services, such as enabling or disabling biometric locks or temporarily unlocking biometrics, will not be allowed until your Aadhaar Number is unlocked.

Benefits of Biometric Locks:

• Enhanced Security: Prevents unauthorized use of your biometric data for Aadhaar authentication.
• Flexibility: You can easily enable or disable the lock as needed, or temporarily unlock for specific purposes.
• Control Over Sensitive Data: Gives you greater control over how and when your biometric data is used.

The Power of SMS in the Aadhaar Ecosystem

SMS technology, despite its simplicity, offers several advantages that make it an ideal medium for Aadhaar services:

• Universal Accessibility: Almost every mobile phone, from the most basic feature phone to the latest smartphone, can send and receive SMS messages. This universality ensures that the services are available to the widest possible audience.
• Network Independence: SMS services typically work even in areas with weak cellular signals, where internet connectivity might be unreliable or non-existent. This makes it particularly valuable in rural and remote areas.
• Simplicity and Familiarity: For many users, especially those not comfortable with complex smartphone apps, SMS represents a familiar and easy-to-use interface. The simple text commands are intuitive and require minimal learning.
• Real-time Processing: SMS messages are processed almost instantly, providing users with quick access to services and immediate confirmation of their requests.
• Cost-Effective: Sending an SMS is generally more cost-effective than using mobile data, making these services economically accessible to all sections of society.

Advanced Considerations for Aadhaar Services on SMS

As we delve deeper into the intricacies of UIDAI’s SMS services, it’s important to highlight some advanced considerations and scenarios that users might encounter:

Multiple Linked Aadhaar Numbers

In some cases, a single mobile number might be linked to multiple Aadhaar numbers, such as those of family members. This can create potential conflicts when using SMS services, especially if the Aadhaar numbers have similar last digits.

Solution:

• For services like locking/unlocking Aadhaar, enabling/disabling biometric locks, or temporarily unlocking biometrics, use the last eight digits of the Aadhaar number instead of the last four.
• When using Virtual IDs in such scenarios, use the last ten digits instead of the last six.

Example: Instead of “LOCKUID 9123 012345”, you would send “LOCKUID 56789123 012345” to 1947.

This approach ensures that the system can accurately identify which Aadhaar number you’re referring to, preventing any confusion or unintended actions on the wrong Aadhaar account.

Locked Aadhaar Numbers and Service Restrictions

When an Aadhaar number is locked, certain SMS services become unavailable until the number is unlocked. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes or access to your Aadhaar details.

Restricted Services When Locked:

• Enabling or disabling biometric locks
• Temporarily unlocking biometrics
• Updating Aadhaar details

To use these services, you must first unlock your Aadhaar number using the process described earlier.

Time Sensitivity of OTPs

One-Time Passwords (OTPs) generated through SMS are typically valid for a limited time, usually around 15-30 minutes. This time sensitivity adds an extra layer of security but also requires users to act promptly.

Best Practices:

• Request the OTP only when you’re ready to complete the intended action.
• If you don’t use the OTP within the valid timeframe, simply request a new one.
• Never share your OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be from UIDAI or any other official entity.

Network Connectivity Considerations

While SMS services are generally more reliable in areas with weak network coverage compared to internet-based services, there can still be delays or failures in message delivery in extremely remote or network-congested areas.

Tips for Ensuring Successful Transactions:

• If you don’t receive a response within a few minutes, wait for some time before trying again to avoid duplicate requests.
• In areas with known network issues, try to send SMS requests during off-peak hours when network congestion is likely to be lower.
• Keep your phone’s SMS inbox from getting full, as this can prevent you from receiving response messages.

Broader Impact of Aadhaar Services on SMS

The introduction of Aadhaar services via SMS has far-reaching implications for Indian society and governance:

1. Digital Inclusion

By making these services available through SMS, UIDAI has taken a significant step towards digital inclusion. This approach ensures that citizens who might be left behind by more advanced technologies can still access and manage their Aadhaar-related services.

• Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Rural areas, which often lag in internet infrastructure, can now access these services as easily as urban centers.
• Age-Inclusive Design: Older citizens who might be less comfortable with smartphone apps find the SMS interface more accessible and user-friendly.
• Economically Inclusive: The low cost of SMS makes these services accessible even to economically disadvantaged sections of society.

2. Enhanced Data Security and Privacy

The SMS-based services, particularly features like Virtual IDs and biometric locks, demonstrate UIDAI’s commitment to data security and user privacy.

• Reduced Digital Footprint: By using Virtual IDs, users can minimize the number of places where their actual Aadhaar number is stored or used.
• User-Controlled Security: Features like Aadhaar locking and biometric locks put control directly in the hands of users, allowing them to manage their own security preferences.
• Limited Data Exposure: The use of last few digits of Aadhaar or Virtual ID in SMS commands limits the exposure of full identification numbers.

3. Empowering Citizens

These services empower citizens by giving them direct control over their Aadhaar-related functionalities:

• Real-Time Management: Users can make changes or check statuses in real-time, without depending on intermediaries or visiting physical centers.
• Increased Awareness: The ease of checking update statuses and managing security features encourages users to be more actively involved in managing their digital identity.
• Reduced Dependence on Physical Infrastructure: Less reliance on physical Aadhaar centers for basic services, which is particularly beneficial during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Supporting e-Governance Initiatives

The SMS-based Aadhaar services align with and support broader e-governance initiatives in India:

• Streamlined Service Delivery: By making Aadhaar management easier, it indirectly facilitates smoother delivery of various government services linked to Aadhaar.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Fewer in-person visits for Aadhaar-related queries or services reduce the administrative load on UIDAI centers.
• Data Accuracy: Easier update processes encourage citizens to keep their Aadhaar information current, improving overall data accuracy in government databases.

5. Fostering Trust in Digital Systems

By providing a simple, accessible, and secure way to manage Aadhaar services, UIDAI is fostering greater trust in digital governance systems:

• Transparency: The immediate responses and status updates via SMS create a sense of transparency in Aadhaar-related processes.
• User Control: Giving users direct control over their Aadhaar security features builds confidence in the system’s privacy measures.
• Reliability: The consistency and availability of SMS services, even in areas with poor internet connectivity, enhance the perceived reliability of digital government services.

Conclusion

The Aadhaar Services on SMS initiative represents a significant leap forward in making digital identity management accessible to all Indian citizens. By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile phones and the simplicity of SMS technology, UIDAI has created a system that bridges technological divides and empowers citizens across all strata of society.