How to Lock and Unlock Biometrics in Aadhaar?

How to Lock and Unlock Your Biometrics in Aadhaar? It can be done through the mAadhaar app and the UIDAI official website. The entire procedure is described below.

Your Aadhaar card contains important personal information, including your biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans. Did you know you can protect this sensitive information by locking it? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a feature that allows you to lock your biometrics, preventing unauthorized access or misuse.

When you need to use your biometrics for Aadhaar-related services, you can easily unlock them. This article will explain why you might want to lock your biometrics, and guide you through the simple steps to lock and unlock them using UIDAI’s official website or mobile app.

Content Index

1 Understanding Biometrics Locking in Aadhaar
- 1.1 Key benefits of biometric locking include:
2 How to Lock Your Biometrics in Aadhaar?
- 2.1 Method 1: Locking Biometrics via the Aadhaar Website
- 2.2 Method 2: Locking Biometrics via the mAadhaar Mobile App
3 How to Unlock Your Biometrics in Aadhaar Card?
- 3.1 Method 1: Unlocking Biometrics via the Aadhaar Website
- 3.2 Method 2: Unlocking Biometrics via the mAadhaar Mobile App
4 Reasons to Lock Your Biometrics
5 Best Practices for Managing Your Aadhaar Biometrics
6 Conclusion

Understanding Biometrics Locking in Aadhaar

Biometrics locking is a security feature that allows Aadhaar cardholders to temporarily disable the use of their biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) for authentication purposes.

This feature adds an extra layer of protection to your Aadhaar-linked services, preventing unauthorized access even if someone manages to obtain your biometric information.

Key benefits of biometric locking include:

Enhanced security against identity theft
Prevention of unauthorized Aadhaar authentication
Greater control over personal data usage

How to Lock Your Biometrics in Aadhaar?

You can lock your Aadhaar biometrics through two primary methods: the official UIDAI website and the mAadhaar mobile app. Let’s explore both options in detail.

Method 1: Locking Biometrics via the Aadhaar Website

Follow these steps to lock your biometrics through the UIDAI website:

Visit the official Aadhaar website (https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/).
Click on the “Login” option on the main page.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) and the captcha code.
Click on the “Login with OTP” button.
You’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter this OTP.
Click on the “Continue” button.
Look for and click on the “Lock/Unlock Your Biometrics” link.
Tick the declaration box that states, “I understand that after biometric lock is enabled, I will not perform biometric authentication until I unlock biometric”.
Click on “Lock Biometrics”.
You’ll receive a confirmation message once your biometrics are successfully locked.

Method 2: Locking Biometrics via the mAadhaar Mobile App

For those who prefer using their smartphones, the mAadhaar app offers a convenient way to lock your biometrics:

Download and install the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
Open the app and enter your four-digit password.
Click on your profile and re-enter the 4-digit password. Click “OK”.
Tap on the three vertical dots and select the “Biometric Setting” option.
Click on the tickbox next to “Enable Biometric Lock”.
A disclaimer will appear, stating that “you will be able to perform bio auth for next 6 hours”. Click “OK”.
You’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter this OTP.
Click the “OK” button.
Your biometrics will be locked, and you’ll see a message saying “Your Biometric is Locked”.

How to Unlock Your Biometrics in Aadhaar Card?

There may be times when you need to unlock your biometrics to access certain services. Here’s how you can do it:

Method 1: Unlocking Biometrics via the Aadhaar Website

Go to the official UIDAI website (https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/).
Click on the “Login” option.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) and the captcha code.
Click on the “Login with OTP” button.
Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number and click “Continue”.
Click on the “Lock/Unlock Your Biometrics” link.
Click on “Unlock Biometrics”.
Then click on “Disable Locking Features”.
You’ll receive a confirmation message once your biometrics are unlocked.

Method 2: Unlocking Biometrics via the mAadhaar Mobile App

Open the mAadhaar app and enter your 4-digit password.
Go to your profile.
Look for the option “BIOMETRICS LOCKED (CLICK TO UNLOCK)” and tap on it.
Enter your 4-digit password and click “OK”.
A popup will appear saying “Successfully unlocked your biometric”.

Reasons to Lock Your Biometrics

Understanding when to lock your biometrics is crucial for maintaining the security of your Aadhaar-linked services. Consider locking your biometrics in the following situations:

Suspicion of Biometric Data Compromise: If you believe your fingerprints or iris scans may have been illegally obtained or compromised, locking your biometrics can prevent unauthorized access to your Aadhaar-linked services.
Enhanced Security Measures: Even without a specific threat, locking your biometrics provides an additional layer of security, particularly useful when accessing sensitive services or conducting financial transactions.
Temporary Deactivation: If you’re planning to be away from your usual place of residence for an extended period, locking your biometrics can prevent potential misuse during your absence.
Personal Preference: Some individuals may choose to lock their biometrics as a precautionary measure, exercising their right to control the use of their personal data.

Best Practices for Managing Your Aadhaar Biometrics

To ensure the utmost security of your Aadhaar-linked services, consider these best practices:

Regular Checks: Periodically verify the status of your biometric lock, especially if you’ve recently used services requiring biometric authentication.
Temporary Unlocking: If you need to use a service requiring biometric authentication, consider unlocking your biometrics temporarily and relocking them immediately after use.
Keep Your Mobile Number Updated: Ensure that your current mobile number is registered with Aadhaar, as this is crucial for receiving OTPs and notifications about your biometric lock status.
Use Virtual ID: Whenever possible, use your Virtual ID instead of your Aadhaar number for added security.
Monitor Aadhaar Authentication History: Regularly check your Aadhaar authentication history to ensure there are no unauthorized authentications.

Conclusion

The ability to lock and unlock your biometrics in Aadhaar is a powerful tool that puts you in control of your personal data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily manage your biometric security, ensuring that your Aadhaar-linked services remain protected from unauthorized access.

Remember, in today’s digital landscape, being proactive about your data security is not just an option – it’s a necessity. The biometrics locking feature in Aadhaar provides a convenient and effective way to safeguard your identity. Whether you choose to use the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app, regularly managing your biometric lock status should become a part of your digital hygiene routine.