Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock Online – Complete Guide

Did someone take your fingerprint at a SIM shop or a ration centre without your permission? Or are you worried that your Aadhaar details are being misused somewhere?

There is one thing you can do right now to stop that, lock your Aadhaar biometrics.

It is a free feature by UIDAI that blocks all fingerprint, iris and face-based authentication on your Aadhaar. No one, not even a telecom operator or a bank can verify you using biometrics until you unlock it yourself.

You can check how many SIM Cards active on your aadhar card number. Here is everything you need to know.

What is Aadhaar Biometric Lock?

Aadhaar biometric lock is a security feature provided by UIDAI. When you enable it, your fingerprints, iris scan and face are all blocked for authentication purposes.

This means:

• No one can use your Aadhaar biometrics to get a new SIM card in your name
• No unauthorized e-KYC or bank account opening is possible
• Even if someone has your Aadhaar number, they cannot misuse your biometrics

OTP-based authentication still works normally after locking. Only biometric authentication gets blocked.

Important: Your registered mobile number is required to use this service. If your number is not linked to Aadhaar, visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it first.

Two Types of Aadhaar Lock – Know the Difference First

Important Note: Use Biometric Lock for regular protection. Use Aadhaar UID Lock only when you want your Aadhaar number fully dormant and only after you have saved your VID.

What is Virtual ID (VID) and Why It Matters

VID is a 16-digit temporary number generated by UIDAI and linked to your Aadhaar. It can be used instead of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication.

VID is mandatory for Aadhaar UID Lock/Unlock. Without your latest VID, you cannot unlock a locked Aadhaar UID. Always generate and save it before you lock the UID.

How to Generate Your VID:

Via myAadhaar Portal: Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → Aadhaar Services → Virtual ID (VID) Generator → verify with OTP → your 16-digit VID is shown on screen

Via SMS: Send GVID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> to 1947 Example: GVID 5678 – VID will be sent to your registered mobile

Forgot VID? Retrieve it: Send RVID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> to 1947

Save your VID somewhere safe. If you lock your Aadhaar UID and then lose the VID, you cannot unlock it online. Also check how to order Aadhaar PVC Card

Part 1 – How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics Only

This only blocks biometric authentication fingerprint, iris and face. Your OTP-based services and government portal logins continue to work normally.

Method A : Via myAadhaar Portal

Steps to Lock:

Step 1 – Open myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in in your browser. Click on Login form button.

Step 2 – Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code shown on screen

Step 3 – Click Send OTP, an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number

Step 4 – Enter the OTP and log in to your myAadhaar dashboard

Step 5 – Go to My Aadhaar → Aadhaar Services → Lock/Unlock Biometrics

Step 6 – Select Lock your Biometric option (or Lock Biometrics)

Step 7 – Verify once more with OTP sent to your mobile

Step 8 – Click Submit, you will see a success message on screen and receive an SMS confirmation

Your biometrics are now locked. Any fingerprint or iris authentication attempt on your Aadhaar will be rejected with error code 330.

Steps to Unlock (Temporary – for 10 minutes):

Step 1 – Follow the same login process as mentioned above.

Step 2 – Go to Aadhaar Services → Lock/Unlock Biometrics

Step 3 – Select Unlock Biometrics

Step 4 – Tick the consent box and verify with OTP

Step 5 – Submit and your biometrics are now unlocked

Biometrics stay unlocked for 10 minutes only and auto-lock after that. You don’t need to manually re-lock.

Method B : Via mAadhaar App

The mAadhaar app is the fastest option especially useful when you need to quickly unlock before visiting a bank or a government office.

Steps to Lock via mAadhaar App:

Step 1 – Download mAadhaar from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Step 2 – Open the app and register your Aadhaar profile with OTP verification

Step 3 – After login, tap My Aadhaar tab at the bottom of the screen

Step 4 – Tap the three dots (menu icon) at the top right corner

Step 5 – Select Biometric Settings (or Lock/Unlock Biometrics)

Step 6 – Read the note and tick the consent checkbox

Step 7 – Tap Enable Biometric Locking

Step 8 – Enter OTP sent to your registered mobile and confirm

Step 9 – Done. You will see a success confirmation on screen

Steps to Unlock via mAadhaar App:

Step 1 – Open mAadhaar and log in

Step 2 – Go to My Aadhaar → Biometric Settings

Step 3 – Tap Unlock Biometrics and tick the consent box

Step 4 – Enter OTP and confirm

Biometrics stay unlocked for 10 minutes and auto-lock again.

Part 2 – How to Lock Aadhaar UID (Complete Lock)

This is the stronger option. When you lock your Aadhaar UID, no authentication of any kind works – not biometric, not OTP, not demographic. Your Aadhaar number is completely dormant.

Before you start: Generate and save your VID. It is mandatory to unlock the UID later.

Steps to Lock Aadhaar UID:

Step 1 – First go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → Aadhaar Services → Virtual ID Generator and generate your VID. Save it.

Step 2 – Now go to → Aadhaar Services → Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Service

Step 3 – Select Lock Aadhaar (UID)

Step 4 – Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, full name, and PIN code

Step 5 – Enter the security captcha and click Send OTP

Step 6 – Enter the OTP and submit

Step 7 – Your Aadhaar UID is now completely locked

Steps to Unlock Aadhaar UID:

Step 1 – Go to Aadhaar Services → Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Service

Step 2 – Select Unlock Aadhaar (UID)

Step 3 – Enter your 16-digit VID (NOT your Aadhaar number – VID is mandatory here)

Step 4 – Enter the captcha and click Send OTP

Step 5 – Enter the OTP and submit

Step 6 – Your Aadhaar UID is unlocked. All authentication works again.

If you lost your VID: Send RVID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> to 1947 to retrieve it on your registered mobile.

Also Read:

How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account Online: Step by Step Guide
How to Download Aadhar Card Without Mobile Number

When Should You Use Which Lock?

Use Biometric Lock when:

• You suspect your fingerprint was taken without consent at a SIM shop or ration centre
• You found a fake SIM registered on TAFCOP in your name
• You want protection but still need OTP-based services to work (bank portals, government sites)

Use Aadhaar UID Lock when:

• Your Aadhaar number is compromised and you want it completely shut down
• You have your VID saved and are ready to use it for unlocking later

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