Aadhaar is more than just a unique number for Indians—it’s a trusted proof of identity and address, made even safer with biometric protection. Your fingerprints and iris scans are securely stored and used to confirm your identity whenever you access important services. You can lock or unlock your Aadhaar biometric information whenever you need to give yourself extra control over your privacy.
What Makes Aadhaar Biometric Special?
Every Aadhaar card is linked to your unique biometric data—your fingerprints, iris, and facial image. This data acts as a digital signature, ensuring that only you can access services tied to your Aadhaar. From opening a bank account to receiving government benefits, biometric authentication is a powerful way to prevent fraud and keep your information secure.
Why Unlock Your Biometric Data?
When your biometric data is locked, no one, including you, can use it for authentication. This lock acts as a shield, protecting your information when you’re not using it. But when you need to use your fingerprint or iris scan for verification, you’ll need to unlock your biometric data temporarily. This way, you get smooth access without compromising on security.
Unlocking Your Aadhaar Biometric Online
You can easily unlock your biometric data through the official UIDAI website. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the myAadhaar portal.
- Go to the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ section.
- Choose the option to unlock your biometric information.
- Enter your Virtual ID and the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Request and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Once verified, your biometric data will be unlocked for a short time, so you can complete your transaction or service smoothly.
Unlocking with the mAadhaar App
If you prefer using your phone, the mAadhaar app makes it just as simple:
- Download and open the mAadhaar app.
- Log in using your Aadhaar number and mobile verification.
- Find the ‘Biometric Lock’ feature.
- Follow the instructions to unlock your biometric data by entering your details and the OTP.
- Enjoy quick and secure access wherever you are.
Unlocking via SMS
For those who like using text messages, unlocking is possible by sending an SMS to 1947. Here’s what you need to do:
- Send ‘GVID’ followed by your Aadhaar’s last four digits to 1947 to get your Virtual ID.
- Request an OTP by sending ‘GETOTP’ with your Virtual ID to 1947.
- Send ‘UNLOCKUID’ with your OTP to 1947 to unlock your biometric data.
- You’ll receive a confirmation message once the process is complete.
How Long Does Unlocking Last?
Once you unlock your biometric data, it stays accessible for a brief period, usually around 10 minutes. After this, it automatically locks again for your safety. This way, your biometric information is only available when you need it, reducing the risk of misuse.
Unlocking your Aadhaar biometric data is quick and safe, giving you peace of mind whenever you need to verify your identity. By following these simple steps, you can protect your information while enjoying seamless access to essential services. Always remember to relock your biometric data after use for maximum security.
