Step-by-Step Guide to Locking and Unlocking Your Aadhaar

If you want to secure your Aadhaar card from illegal usage due to loss or theft, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a lock/unlock option. If your Aadhaar card is misplaced or stolen, you can lock it to avoid fraud.

According to sources, you may remove this lock after you locate or replace your card, either by using your registered mobile phone or by visiting the UIDAI website. Your Aadhaar cannot be used for authentication while it is locked.

Here’s How You Can Lock Your Aadhaar Card

• Create a Virtual ID (VID): To lock your Aadhaar, you’ll need a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). This may be generated via the “Generate Virtual ID” feature on the UIDAI website [www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in] or by SMS. To generate a VID by SMS, text “GVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID]” to 1947. For example, “GVID 1234”.
• Lock Your Aadhaar With VID: Once you’ve obtained the VID, use it to secure your Aadhaar on the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. After locking, authentication by your Aadhaar number, biometric, demographic, or OTP means will be disabled.

Here’s How You Can Unlock Your Aadhaar Card

• Retrieve your VID: If you need to unlock your Aadhaar but have forgotten your VID, text “RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID]” to 1947 to get it. For example, “RVID 1234”.
• Unlock Aadhaar using VID: Once you have your VID, visit the UIDAI website or download the mAadhaar app to unlock your Aadhaar. After unlocking, authentication using the Aadhaar number or VID is enabled again.

Simple Steps To Retrieve VID after Locking

If you forget your VID after locking your UID, you can recover it by SMS. Here’s how.

1. Send an SMS to 1947 using your registered cell phone.
2. The message should include “RVID” followed by a space and the last four or eight digits of your UID. Example: RVID 1234.
3. You will get your 16-digit VID by SMS to your registered mobile number.

Simple Steps To Lock Your UID

To lock your UID, you’ll need a 16-digit VID (Virtual ID). If you don’t already have one, you can receive one via SMS or the UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in). 

Here’s what you need to do:

• Once you have your VID, go to the UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) and select the “Lock/Unlock Aadhaar” option.
• Enter your 16-digit VID and follow the on-screen prompts to lock your UID.
• After locking, your UID is safeguarded from illegal usage. If you wish to unlock it later, enter your VID and complete the same steps on the UIDAI website.