What Is Aadhaar Biometric Locking?

UIDAI offers a powerful security feature called Biometric Locking, which allows you to temporarily disable the use of your fingerprints and iris data for Aadhaar authentication. When your biometrics are locked, no one — not even you — can use your biometric data to authenticate your identity until you unlock it.

This is one of the best ways to protect yourself against identity fraud, especially if you suspect that your Aadhaar data has been compromised.

Why Should You Lock Your Biometrics?

  • Prevents unauthorized use of your fingerprints for fraudulent authentication
  • Protects against SIM swap fraud and fake bank account openings
  • Gives you control over when and where your biometrics can be used
  • Recommended for people not using biometric authentication regularly

Prerequisites

  • Your mobile number must be registered with your Aadhaar (for OTP-based access)
  • Access to the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app
  • Your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID)

Method 1: Lock Biometrics via UIDAI Portal

  1. Visit uidai.gov.in and click on "My Aadhaar".
  2. Under the "Aadhaar Services" section, click on "Lock/Unlock Biometrics".
  3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and complete the CAPTCHA.
  4. Click "Send OTP". An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile.
  5. Enter the OTP and log in.
  6. Click "Lock Biometrics" and confirm your action.
  7. You'll receive a confirmation SMS that your biometrics have been locked.

Method 2: Lock/Unlock via the mAadhaar App

  1. Open the mAadhaar app on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
  2. Navigate to "My Aadhaar" → "Biometric Lock".
  3. Verify your identity using your registered mobile OTP or mPIN.
  4. Toggle the Biometric Lock switch to ON (to lock) or OFF (to unlock).
  5. Confirm the action — changes take effect immediately.

How to Unlock Your Biometrics When Needed

When you need to use biometric authentication (e.g., at a bank, ration shop, or government office), you must temporarily unlock your biometrics:

  1. Follow the same steps above but choose "Unlock Biometrics" or "Temporarily Unlock".
  2. A temporary unlock is valid for 10 minutes only.
  3. After the time window expires, the lock is automatically re-applied.

Tip: Use the temporary unlock option whenever possible so you don't have to remember to re-lock manually.

What Happens When Biometrics Are Locked?

  • Fingerprint and iris authentication will fail immediately for any service.
  • You can still use OTP-based authentication normally.
  • Face authentication (via mAadhaar) may still be available depending on the service provider.
  • Enrollments and updates at centers will not be affected (done with document verification).

Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID): Another Layer of Security

In addition to biometric locking, consider using a Virtual ID (VID) instead of sharing your full Aadhaar number. A VID is a temporary, 16-digit number that can be used in place of your Aadhaar number for authentication — without revealing your actual Aadhaar number.

  • Generate or regenerate your VID at uidai.gov.in → Generate VID.
  • A new VID can be generated once every 24 hours.
  • The old VID automatically expires when a new one is generated.

Combining biometric locking + VID usage gives you the strongest protection for your Aadhaar identity.

Quick Security Checklist

  • ✅ Lock biometrics when not in active use
  • ✅ Use VID instead of sharing your full Aadhaar number
  • ✅ Regularly check your authentication history on the UIDAI portal
  • ✅ Never share your OTP with anyone, including callers claiming to be from UIDAI
  • ✅ Report suspicious activity to UIDAI's helpline: 1947