How to lock/unlock you Aadhaar? These UIDAI services let you do it seamlessly

For residents, safeguarding personal data is a significant concern. To enhance the security of Aadhaar numbers and give residents greater control over their privacy, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) - responsible for issuing the 12-digit personal identification number known as Aadhaar based on biometric and demographic data - provides a system for locking and unlocking the Unique Identification (UID) Number or Aadhaar number online. A string of online services provided by the UIDAI enable Aadhaar subscribers to lock or unlock their UIDs website through the myAadhaar portal (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) or the mAadhaar mobile app.

What does locking an Aadhaar mean?

When a resident locks their Aadhaar, they cannot perform any authentication using UID, UID Token, or VID(Virtual ID) for biometrics, demographic information, or OTP modalities. To unlock the UID, residents can use their latest VID via the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
It is only after unlocking that the resident can resume using the UID, UID Token, and VID for authentication.

Here’s a step-by-step guide t lock and unlock your Aadhaar UID, according to the UIDAI website, uidai.gov.in:

How to lock UID
To lock their UID, residents need a 16-digit VID number, which is a prerequisite. If they don't have a VID, it can be generated via SMS or the UIDAI website.
1. SMS Service:
   - Send an SMS: GVID [space] last 4 or 8 digits of UID to
1947. (Example: GVID 1234)
2. UIDAI Website:
   - Visit the website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock).
   - Under the "My Aadhaar" tab, click on
"Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services."
   - Select the UID Lock radio button option.
   - Enter the UID Number, Full Name, and PIN code as per the
latest details.
   - Enter the Security code.
   - Click on ‘Send OTP’ or select ‘TOTP’ and click ‘Submit’.
Your UID will be locked successfully.

How to unlock UID
To unlock the UID, residents need the latest 16-digit VID. If they forget their VID, they can retrieve it through SMS services.
1.  Retrieve VID via SMS:
   - Send an SMS: RVID [space] last 4 or 8 digits of UID to
1947. (Example: RVID 1234)
2. UIDAI Website:
   - Visit the website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock).
   - Select the ‘Unlock Radio Button’ option.
   - Enter the latest VID and Security Code.
   - Click on ‘Send OTP’ or select ‘TOTP’ and click ‘Submit’.
Your UID will be unlocked successfully.
Residents can also use the mAadhaar app for locking or unlocking their UID.
Thus, use the above-mentioned steps to lock and unlock the Aadhaar.

What to do if you forget your VID after locking your UID?
If you forget your VID after locking your UID, you can retrieve it via SMS. The VID will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Send an SMS: RVID [space] last 4 or 8 digits of UID to 1947.