How to lock/unlock Aadhaar biometrics via UIDAI portal

With the advent of Digital India, the country has witnessed multiple initiatives that have digitally empowered the citizens and offered services at their fingertips. Accessing Aadhaar and its services is one of them, where a person can opt for various necessary services by using Aadhaar to prove their identity, which can be done digitally. However, Digital identity theft is also a growing concern, India's Aadhaar initiative has introduced measures to safeguard personal information, particularly through the locking and unlocking of biometrics. Every individual’s Aadhaar - a unique 12-digit personal identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) - includes biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photographs to authenticate individuals.

Locking biometrics provides a layer of security, ensuring that your biometric data cannot be misused for authentication purposes without your consent. Conversely, unlocking biometrics allows seamless access to services that require Aadhaar authentication, balancing convenience with protection. Understanding how to effectively manage these settings empowers individuals to safeguard their privacy and ensure the secure use of Aadhaar across various platforms and services.

Let’s look at the ways to practice the lock/unlock biometrics of Aadhaar:

How to lock Aadhaar biometrics 

1. Visit UIDAI's Official Website:
   - Go to the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/

2. Select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics':
   - Under the Aadhaar Services section on the homepage, click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' under the 'My Aadhaar' tab.

3. Enter Aadhaar Number:
   - Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the provided field.

4. Receive OTP:
   - You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the given space.

5. Lock Biometrics:
   - After entering the OTP, you will have the option to lock your biometrics. Confirm the action by clicking on 'Lock Biometrics'.

6. Confirmation:
   - Once successfully locked, you will see a confirmation message. Your biometrics will be locked instantly.

How to unlock Aadhaar biometrics 

1. Visit UIDAI's Official Website:
   - Go to the UIDAI website: [https://uidai.gov.in/](https://uidai.gov.in/).

2. Select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics':
   - Navigate to 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' under the 'My Aadhaar' tab.

3. Enter Aadhaar Number:
   - Enter your Aadhaar number.

4. Receive OTP:
   - You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the provided space.

5. Unlock Biometrics:
   - Once OTP is verified, you will have the option to unlock your biometrics. Click on 'Unlock Biometrics'.

6. Confirmation:
   - After confirming, your biometrics will be unlocked instantly, and you will receive a confirmation message.

Key Points to remember:
- Registered Mobile Number: Ensure your mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar for OTP authentication.
- Security: Locking biometrics prevents any unauthorized use. Only you can unlock them when needed.
- Offline Methods: You can also visit Aadhaar Enrollment/Update Centers for biometric locking/unlocking.

By following these steps, you can easily manage the locking and unlocking of your Aadhaar biometrics online. These features, introduced by authorities, aim at minimising the cases of digital theft and protecting the sensitive data of the individual.