Aadhaar Biometric Lock & Unlock — How to Protect Your Aadhaar from Misuse

Your Aadhaar number is linked to your fingerprints, iris scans, and demographic data. If someone gains access to your Aadhaar number, they could potentially misuse it for unauthorized biometric authentication. UIDAI provides a biometric lock feature that lets you disable biometric authentication when you don't need it — and unlock it temporarily when you do.

This guide covers everything you need to know about locking your Aadhaar biometrics, generating a Virtual ID, using masked Aadhaar, checking authentication history, and reporting misuse.

What Is Aadhaar Biometric Lock?

Aadhaar biometric lock is a security feature offered by UIDAI that disables biometric authentication (fingerprint and iris) against your Aadhaar number. When locked:

• No one can authenticate using your fingerprints or iris scan
• Demographic and OTP-based authentication still works
• You can temporarily unlock biometrics whenever needed

Think of it as a safety switch — keep it locked by default and unlock only when you need biometric verification at a bank, telecom store, or government office.

Why You Should Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics

• Prevent unauthorized authentication: Stops anyone from misusing your biometrics without your knowledge
• Protection against fraud: Even if your Aadhaar number is compromised, locked biometrics cannot be used
• You stay in control: Unlock temporarily only when you need it, then lock again
• No cost involved: The feature is completely free on both the UIDAI portal and mAadhaar app

How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics via myAadhaar Portal

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI Portal

Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP.

Step 2: Navigate to Lock/Unlock Biometrics

After logging in, go to My Aadhaar → Aadhaar Services → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.

Step 3: Enable Biometric Lock

• Select Lock to disable biometric authentication
• Confirm the action via OTP sent to your registered mobile number
• You will receive a confirmation message once biometrics are locked

Step 4: Verify Lock Status

After locking, the portal will show your biometric status as Locked. You can verify this anytime by logging back in.

How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics via mAadhaar App

The mAadhaar app (available on Android and iOS) provides the easiest way to manage biometric lock.

Steps:

1. Download mAadhaar from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and add your Aadhaar profile using OTP verification
3. Go to Biometric Lock from the main menu
4. Tap Enable Biometric Lock
5. Authenticate via OTP sent to your registered mobile
6. Your biometrics are now locked

The mAadhaar app also lets you quickly unlock and re-lock biometrics — making it the most convenient option for everyday use.

How to Temporarily Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

When you need biometric authentication (e.g., at a bank or SIM verification centre), you can temporarily unlock your biometrics.

Via mAadhaar App:

1. Open the mAadhaar app
2. Go to Biometric Lock section
3. Tap Unlock Biometrics
4. Authenticate with OTP
5. Biometrics are temporarily unlocked

Important: Temporarily unlocked biometrics automatically re-lock after a single successful authentication or after a set time period. You don't need to manually re-lock.

Via myAadhaar Portal:

1. Log in at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Navigate to Lock/Unlock Biometrics
3. Select Unlock and verify via OTP
4. Complete your biometric authentication at the required service point
5. Return to the portal and lock biometrics again (or they auto-lock)

Virtual ID (VID) — Share Without Revealing Your Aadhaar Number

A Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number mapped to your Aadhaar. You can share your VID instead of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.

How to Generate VID:

Via myAadhaar Portal:

1. Log in at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Go to VID Generator
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha
4. Request OTP and verify
5. Your VID is sent to your registered mobile number

Via mAadhaar App:

1. Open the app and go to your profile
2. Tap Generate VID
3. Verify via OTP
4. VID is displayed and sent via SMS

Key Facts About VID:

• 16-digit temporary number
• Can be used wherever Aadhaar number is accepted for authentication
• Can be regenerated anytime (old VID becomes invalid)
• Agencies cannot derive your Aadhaar number from VID
• Valid until you generate a new one

Masked Aadhaar — Download Without Full Number Visible

A masked Aadhaar displays only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number (e.g., XXXX XXXX 1234). This is useful when you need to share your Aadhaar document but want to protect your full number.

How to Download Masked Aadhaar:

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Log in and go to Download Aadhaar
3. Check the Masked Aadhaar option before downloading
4. Verify via OTP and download the PDF

Masked Aadhaar is a valid document accepted by most agencies. For a detailed download guide, see our guide on downloading e-Aadhaar.

Aadhaar Authentication History — Check Who Used Your Aadhaar

UIDAI lets you check your Aadhaar authentication history to see when and where your Aadhaar was used for verification.

How to Check:

1. Log in at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
2. Navigate to Aadhaar Authentication History
3. Select the date range (up to 6 months) and authentication type
4. View the list of authentication requests

What You Can See:

• Date and time of each authentication
• Type of authentication (biometric, OTP, demographic)
• Name of the requesting agency (AUA)
• Whether authentication was successful or failed

If you spot any unauthorized authentication, take immediate action by locking your biometrics and filing a complaint (see below).

TOTP-Based Authentication

TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) is an alternative to SMS OTP for Aadhaar authentication. It generates a temporary code in the mAadhaar app that is valid for 30 seconds.

How to Use TOTP:

1. Open the mAadhaar app
2. Tap TOTP from the main menu
3. A 8-digit code is generated, valid for 30 seconds
4. Share this code with the authentication agency instead of waiting for SMS OTP

Benefits of TOTP:

• Works even when SMS delivery is delayed
• More secure than SMS OTP (generated locally on your device)
• No dependency on mobile network for OTP delivery
• Useful in areas with poor network coverage

How to Report Aadhaar Misuse

If you suspect your Aadhaar has been misused, act immediately:

Step 1: Lock Biometrics

Use the mAadhaar app or UIDAI portal to lock your biometrics right away.

Step 2: File a Complaint with UIDAI

• Online: Visit uidai.gov.in and go to Contact & Support → File a Complaint
• Email: Send details to help@uidai.gov.in
• Toll-free helpline: Call 1947

Step 3: Lodge a Police Complaint

If financial fraud has occurred, file an FIR with your local police station and a cyber crime complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Step 4: Check Authentication History

Review your authentication history to identify unauthorized usage and share this information with authorities.

For more troubleshooting, see our Aadhaar common problems and solutions guide.

Tips to Keep Your Aadhaar Safe

• Keep biometrics locked by default — unlock only when needed
• Use VID instead of your actual Aadhaar number whenever possible
• Download masked Aadhaar when sharing documents
• Check authentication history periodically (at least once a month)
• Use TOTP instead of SMS OTP for faster, more secure authentication
• Never share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone over phone or message
• Update your mobile number with UIDAI to ensure you receive all alerts

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• Download e-Aadhaar Card Online
• Aadhaar Linking Guide
• Aadhaar Common Problems & Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I lock my Aadhaar biometrics?

When you lock your Aadhaar biometrics, no one (including you) can use fingerprint or iris authentication against your Aadhaar number. OTP and demographic authentication continue to work normally. You can temporarily unlock biometrics whenever needed.

Can I unlock biometrics temporarily for a single use?

Yes. You can temporarily unlock biometrics via the mAadhaar app or myAadhaar portal. Once unlocked, biometrics automatically re-lock after a successful authentication or after the temporary unlock period expires.

Is the biometric lock feature free?

Yes, biometric locking and unlocking is completely free. You can use it unlimited times through the mAadhaar app or the UIDAI portal at no cost.

What is the difference between VID and masked Aadhaar?

A Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit number used in place of your Aadhaar number during authentication. Masked Aadhaar is a downloaded document that hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number. VID is for digital authentication; masked Aadhaar is for physical document sharing.

How often should I check my Aadhaar authentication history?

UIDAI recommends checking your authentication history periodically. Checking once a month is a good practice. You can view up to 6 months of authentication records through the myAadhaar portal.

Can someone misuse my Aadhaar if my biometrics are locked?

With biometrics locked, no one can perform biometric-based authentication using your Aadhaar. However, OTP-based authentication still works, so ensure your registered mobile number is secure and never share OTPs with anyone.

What should I do if I find unauthorized authentication in my history?

Immediately lock your biometrics, file a complaint with UIDAI via their helpline (1947) or website, and lodge a police complaint if financial fraud is involved. Save screenshots of the unauthorized authentication records as evidence.