How To Lock Or Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics Data Online? Step By Step Guide

Aadhaar Number Biometrics Locking/Unlocking is a service that allows an Aadhaar holder to lock and temporarily unlock their biometrics. UIDAI has given this facility aims to strengthen privacy and confidentiality of Resident's Biometrics Data. 

Aadhaar number holders who have registered mobile number may lock their biometrics. This facility aims to strengthen privacy and confidentiality of Resident's Biometrics Data. After locking biometrics if a UID is used for invoking any of the Authentication services using a biometric modality (Fingerprint/Iris/Face) a specific erraor code '330' indicating biometrics are locked will be displayed and the entity will not be able to perform the biometric authentication.

Aadhaar Biometric data such as fingerprint, iris and Face as a biometric moadlity can be locked by the card holder. After biometric locking, Aadhaar holder will not be able to perform the Aadhaar authentication using the mentioned biometric modalities. 

Locked Biometrics confirms that Aadhaar holder will not be able to use Biometrics (fingerprints/iris/Face) for authentication, it is a safety feature to stop any kind of biometric authentication. It also ensures that any entity by any means cannot perform biometric based Aadhaar authentication for that Aadhaar holder.

Once resident enables Biometric Locking system their biometric remains locked till the Aadhaar Holder chose any below mentioned option:

- Visit myaadhar.uidai.gov in - Select Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics - Read the utilities of Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics and how it works, click next - Select whether you wish to Unlock Biometrics permanently/temporarily - Click on the consent box - Avail your service

Before proceeding to Lock / Unlock Aadhaar, please generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). Once your VID has been generated, please return to this page and proceed to lock your Aadhaar with your VID, then authenticate with your VID whenever necessary, as using your Aadhaar number for authentication will be disabled once locked.

Registered Mobile Number is essential to avail this service. In case your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar you may visit the nearest Enrolment Centre/Mobile Update End Point.