Aadhaar Lock and Unlock feature: What it is and how to use it

Aadhaar offers a helpful feature called "Aadhaar Lock/Unlock" that lets you take control of how your Aadhaar number is used. Security and privacy of personal data is always a primary concern for all the users. To strengthen the security of his/her Aadhaar number and to provide control to the citizen, UIDAI provides a mechanism of locking and unlocking Aadhaar number (UID). The Aadhaar lock/unlock feature restricts certain functionalities when enabled.

Aadhaar number holder can lock his or her Aadhaar (UID) via UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) or through mAadhaar app. By doing this Aadhaar number holder cannot perform any sort of Authentication using UID, UID Token & VID for Biometrics, Demographic & OTP modality.

What it does:

* When you lock your Aadhaar, it temporarily disables authentication using your Aadhaar number (UID) itself. This means entities cannot use your Aadhaar number to verify your identity for various services.

* You can still use your Virtual ID (VID), a temporary 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar, for authentication purposes.

How to lock your Aadhaar:

There are two ways to lock your Aadhaar:

1. Using the UIDAI website:

* Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/

* Under "My Aadhaar" section, click on "Aadhaar Lock & Unlock" services.

* Select "UID Lock" and enter your UID number, full name, and PIN code.

* You can choose to receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS or use a Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) generated by the mAadhaar app.

* Enter the received OTP or TOTP and submit the request.

* Upon successful locking, you'll receive a confirmation message.

2. Using the mAadhaar App:

* Download and install the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

* Log in to your mAadhaar app using your registered mobile number and OTP.

* Navigate to the "Services" section and select "Aadhaar Lock/Unlock."

* Choose "Lock Aadhaar" and follow the on-screen instructions. You might need to enter your Aadhaar number and OTP for verification.

How to unlock your Aadhaar

For Unlocking UID Aadhaar number holder should have latest 16 digit VID and if Aadhaar number holder forgot 16 digit VID he can retrieve latest VID through SMS services.

*To unlock UID, Aadhaar number holder may visit UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock

*select Unlock radio button

*Enter Latest VID and security Code and click on send OTP or select TOTP and click on Submit

* Your UID will be unlocked successfully.