This guide explains the process using the mobile app and UIDAI website, ensuring data privacy and reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
How to Check Aadhar Biometrics Lock or Unlock?
The Aadhaar Number, issued to all Indian residents by UIDAI, has become a crucial document for identity and address proof. However, with its widespread acceptance, there’s a risk of data misuse and duplication. To address this concern, UIDAI introduced a biometric locking feature, allowing Aadhaar holders to secure their fingerprint and iris data. This lock and unlock option enhances data privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that personal information remains protected while still being accessible when required. With this upgraded safety measure, Aadhaar card holders can have greater control over their sensitive biometric details, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential data breaches.
When you lock your Aadhaar biometrics, it remains inaccessible by default. To use Aadhaar for authentication, you must unlock it temporarily or disable the locking system entirely.
Accessing Through Mobile App
- Download and install the mAadhaar App on your mobile device
- Create your Aadhaar profile and set a password to access it
- Tap on the ‘three dots’ menu at the top right corner of the screen
- Select the ‘Biometric Settings’ option
- Enable Biometric Lock by checking the corresponding option and confirming with the ‘tick mark’
- An OTP request will be sent to your mobile, and the application will automatically verify it
- Approve the task, and your biometrics will be locked
- It takes up to 6 hours for the Aadhaar locking to activate.
Unlocking Your Biometrics Using the Mobile App
- Login to the mAadhaar App using your password
- Access your profile and tap on the ‘three dots’ menu
- Select ‘Biometric Settings’
- Unselect ‘Enable Biometric Lock’ and confirm with the ‘tick mark’
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile and automatically verified
- Approve the process to unlock your Aadhaar biometrics for 10 minutes
- Remember that the biometrics will lock again after 10 minutes, so complete your authentication before that.
Accessing Through Website
- Go to uidai.gov.in and click on ‘Aadhaar Services,’ then choose ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number and the Security Code
- Click on ‘Send OTP,’ and the OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP and click on ‘Login’ to lock your biometrics.
Unlocking Your Biometrics Through the UIDAI Website
- Click on ‘Login’
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the security code
- Click on ‘Send OTP,’ and the OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP and click on ‘Login’
- Enter the security code and click on ‘Unlock’
- Your Aadhaar biometrics will be accessible temporarily for 10 minutes, and the locking date and time will be displayed.
Disabling Your Aadhaar Biometrics
If you wish to permanently disable the biometric lock, follow these steps:
- Access the UIDAI portal online
- Login using your Aadhaar card
- Enter the security code displayed on the portal and click on ‘Disable’
- Your biometrics will be permanently disabled.
Important Points to Remember
Locking and unlocking Aadhaar biometrics provide an added layer of security and control over your personal data. To ensure a smooth process, there are important points to keep in mind. This guide will highlight the key considerations for locking and unlocking your Aadhaar biometrics.
Registered Mobile Number is Essential
To avail of the lock/unlock feature, it is crucial to have a registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. The OTP required for the process will only be sent to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar account.
Registering Your Mobile Number
If your mobile number is not yet registered with Aadhaar, you can visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment center or use the mobile update facility to link your mobile number to your Aadhaar. Without a registered mobile number, you won’t be able to use the biometric lock/unlock service.
Service Availability
If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, you won’t have access to the biometric lock/unlock service. It’s essential to complete the mobile number registration process to enjoy this feature.
No Fee Required
There is no fee associated with locking, unlocking, or disabling your biometrics. These services are provided free of charge by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Online Process Only
The entire process of locking and unlocking biometrics is conducted online. Whether you use the mobile app or the UIDAI website, make sure you have a stable internet connection to perform these actions.
Error Code ‘330’ for Locked Biometrics
After locking your biometrics, if you attempt to authenticate using biometric parameters like fingerprints or retinal matching, you will receive a specific error code of ‘330.’ This error code indicates that your biometrics are locked, and you need to unlock them to proceed with biometric-based authentication.
Conclusion
The security and privacy of your Aadhaar biometric information are of paramount importance. By using the biometric lock feature, you take control of your data, ensuring that only you can authorise any Aadhaar-based requests involving iris or thumb scanning. Additionally, timely updates of your biometric data, at least once every 10 years, help maintain the accuracy and reliability of your Aadhaar authentication. By adhering to these recommendations, you contribute to the effectiveness of the Aadhaar system and safeguard your personal identity against unauthorised access and potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biometric data stored?
Yes, biometric data is stored in the system for individuals who have enrolled in Aadhaar. It includes biometric parameters like fingerprints and iris scans, ensuring secure and accurate identification.
Who collects biometric data?
Biometric data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) during the Aadhaar enrollment process, which includes fingerprints and iris scans for accurate identification and authentication.
Can biometric data be deleted?
Biometric data in Aadhaar cannot be deleted once it has been enrolled and stored in the system. However, any future changes or updates to this policy may alter the possibility of data deletion.
How can I check my Aadhar card biometric?
You have the option to either access the UIDAI website and log in with your Aadhaar and OTP to verify your Aadhaar biometric status, or you can use the mAadhaar app to do the same by logging into your account.
Can we do Aadhaar biometric online?
yes, Online updates for mobile numbers are not possible. You'll need to visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or Aadhaar Enrolment Update Centre to update it. Biometric updates, including photographs, require the Aadhaar holder to visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in person.
How can I activate my Aadhar card biometric?
To activate your Aadhar card biometrically, visit the nearest Aadhar Enrolment Centre with your Aadhar card and biometric device. Fill out the necessary form and provide your biometric data. Once verified, your biometrics will be linked to your Aadhar card, enabling biometric authentication for various services.
How can I link my Aadhar card with my fingerprint?
You can refresh your biometrics (fingerprints, iris, photograph) in your Aadhaar. To update them, simply visit the closest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Remember to bring along your original documents for the update process.
What is biometric ID login?
Biometric login offers a convenient way to authorise access to private content within your app. Users can skip the hassle of recalling account credentials by simply using their biometric data to confirm their identity and grant access to the private content.
Is Aadhaar biometric update free?
Biometric Update is required, free of charge. Demographic updates of any kind cost ₹50 (inclusive of GST).
How long is an Aadhar card biometric valid?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) suggests that Indian citizens update their biometric information every decade.
Is my Aadhaar biometric locked?
If the biometrics in your Aadhaar are locked, you'll notice a red biometrics lock symbol.
How do I enable biometric login?
To enable biometric login, go to your device's settings and locate the 'Security' or 'Biometrics' options. Choose 'Fingerprint' or 'Face Recognition' and follow the prompts to register your biometric data. After registration, you can use your fingerprint or face to securely unlock your device or authenticate specific actions.
Can we unlock Aadhaar biometric permanently?
No, Aadhaar biometric unlocking can't be permanent due to security reasons. Biometric authentication is a crucial security measure, and Aadhaar mandates periodic re-authentication to ensure data integrity and user verification.
What to do if Aadhaar biometric is not working?
f Aadhaar biometric isn't working, visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Center to update biometric data or use alternate authentication methods like OTP or mAadhaar app.
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