In this article we shall take a look at how one can lock and unlock various features of the Aadhaar card online
The Aadhaar has quickly grown to become one of India’s most used documents as proof of identity. Therefore, it is also necessary to protect those data by Aadhaar Biometric Unlock Online. Since it works as both an ID proof and address proof and contains both demographic and biometric details, it has become a very crucial document to all Indians. As a result, ensuring the highest levels of privacy and security is essential while dealing with your Aadhaar. The UIDAI, which issues the Aadhaar, has put in place several mechanisms to ensure that the details on your Aadhaar stay safe and secure. One of the most prominent of them is the lock/unlock Aadhaar services. Here’s a quick look at how you lock and unlock your Aadhaar services online, via the UIDAI’s official website.
How to Lock your Aadhaar Services?
- First and foremost, visit the UIDAI’s official website.
- From the home page, go to Aadhaar Services and then click on Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Services.
- Next, select the lock UID option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number to proceed.
- Along with this, provide other details, such as your name, pin code and the security code available.
- Next, click on the Send OTP option to complete the verification process.
- Once you receive the OTP on your registered mobile number, enter it in the appropriate field and click on Lock Aadhaar.
How to Unlock your Aadhaar Services?
- First and foremost, visit the UIDAI’s official website.
- From the home page, go to Aadhaar Services and then click on Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Services.
- Next, select the Unlock UID option.
- Enter your Virtual ID to proceed.
- Next, enter the security code shown on the screen and click on Send OTP.
- Once you receive the OTP on your registered mobile number, enter it in the appropriate field and click on Unlock Aadhaar.
Things to know about locking your Aadhaar Service
- Lock your Aadhaar service only if you are sure you do not have to complete any verification process shortly, which requires your Aadhaar card
- Once you lock your Aadhaar services, you will not be able to perform any type of Aadhaar authentication online.
- You will be allowed to complete such authentications using your Virtual ID.
- Applicants need to make sure they have the most updated or newest Virtual ID as it is mandatory to lock and unlock your Aadhaar services.
- To retrieve their Virtual ID, applicants must send the following SMS to 1947:
RVID (Space) Last 4 or 8 digits of your UID
How can resident Lock UID?
To lock your UID (Unique Identification Number), you need a 16-digit VID (Virtual ID) number, which is a necessary requirement for the locking process. If you don’t have a VID, you can easily generate one either through an SMS service or by visiting the UIDAI website (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).
To generate a VID through SMS, send a text message with “GVID” followed by the last 4 or 8 digits of your UID to 1947. For example, send “GVID 1234.”
Alternatively, you can visit the UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock) and follow these steps under the “My Aadhaar” tab to lock your UID:
- Click on “Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services.”
- Select the “UID Lock” option.
- Enter your UID Number, Full Name, and Pin Code as per your latest details.
- Type the Security code.
- Click on “Send OTP” or choose TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) and submit.
- Your UID will be successfully locked.
By following these steps, you can easily lock your UID to ensure its security and prevent unauthorized access.
How can resident Unlock UID?
To unlock your UID (Unique Identification Number), you need to have the latest 16-digit VID (Virtual ID). If you have forgotten your 16-digit VID, you can easily retrieve it through SMS services.
To retrieve your latest VID through SMS, send a text message with “RVID” followed by the last 4 or 8 digits of your UID to 1947. For example, send “RVID 1234.”
Once you have your latest 16-digit VID, you can unlock your UID by following these steps:
- Visit the UIDAI website at https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock.
- Select the “Unlock” radio button.
- Enter your Latest VID and the Security Code.
- Click on “Send OTP” or choose TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) and submit.
- Your UID will be successfully unlocked.
Alternatively, residents can also use the Aadhaar lock or unlock service through the mAadhaar app.
By following these steps, you can easily unlock your UID and regain access to your Aadhaar information.
What all Biometric data can be locked?
When an Aadhaar holder’s biometrics (fingerprint, iris, and face) are locked, it means that these biometric modalities are deactivated for Aadhaar authentication. As a result, the Aadhaar holder won’t be able to use their fingerprint, iris, or face for any form of Aadhaar authentication. This measure is taken to ensure greater security and prevent unauthorized access or misuse of an individual’s biometric data.
By locking biometrics, the Aadhaar holder can have peace of mind knowing that their sensitive biometric information is protected, and they have control over the usage of these biometric modalities for Aadhaar-related activities. It’s an important safety feature that enhances the overall security and privacy of the Aadhaar system.
What happens when Biometric is locked?
When an Aadhaar holder’s biometrics are locked, it means that the individual will not be able to use their biometric data (fingerprints, iris, or face) for authentication purposes. This locking mechanism is a safety feature designed to prevent any form of biometric-based authentication. It ensures that no entity, through any means, can use the Aadhaar holder’s biometrics to perform Aadhaar authentication.
By locking biometrics, the Aadhaar holder gains an extra layer of security and control over their sensitive biometric information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of their Aadhaar identity. This measure helps protect individuals’ privacy and enhances the overall security of the Aadhaar system.
Aadhaar Biometric Unlock via SMS
To perform Aadhaar Biometric unlock using the SMS facility, it is essential to have a Virtual ID (VID) to complete the process. The steps involved are as follows:
Step 1: Create a Virtual ID (VID) by sending a text message to 1947 with the content “GVID [SPACE] Last four digits of your Aadhaar card number.”
Step 2: After obtaining the VID, request an OTP by sending a text message to 1947 with the content “GETOTP [SPACE] Last six digits of your Virtual ID.”
Step 3: Upon receiving the OTP, send another text message to 1947 with the content “UNLOCKUID [SPACE] Last six digits of your Virtual ID [SPACE] Six digits of the OTP.”
Step 4: After filling in the OTP, the system will verify the information, and upon successful verification, you will receive a confirmation text message from UIDAI stating the current status of unlocking your Aadhaar card number.
By following these steps, you can easily perform Aadhaar Biometric unlock through the SMS facility using your Virtual ID.
How to Generate VID?
To use the Aadhaar unlock and lock feature, you need to create a Virtual Identification or VID. The VID is a 16-digit number linked to your Aadhaar card number and remains valid until you generate a new one. This security code is sent to your registered phone number for verification.
Having a VID offers several benefits, including the ability to open a bank account and participate in government programs. The process of generating a Virtual ID is straightforward and involves the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, choose the ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’ option.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the ‘VID Generator’ login page.
Step 4: Select the ‘Generate VID’ option and provide your Aadhaar number and the correct Captcha. Click on the ‘Send OTP’ button to receive the security code.
Step 5: Once you have filled in the details, an OTP will be sent to your registered email and phone number.
By following these steps, you can easily create a Virtual ID and use it for Aadhaar unlock and lock features, as well as other services that require your Aadhaar information.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar card is much more than just an identity card. It is a sophisticated system linked to all of the government’s initiatives to reach out to the common man through welfare schemes as well as for other administrative compliances. So it is important for all Aadhaar card holders to understand the functionality as well as all the features of Aadhaar, as these will all reap benefits in the long run. If you have any other doubts or queries with regards to Aadhaar card, get in touch with us and we will ensure that your concerns are addressed with the best professional help.
FAQs
Why would someone want to lock their Aadhaar number?
Locking your Aadhaar number can prevent unauthorized access to your biometric and demographic data. It can also prevent identity theft and fraud.
Is there any fee associated with locking and unlocking Aadhaar?
No, there is no fee associated with locking and unlocking Aadhaar. This service is available free of cost.
How long does it take to unlock Aadhaar after making the request?
The time taken to unlock Aadhaar after making the request may vary depending on the processing time of the concerned authorities. Generally, it takes around 6 hours to 24 hours to unlock Aadhaar.
Are there any security concerns associated with unlocking Aadhaar?
Unlocking Aadhaar can increase the risk of unauthorized access to your biometric and demographic data. Therefore, it is recommended to lock your Aadhaar number when not in use.
What happens if I forget the password or PIN after locking my Aadhaar?
If you forget the password or PIN after locking your Aadhaar, you can reset it by following the instructions on the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
Can I perform any Aadhaar-related services when it's locked?
No, you cannot perform any Aadhaar-related services when it's locked. You need to unlock your Aadhaar to avail of any services that require Aadhaar authentication.
How does locking my Aadhaar number increase its security?
Locking your Aadhaar number can prevent unauthorized access to your biometric and demographic data. It can also prevent identity theft and fraud. When you lock your Aadhaar, your biometric and demographic data cannot be used for authentication purposes.
Are there any limitations to the number of times I can lock and unlock my Aadhaar?
No, there are no limitations to the number of times you can lock and unlock your Aadhaar. You can lock and unlock your Aadhaar as many times as you want.
Why would one opt for a masked Aadhaar instead of a regular one?
A masked Aadhaar is a version of Aadhaar that hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number. It can be used for authentication purposes where only your name, photograph, and demographic information are required. It is useful in situations where you do not want to disclose your Aadhaar number.
Can I download a masked Aadhaar from the UIDAI website?
Yes, you can download a masked Aadhaar from the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
How is a masked Aadhaar different from the regular Aadhaar in terms of functionality?
A masked Aadhaar is a version of Aadhaar that hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number. It can be used for authentication purposes where only your name, photograph and demographic information are required. In contrast, a regular Aadhaar contains your full Aadhaar number and can be used for all Aadhaar-related services that require authentication.
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