UIDAI provides a service to Lock and Unlock your Aadhaar Card online through the official portal of UIDAI myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Check the entire process below.
The Aadhaar number, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become an important identification for Indian residents.
Did you know you can lock and unlock your Aadhaar number online? This feature helps protect your personal information from misuse. Locking your Aadhaar means no one can use your Aadhaar number without your permission. When you need to use it, you can easily unlock it as well.
Here in this article, we are going to understand the entire Aadhaar lock and unlock process along with details like when and why you should do this.
About Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Feature
What is Aadhaar Locking/Unlocking?
Aadhaar locking is a security measure that allows you to temporarily deactivate your Aadhaar number for authentication purposes. When locked, your Aadhaar cannot be used for biometric, demographic, or one-time password (OTP) based verifications until you choose to unlock it.
This feature provides an additional layer of privacy and protection against unauthorized use of your Aadhaar information.
Why is it Important?
- Enhanced Privacy: By locking your Aadhaar, you prevent any unintended or unauthorized authentication attempts.
- Control Over Data: You decide when your Aadhaar can be used for verification purposes.
- Protection Against Fraud: Reduces the risk of identity theft or misuse of your Aadhaar details.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your digital identity is secure when not in active use.
Virtual ID (VID): The Key to Locking and Unlocking
Before getting into the locking and unlocking processes, it’s important to understand the concept of Virtual ID (VID) and how to generate a VID.
What is a Virtual ID (VID)?
A Virtual ID is a 16-digit temporary, revocable number that can be used in place of your Aadhaar number. It adds an extra layer of security by allowing you to share a proxy number instead of your actual Aadhaar number for authentication purposes.
Generating a Virtual ID
To lock or unlock your Aadhaar, you must first generate a VID. Here’s how:
- Online Method:
- Visit the UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/)
- Navigate to the “Generate Virtual ID” service in your Dashboard
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create your VID
- SMS Method:
- Compose an SMS with the format: RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID]
- Example: If your Aadhaar number ends with 1234, send “RVID 1234”
- Send this SMS to 1947
- You’ll receive your 16-digit VID via SMS
Remember, your VID is temporary and can be regenerated as needed for enhanced security.
How to Lock Your Aadhaar Online?
Now that you have your VID, follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar:
- Visit the official UIDAI website: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock
- Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar‘
- An instruction page will open. Here, click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Now, select the ‘Lock Aadhaar‘ radio button.
- Enter the following details:
- Your 16-digit Virtual ID number
- Your full name (as per Aadhaar)
- Your pincode
- The captcha code displayed on the screen
- Click on the ‘Send OTP‘ button.
- You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.
- Enter this OTP in the designated field and click ‘Submit‘.
Upon successful submission, you’ll receive a confirmation message that your Aadhaar has been locked.
How to Unlock Your Aadhaar?
There may be times when you need to use your Aadhaar for authentication. Here’s how to unlock it:
- Visit the same UIDAI webpage: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock
- Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar‘.
- This time, select the ‘Unlock Aadhaar‘ radio button.
- Enter your latest 16-digit Virtual ID and the captcha code.
- Click on ‘Send OTP’ button.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Then, click on the ‘Submit‘ button.
Your Aadhaar will now be unlocked and ready for authentication use.
Locking/Unlocking Aadhaar Via SMS
For those who prefer using SMS or don’t have immediate internet access, UIDAI provides an SMS-based method for locking and unlocking your Aadhaar.
To Lock Your Aadhaar Card via SMS:
- Send an SMS to 1947 with the text: GETOTPLAST <last 4 or 8 digits of your Aadhaar>
- You’ll receive a 6-digit OTP
- Send another SMS to 1947: LOCKUID <last 4 or 8 Aadhaar digits> <6-digit OTP>
To Unlock Your Aadhaar Card via SMS:
- Send an SMS to 1947: GETOTPLAST <last 6 or 10 VID digits>
- You’ll receive a new 6-digit OTP
- Send another SMS to 1947: UNLOCKUID <last 6 or 10 VID digits> <6-digit OTP>
Benefits of Locking Your Aadhaar
- Privacy Protection: Prevents unauthorized use of your Aadhaar for authentication purposes.
- Controlled Access: You decide when your Aadhaar can be used for verification.
- Reduced Risk: Minimizes the chances of identity theft or fraudulent activities using your Aadhaar.
- Flexible Usage: Easily unlock when needed for legitimate authentication purposes.
- No Impact on Services: Locking doesn’t affect any active Direct Benefit Transfers or previously availed Aadhaar-linked services.
Important Considerations
- Always keep your Virtual ID confidential, just like your Aadhaar number.
- Regularly update your VID for enhanced security.
- Remember to unlock your Aadhaar before any planned authentication needs.
- Locking your Aadhaar doesn’t affect services already linked to it.
- If you forget to unlock your Aadhaar, you may face temporary inconvenience in availing certain services.
