Aadhaar is one of the most important identity documents in India. It is linked to bank accounts, mobile numbers, and several government schemes. However, with its increasing use, the chances of fraud and misuse have also risen. To prevent any unauthorized access to your Aadhaar details, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a simple method to lock your Aadhaar. Once locked, your Aadhaar number cannot be used for authentication, preventing misuse.
If you are worried about the security of your Aadhaar, locking it is the best way to keep your details safe. Here’s how you can do it easily.
Why Should You Lock Your Aadhaar?
With digital transactions becoming common, fraudsters try to misuse Aadhaar details for identity theft, financial fraud, and illegal activities. Locking your Aadhaar prevents:
Unauthorized access to your personal information.
Fake transactions using your Aadhaar number.
Identity theft and misuse in bank accounts, SIM cards, and loans.
Once locked, your Aadhaar cannot be used for biometric or demographic authentication. You can unlock it anytime when required.
Methods to Lock Your Aadhaar Card
UIDAI allows users to lock their Aadhaar through two primary methods:
Via UIDAI Website
Using the mAadhaar Mobile App
Both methods are simple and secure. Let’s go through each step in detail.
If you need to use your Aadhaar for any service, you can unlock it anytime:
Unlocking Aadhaar via UIDAI Website:
Visit UIDAI website and click on ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock’.
Enter your Aadhaar number and security PIN.
Click on ‘Unlock Aadhaar’.
Your Aadhaar will be unlocked temporarily.
Unlocking Aadhaar via mAadhaar App:
Open the mAadhaar app and log in.
Select ‘Unlock Aadhaar’ from the menu.
Enter your security PIN and confirm.
Your Aadhaar will be unlocked immediately.
Alternative: Locking Your Aadhaar Biometrics
If you don’t want to lock your entire Aadhaar, you can just lock your biometric data:
Visit the UIDAI website or use the mAadhaar app.
Select ‘Biometric Lock’ and log in with OTP.
Click ‘Enable Biometric Locking’.
Once locked, your fingerprints and iris scan cannot be used for authentication.
Final Thoughts
Locking your Aadhaar is a smart move to prevent fraud. With a few simple steps, you can secure your identity and avoid misuse. If you ever need to use your Aadhaar, unlocking is just as easy. Stay safe, stay secure!
Naresh Saini, a graduate with over 10 years of experience in the insurance and investment sectors, specializes in covering topics related to insurance, investments, and government schemes. His expertise and passion for the financial industry allow him to provide valuable insights, helping readers make informed decisions. Naresh is committed to delivering clear and engaging content in these fields.