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.
Locking Aadhaar Through UIDAI Website
Follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar via the official UIDAI website:
- Visit the UIDAI Website:
- Go to https://uidai.gov.in
- Click on the ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock’ Option:
- Under ‘My Aadhaar’, select the ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock’ option.
- Enter Your Aadhaar Number:
- Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security code shown on the screen.
- Generate OTP:
- Click on ‘Send OTP’. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.
- Enter OTP and Submit:
- Enter the OTP received and submit the request.
- Set a Security PIN:
- Create a 4-digit security PIN. This PIN will be required for unlocking Aadhaar.
- Confirm Locking:
- Click on ‘Lock Aadhaar’. Once locked, your Aadhaar cannot be used for authentication.
Locking Aadhaar Using the mAadhaar App
If you prefer using a mobile app, follow these steps:
- Download the mAadhaar App:
- Install the official ‘mAadhaar’ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Login Using Aadhaar Credentials:
- Open the app and register with your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Go to ‘Aadhaar Lock’ Option:
- Select ‘Aadhaar Lock’ from the menu.
- Generate OTP:
- Click on ‘Send OTP’ and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Lock Your Aadhaar:
- Confirm the action, and your Aadhaar will be locked instantly.
How to Unlock Your Aadhaar?
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!