How to Lock and Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics Online
Aadhaar is currently the world’s largest biometric ID system and one of the most important documents for proof of residence, as well as identity proof. Though it is not a proof of citizenship and is completely voluntary and not mandatory, the 12-digit number provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is unique to each person. The number is also linked to the resident’s basic biometric as well as demographic information like their photograph, fingerprints and iris scans, which are all stored in a centralised database. Though it is a valid document, Aadhaar is not intended to replace any existing identity cards, and neither does it guarantee rights or benefits of any sorts.
The Aadhaar number is prone to mishandling as well as theft. To avoid all of this, the simple and hassle-free measure is to lock the biometric data stored on the UIDAI servers. It is easy to lock your data online as it can be unlocked, used for verification and be locked again through a simple procedure.
How to lock your Aadhaar biometrics online
- Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website - https://uidai.gov.in/
- Step 2: Go to the ‘Enrolment and Update’ tab on the page
- Step 3: Click on ‘Aadhaar Services’ from the menu that opens below
- Step 4: A new page will open. On this page under the ‘Reference Links’ section, click on the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ option
- Step 5: In the space provided, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number that is present on your card
- Step 6: Enter the security code from the dialogue box that pops up below the Aadhaar number
- Step 7: The One-time-password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number that has been registered with UIDAI and linked with Aadhaar
- Step 8: Verify the OTP by typing it into the space provided
- Step 9: Check the ‘Enable Biometric Locking’ box that appears after you type the OTP
- Step 10: Click on ‘Enable’ once the box is checked
- Step 11: Your Aadhaar Biometrics will be locked
To use your locked biometric information, you must either unlock it or disable the lock. Unlock is a temporary solution and enables you to use the biometric data for 10 minutes before it is automatically locked again. Disable unlocks your biometric data till you lock it again.
How to unlock your Aadhar biometrics
Follow steps 1 through 8 mentioned in the lock section above, then follow these steps
Step 1: Choose the Unlock or Disable option
That’s it. You are done.
Make sure you use the UIDAI website, rather than third-party websites that claim to be able to lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometrics, as the Aadhaar site is registered and legitimate, while third-party sites might not be.
Benefits of locking Aadhar biometrics
If you are worried about the misuse of your biometric information, you can prevent misuse by locking it. It’s like putting your money in a safe deposit vault.
The downside is that every time your need to access your biometrics, you will need to unlock or disable it.
So, weigh the pros and cons before you lock or unlock your Aadhar biometrics.
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