Aadhaar Security: In today’s times, the Aadhaar card has become a crucial document for banking services, government schemes, and various essential tasks. Consequently, keeping Aadhaar-related information secure is vital. If you wish to prevent anyone from performing authentication using your Aadhaar number without your permission, UIDAI’s ‘Aadhaar Lock’ feature can be very useful.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a facility to lock and unlock the Aadhaar number as needed. However, before using this feature, it is important to understand which services might be affected when Aadhaar is locked and how it can be unlocked again when required.
What is UIDAI’s Aadhaar Lock feature?
UIDAI’s Aadhaar Lock feature allows you to restrict authentication processes linked to your Aadhaar number. When the Aadhaar number is locked, biometric, demographic, and OTP-based authentication cannot be performed using it. This helps minimize the risk of unauthorized use of the Aadhaar number.
However, locking the Aadhaar number may also make it difficult for the holder to access services that require authentication via the Aadhaar number. This feature requires a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID).
How to lock your Aadhaar number? Here is the complete process
If you wish to lock your Aadhaar number, you can follow the steps outlined below:
First, visit the official UIDAI website.
Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section on the website and select the ‘Aadhaar Lock & Unlock’ service.
Next, click on the ‘UID Lock’ option.
Fill in the required details and enter the security code.
Complete the request using the OTP received on your registered mobile number or through the verification process available on the portal.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the locking process.
Keep your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) ready before locking your Aadhaar. If you do not have a VID, it can be generated using the facility available on the official UIDAI website.
What happens when the Aadhaar is locked?
Once the Aadhaar number is locked, it cannot be used for biometric, demographic, or OTP-based authentication. Consequently, you may face difficulties accessing services that require identity verification directly via the Aadhaar number.
However, according to UIDAI, authentication can still be performed using the latest Virtual ID (VID) even while the Aadhaar is locked. The VID is a 16-digit temporary number used as an alternative to the Aadhaar number.
Please note that locking your Aadhaar number and locking your bank account are two different things. The Aadhaar locking facility controls authentication performed using the Aadhaar number; it does not directly freeze your bank account, nor does it guarantee complete protection against banking fraud.
How do I unlock my Aadhaar number?
If you need to authenticate using your Aadhaar number for a service, you can unlock it. You will need your latest 16-digit VID to do so.
Follow these steps to unlock your Aadhaar:
Visit the official UIDAI website.
Open the ‘Aadhaar Lock & Unlock’ service under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.
Select the ‘UID Unlock’ option.
Enter your latest VID and the requested security code.
Follow the instructions for the verification process provided on the portal.
Check the confirmation message displayed on the screen after the request is completed.
Once the process is complete, authentication using the Aadhaar number can be performed again. If you have forgotten your VID, you can check the options available on the official UIDAI website to generate or retrieve it.
What precautions should be taken to secure your bank account? Locking your Aadhaar can help prevent unauthorized use of Aadhaar-based authentication, but other precautions are also necessary to secure your bank account. Do not share your OTP, ATM PIN, UPI PIN, or internet banking password with anyone. Avoid clicking on unknown links and contact your bank immediately if you notice any suspicious transactions in your account.
Note: The options and procedures for locking and unlocking Aadhaar are subject to change. Therefore, please check the latest instructions on the official UIDAI website before taking any action.
