Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Online: Protect Your Privacy by Locking and Unlocking Your Aadhaar
For Indian residents, the Aadhaar number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has become a vital piece of identification for accessing various services and benefits.
However, with the importance of Aadhaar comes concerns about privacy and security of personal data.
To address these concerns, UIDAI provides a mechanism for residents to lock and unlock their Aadhaar numbers, giving them control over authentication usage.
What is Aadhaar Locking/Unlocking?
Locking your Aadhaar number essentially deactivates authentication through your Aadhaar for biometrics, demographics, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
When locked, you cannot perform any Aadhaar-based authentication until you unlock it. This feature enhances privacy by restricting unintended usage of your Aadhaar information.
Unlocking reactivates all authentication methods tied to your Aadhaar number. The process is designed to be user-friendly through UIDAI’s website and mAadhaar mobile app.
How to Lock Your Aadhaar Online?
Before proceeding to Lock Aadhaar, you have to generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), as only VID has the ability to Lock / Unlock Aadhaar.
You can generate your VID using the Generate Virtual ID service from the Dashboard or by sending an SMS to 1947. The format of the SMS should be: RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID] {ex: RVID 1234}, and send it to 1947.
To lock Aadhaar online
Once your VID has been generated, proceed to lock your Aadhaar with your VID, then authenticate with your VID whenever necessary, as using your Aadhaar number for authentication will be disabled once locked.
- Visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock
- Under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click ‘Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services‘
- Select ‘Lock Aadhaar‘ radio button
- Now, enter your Virtual ID number, Full Name, Pincode and Captcha Code.
- Then, click ‘Send OTP‘ option.
- An OTP will be received on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated area and click on submit button.
Your Aadhaar is now locked. You’ll receive a confirmation message.
How to Unlock Your Aadhaar?
To Unlock Aadhaar, you have to generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) as well, as only VID has the ability to Unlock Aadhaar.
Generate your VID using the Generate Virtual ID service from the Dashboard or by sending an SMS. To generate it through SMS, SMS RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of UID] {ex: RVID 1234} to 1947.
To unlock Aadhaar online
To unlock Aadhaar online, follow the steps provided below:
- Visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock
- On this page, under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab, click ‘Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services‘
- Select ‘Unlock‘ radio button
- Enter latest 16-digit VID and captcha code
- Click on ‘Send OTP‘ option and submit the OTP received on your registered mobile number
Your Aadhaar is now unlocked for authentication usage.
Locking/Unlocking Aadhaar Via SMS
You can lock/unlock through SMS too. For this, follow the steps provided below:
To lock Aadhaar via SMS
- Send ‘GETOTPLAST <4 or 8 Aadhaar digits>’ to 1947
- UIDAI will send a 6-digit OTP
- Send ‘LOCKUID <last 4 or 8 Aadhaar digits> <6-digit OTP>’
To unlock via SMS
- Send ‘GETOTPLAST <last 6 or 10 VID digits>’ to 1947
- UIDAI will send a new 6-digit OTP
- Send ‘UNLOCKUID <last 6 or 10 VID digits> <6-digit OTP>’
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| Order Aadhaar PVC Card | Check Aadhaar PVC Card Status |
| Update Aadhaar Details | Update Aadhaar Mobile Number |
| Update Aadhaar Address | Check Aadhaar Update Status |
Benefits of Locking Aadhaar
By locking your Aadhaar, you effectively disable its usage as an identity proof until you choose to unlock it manually. This prevents any unintended authentication attempts and preserves your privacy. Locking doesn’t impact any active Direct Benefit Transfers or other Aadhaar-linked services availed previously.
The lock/unlock process is streamlined for user convenience while upholding robust security protocols like OTPs and captchas. This empowers residents to maintain control over their personal data’s usage proactively.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar lock/unlock system is a commendable solution that balances the need for unique identification with an individual’s privacy rights. Residents can leverage this feature through UIDAI’s digital platforms and SMS facility to manage authentication usage as per their comfort and requirements, enhancing trust in the Aadhaar ecosystem.
FAQs
Q1. What is the purpose of locking your Aadhaar?
A1. Locking your Aadhaar deactivates authentication through your Aadhaar for biometrics, demographics, and one-time passwords (OTPs). It enhances privacy by restricting unintended usage of your Aadhaar information.
Q2. How can I lock my Aadhaar online?
A2. To lock your Aadhaar online, you need to generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) first. Then, visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock, select the “Lock Aadhaar” option, enter your VID, name, pincode, and captcha code. Finally, submit the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
Q3. How do I unlock my Aadhaar?
A3. To unlock your Aadhaar, you need to generate a new 16-digit VID. Then, visit https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock, select the “Unlock” option, enter your latest VID and captcha code, and submit the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
Q4. Can I lock/unlock my Aadhaar via SMS?
A4. Yes, you can lock/unlock your Aadhaar via SMS. To lock, send ‘GETOTPLAST <4 or 8 Aadhaar digits>’ to 1947, followed by ‘LOCKUID <last 4 or 8 Aadhaar digits> <6-digit OTP>’. To unlock, send ‘GETOTPLAST <last 6 or 10 VID digits>’ to 1947, followed by ‘UNLOCKUID <last 6 or 10 VID digits> <6-digit OTP>’.
Q5. What are the benefits of locking your Aadhaar?
A5. Locking your Aadhaar prevents any unintended authentication attempts and preserves your privacy. It doesn’t impact any active Direct Benefit Transfers or other Aadhaar-linked services availed previously. It empowers residents to maintain control over their personal data’s usage proactively.
Q6. Is it necessary to generate a new VID every time I want to lock/unlock my Aadhaar?
A6. No, you don’t need to generate a new VID every time. You can use the same VID for locking and unlocking your Aadhaar. However, it’s recommended to generate a new VID periodically for enhanced security.
