As digital identity verification becomes integral to financial transactions, SIM card issuance, and government subsidies, safeguarding biometric data has never been more crucial. To combat identity fraud and unauthorized biometric authentication, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a Biometric Lock/Unlock feature directly within the updated mAadhaar mobile application.
When enabled, this feature prevents anyone—including unauthorized entities or fraudsters—from authenticating transactions using your fingerprints or iris scans.
UIDAI: Why Lock Your Biometrics?
- Prevents Unauthorized Usage: Blocks fraudulent biometric authentication attempts across banking, telecom, and government portals.
- Temporary Unlocking: Allows you to unlock biometrics on demand for 10–20 minutes to complete a specific verification (e.g., e-KYC for SIM registration or bank account opening).
- OTP Verification Remains Active: Locking biometrics does not block OTP-based authentication (Demographic/e-KYC via registered mobile number).
Step-by-Step Guide: Locking Your Biometrics on mAadhaar
1.Download and Register on mAadhaar App:Prerequisite.
Download the official mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register using your registered mobile number to receive a one-time password (OTP).
2.Set Up Profile & 4-Digit Passcode:Security Step.
Create a 4-digit security PIN/passcode. Add your 12-digit identification profile to the app by authenticating with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
3.Navigate to Biometric Lock Settings:Main Menu.
From the main dashboard, tap on My Aadhaar or swipe to your registered profile card. Locate and select Biometric Lock / Unlock.
4.Enable Biometric Locking:Confirmation.
Enter your 4-digit app passcode, enter the security Captcha shown on screen, and click Request OTP. Enter the OTP received via SMS to confirm and enable the biometric lock.
Quick Feature Reference: Lock vs. Temporary Unlock
| Feature | Biometric Locked | Biometric Temporarily Unlocked |
| Fingerprint Authentication | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Allowed (10–20 min window) |
| Iris Scan Authentication | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Allowed (10–20 min window) |
| OTP Authentication (e-KYC) | ✅ Active | ✅ Active |
| Virtual ID (VID) Generation | ✅ Active | ✅ Active |
| Automatic Re-locking | N/A | ✅ Automatically re-locks after timer expires |
Best Security Practices for Identity Protection
- Use Virtual ID (VID): Instead of sharing your primary 12-digit identification number for routine verifications, generate a 16-digit temporary Virtual ID via the app.
- Keep Mobile Number Updated: All security alerts and OTP authorizations require an updated, active mobile number linked to your official record.
- Download Only Official Apps: Always verify that the developer is UIDAI on official app stores before installing any application.