How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometric Details: Tips to Avoid Identity Theft and AEPS Scam
With an alarming rise in Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AEPS) scams, locking your Aadhaar biometric details is essential to protect your identity and finances. Fraudsters can exploit your fingerprints or iris scans to siphon funds from your bank account, often without your knowledge. Fortunately, the UIDAI offers a fast and simple solution—biometric lock—to block unauthorized access and fraud.
Why Locking Your Aadhaar Biometrics Matters
Prevents misuse of fingerprints and iris data for AEPS fraud and unauthorized banking transactions
Blocks authentication with your Aadhaar biometrics, even if someone obtains your number or copies your fingerprint
Ensures only you can unlock your biometrics when needed, giving you control over sensitive information
Essential especially for senior citizens, low-income groups, or anyone with Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Ways to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics
1. Online via the UIDAI Portal
Visit the UIDAI myAadhaar portal (uidai.gov.in)
Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section and click on ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code
Receive an OTP on your registered mobile number; enter it for verification
Click ‘Enable Biometric Locking’
Your biometrics are now locked—no fingerprint or iris scan-based Aadhaar authentication will work until you unlock
2. mAadhaar Mobile App
Download the mAadhaar app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Tap ‘My Aadhaar’ and enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and OTP
Select the ‘Biometrics Lock’ option to activate the lock
You can unlock your biometrics any time when required (for KYC, SIM, or other uses)
3. SMS Method (Without Internet Access)
Generate an OTP by sending:
GETOTP <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> to 1947
Once you receive the OTP, send:
LOCKUID <last 4 digits of Aadhaar> <6-digit OTP> to 1947
Biometrics will be locked after confirmation
Additional Security Tips to Prevent Identity Theft & AEPS Scams
Do NOT share Aadhaar copies on WhatsApp or at unauthorised locations
Monitor Aadhaar authentication history: Log in at UIDAI and check for unfamiliar recent authentication requests
Destroy photocopies of Aadhaar securely; avoid public photocopy shops
Keep your registered mobile number active for OTP-based processes
Unlock biometrics temporarily only when absolutely needed and lock again immediately after
Use your Virtual ID (VID) for online transactions instead of disclosing your Aadhaar number
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens when I lock my Aadhaar biometrics?
Your fingerprints, iris, and face data cannot be used for any Aadhaar authentication—including banking, eKYC, and AEPS transactions—until you unlock them.
Q2: Can I unlock my biometrics for a transaction and re-lock after?
Yes, you can unlock biometric data temporarily via the same process (UIDAI portal/app/SMS) and re-lock as soon as your transaction is complete.
Q3: Will locking biometrics impact receipt of subsidies or government services?
No. Subsidies and most services are processed using OTP or account linking, not biometric authentication. Locking biometrics does NOT affect your benefits.
Q4: Can my bank or telecom operator know I have locked biometrics?
No. If biometric authentication fails, they may simply request you to unlock and try again. Your data remains safe until you grant access.
Q5: Is the biometric lock option available only online?
No. You can use the UIDAI portal, mAadhaar app, or even your Aadhaar-registered mobile via SMS for maximum convenience and coverage.
Published on: July 28, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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