Aadhaar Biometric - Step-by-Step Process for Aadhar Card Biometric Lock

Aadhaar biometric lock adds one more layer of safety to your identity. When you lock it, any fingerprint, iris, or face-based Aadhaar authentication will not work. This helps stop misuse at ATMs, SIM KYC points, AEPS, or any place that uses biometric devices. You can still use OTP-based services. You can also unlock it for a short time when you need it, or disable the lock later.

What is a biometric lock

• It turns off all Aadhaar biometric use (fingerprint, iris, face).

• It can be unlocked temporarily for one task.

• You can disable the lock any time to keep biometrics usable again.

• You need a mobile number linked to Aadhaar to receive OTP/TOTP.

Before you start (quick checklist)

• Aadhaar number (or VID if you use UID lock; not needed for biometric lock).

• Registered mobile number active for OTP.

• mAadhaar app installed if you plan to use TOTP.

Method A: Lock biometrics on the myAadhaar portal (website)

1. Open the myAadhaar portal and sign in with Aadhaar number → captcha → OTP.

2. Go to Lock/Unlock Biometrics.

3. Read the note and tick the consent box.

4. Choose Enable/Lock Biometrics.

5. Verify with OTP (or TOTP from the mAadhaar app).

6. You will see a success message. From now, biometric authentication is blocked.

Method B: Lock biometrics on the mAadhaar app

1. Open mAadhaar and log in with your registered mobile (OTP).

2. Tap My Aadhaar → Lock/Unlock Biometrics (or Biometric Settings).

3. Tick the consent box.

4. Tap Enable/Lock Biometrics.

5. Confirm with OTP/TOTP.

6. You will see a success note on screen.

Temporary unlock (for a single transaction)

Use this when a bank/telecom counter asks for fingerprint/iris just once.

Website (myAadhaar):

1. Sign in → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.

2. Choose Unlock Biometrics.

3. Confirm with OTP/TOTP.

4. Your biometrics are unlocked for a short time to finish the task.

5. They auto-lock again after that short window, or you can lock them yourself.

mAadhaar app:

1. Open app → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.

2. Tap Unlock Biometrics → confirm with OTP/TOTP.

3. Finish your transaction. It will re-lock soon after.

Disable biometric lock (keep it open until you lock again)

1. Website/app → Lock/Unlock Biometrics.

2. Select Disable Biometric Locking.

3. Confirm with OTP/TOTP.

4. Biometrics will stay usable until you enable the lock again.

What gets blocked vs what still works

Blocked when locked

• Fingerprint/iris/face-based Aadhaar authentication at devices.

• Biometric eKYC at banks, telecom, AEPS, etc.

Usually works

• OTP/TOTP-based Aadhaar services and demographic eKYC (where allowed).

• Downloading e-Aadhaar, checking status, viewing authentication history.

Common errors and easy fixes

• Not getting OTP: check network, SIM in the phone, and registered mobile status.

• “Mobile not linked”: visit an Aadhaar centre to update your mobile.

• App login issue: update mAadhaar to the latest version and retry.

• Need to unlock at a centre: ask at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre; carry ID and your registered mobile.

Biometric Lock vs Aadhaar (UID) Lock

• Biometric Lock: blocks only biometric authentication. OTP/TOTP flows can still work.

• Aadhaar (UID) Lock: locks the Aadhaar number itself; you must use the VID for any auth. It is a different feature, used when you want to hide the UID completely.

Safety tips

• Keep biometrics locked by default; unlock only when needed.

• Never share OTP/TOTP with anyone.

• Check Aadhaar Authentication History on myAadhaar to see recent attempts.

• Re-lock right after your work is done.

Conclusion

Biometric lock is a simple and strong way to protect your Aadhaar. Turn it on in a minute, unlock it when you need to give a fingerprint or iris, and let it lock back again. With your registered mobile and OTP/TOTP, you stay in full control of when and where your biometrics are used.