Aadhaar Biometric Unlock: How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to each individual by the Unique Identification Authority of India. Aadhaar card acts as an address and identity proof in India. Aadhaar biometrics is used to complete the authentication process. Thus, the UIDAI allows you to lock and unlock your card for security reasons. 

This article provides a comprehensive guide on Aadhaar biometric unlock and its associated information.

What Is Aadhaar Biometric?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit ID number which serves as proof of identity and residence throughout India. When you apply and register for an Aadhaar card, the officials use your biometrics to link that with your card. This biometric helps authenticate your identity and helps avoid direct fraud using your card.

Therefore, biometrics in the Aadhaar card is an important aspect as it helps to verify your identity and ensures that only you are using it and that no fraudulent activities are conducted.

Is Unlocking Aadhaar Biometrics Permanently Essential?

To use your Aadhaar biometric, you must ensure that it is unlocked. You cannot use your Aadhaar biometric to avail of any service if your card is locked.

How To Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online?

You would need your Aadhaar virtual ID to unlock your Aadhaar. You can generate it from the myAadhaar portal. Once you have your virtual ID, here’s how you can unlock your Aadhaar biometric via the UIDAI portal:

Step 1: Visit UIDAI’s myAadhaar portal.

Step 2: Click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’ tab.

Step 3: Read the guidelines and click on ‘Next’.

Step 4: Select the 'Unlock Aadhaar' box, enter the virtual ID and captcha, and click on 'Send OTP'.

Step 5: Finish the OTP verification for the Aadhaar biometric unlock.

How To Unlock Aadhaar Biometric In mAadhaar App?

You can also use the mAadhaar app for biometric unlocking. Here are the steps for Aadhaar biometric unlock through the mAadhaar app:

• Step 1: Download the mAadhaar app from the Play Store or the App Store.
• Step 2: Open it and log in with your credentials.
• Step 3: Tap on the ‘My Aadhaar’ icon.
• Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha code and OTP.
• Step 5: Tap on the ‘Biometrics Lock’ option to lock your Aadhaar biometrics.

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric by SMS?

There are a few simple steps that you need to follow to unlock your Aadhaar biometric using the SMS service. But first, ensure that you have your virtual ID (VID) handy to complete this process. Follow the below steps to unlock the Aadhaar biometric by SMS: 

• Step 1: If you have to create your VID, write a text message writing ‘GVID <space> <last 4 digits of your Aadhaar card number>’ and send it to 1947.
• Step 2: You need to request an OTP after the creation of your VID by sending the following text message to 1947 - ‘GETOTP <space> <last 6 digits of your Virtual ID>’.
• Step 3: Then you need to again send the following message to 1947 - ‘UNLOCKUID <space> <last 6 digits of your Virtual ID> <space> <6 digits of the OTP>’.

After the verification of your Aadhaar is complete, you will get a confirmation message from the UIDAI providing you with the status of unlocking the Aadhaar number.

Note that if your mobile number has been used to register multiple Aadhaar numbers, you will have to use the last 10 digits of your Aadhaar virtual ID instead of the last 6.

Aadhaar Biometric Unlock Time Period

When you unlock your Aadhaar card via the myAadhaar website or by using the mAadhaar app, it stays unlocked for 10 minutes. After that, it is automatically locked again.

It is crucial to unlock your Aadhaar card using your biometrics before you can use it. As discussed above, you can unlock your Aadhaar card from the myAadhaar portal, the mAadhaar app or send an SMS to 1947 as per your convenience.

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2. How to Check and Report Misuse of an Aadhaar Card?
3. How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Online?
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