The Aadhaar card has become the main tool of identification of Indian citizens in the present times. Aadhaar is necessary for many types of services for youth in the country. However, the fear of misuse of this important document keeps on coming day. However, you do not have to worry, as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues the Aadhaar Card, allows every Aadhaar cardholder to lock or unlock his Aadhaar number. This facility is very important according to the privacy and security of an individual’s Aadhaar number.
Benefits of locking Aadhaar Number
Once the Aadhaar number is locked, authentication will not be done through Demographic, Biometric or OTP through Aadhaar number. This will not prevent the misuse of Aadhaar number. In this case, you need a 16-digit virtual ID for any kind of KYC. After unlocking the Aadhaar card, you can use the card again for KYC verification across all services.
How to lock Aadhaar number
1. Through UIDAI website: To lock Aadhaar number, log on to UIDAI Resident Portal (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/).
2. Then an option of ‘Aadhaar Services’ will be found under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.
3. Click on Lock / Unlock Biometrics in ‘Aadhaar Services’.
4. Enter a 12-digit Aadhaar number or a 16-digit virtual ID.
5. Click on ‘Send OTP’ with captcha code.
6. After entering OTP you will get an option to lock biometric data.
7. With clicking on lock, your biometric data will be locked.
Before locking the Aadhaar card, you must generate the virtual ID, because after locking the Aadhaar number, you will need a virtual ID for any kind of need related to KYC.
How to unlock aadhaar number
The process with which the Aadhaar number is locked can also be unlocked with the same process. For this, by entering OTP, the option to ‘unlock’ the biometric data has to be selected.
