How to Lock and Unlock Your Aadhaar Biometrics

If someone copies your fingerprint, a biometric lock stops it being used to authenticate as you. It takes a few minutes and needs your registered mobile number.

By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 18, 2026

Many Aadhaar-based services, from bank verification to SIM activation, can accept a fingerprint as proof of identity. That is convenient, but it also means your biometrics are worth protecting. A biometric lock is UIDAI’s own safeguard: while it is on, nobody can use your fingerprint, iris or face to authenticate as you.

What a biometric lock does

According to the UIDAI FAQ on biometric locking, locking covers all three biometric types: fingerprint, iris and face. While they are locked, no entity can perform biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for you. If someone tries, the system returns an error that biometrics are locked.

The lock stays on until you either unlock it temporarily or disable the locking system.

What you need first

UIDAI says a registered mobile number is essential for this service, because it uses an OTP. If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre to add it first.

How to lock your biometrics

Labels can change when UIDAI updates its site. If you cannot find the option, look for biometric lock in the list of Aadhaar services.

How to unlock when you need it

Some services, such as certain bank or SIM verifications, may need fingerprint authentication. UIDAI describes unlocking as temporary: you unlock through the website, the mAadhaar app, an enrolment centre or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, complete the task and the lock returns automatically. If you want biometrics permanently available, you can disable the locking system instead.

Other Aadhaar protections worth using

• Check your authentication history. The myAadhaar portal shows where your Aadhaar was used for authentication. Look for entries you do not recognise.
• Use a masked Aadhaar. When you must share a copy, a masked Aadhaar hides all but the last four digits.
• Check SIMs in your name. See how to check SIMs in your name with Sanchar Saathi.

Signs your Aadhaar may be misused

• Authentication history shows checks you did not make.
• You get bank or payment alerts you do not recognise.
• A SIM or account appears in your name that you never opened.

If you see any of these, lock your biometrics straight away, report it to UIDAI through its official helpline or portal, and contact your bank.

Good habits with Aadhaar

• Share a masked Aadhaar instead of a full copy whenever a service accepts it.
• Write the purpose and date on any photocopy you hand over, so it is harder to reuse.
• Keep your registered mobile number up to date, because every security feature depends on it.
• Never share an Aadhaar OTP with a caller. UIDAI, banks and telecom companies do not need it over the phone.
• Lock your biometrics again if you unlocked them for a one-off task and the lock has not returned.

Use official channels only

Use only uidai.gov.in, myAadhaar and the official mAadhaar app. Fake sites and callers often ask for Aadhaar numbers and OTPs. For a wider view of identity misuse, read what identity theft is and its warning signs.