How Can You Lock or Unlock Your Aadhaar Number Easily and Safely?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a very useful feature that lets you lock or unlock your Aadhaar number anytime.This step brings stronger security for users and protects personal Aadhaar details from misuse.
If you want to lock your Aadhaar to stop any unwanted access, or unlock it when you need it for verification, UIDAI has made the entire process quick and simple.
You can manage it easily through the myAadhaar portal or even by sending a simple SMS.
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Let’s find out how you can protect your Aadhaar and stay safe with just a few easy steps.
How to lock your Aadhaar number Via UIDAI portal?
There are two methods a user can use to lock their Aadhaar number:
- Step 1: Go to www.uidai.gov.in.
- Step 2: Select the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and click on the ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock’ option.
- Step 3: Click on the option ‘Lock UID’ and fill in the necessary details.
- Step 4: Now click on ‘Send OTP’, it will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Step 5: Enter OTP and click submit, now your Aadhaar number is locked.
How to Lock your Aadhaar Number via SMS?
A user can lock their Aadhaar number by the means of SMS with the following steps:
- Step 1: Send an SMS to 1947 from the registered mobile number. GETOTP <Aadhaar NUMBER-last-4-digits>
- Step 2: You will receive a six-digit OTP from UIDAI by SMS.
- Step 3: Now to lock your Aadhaar number, send a second message with the format
- Step 4:LOCKUID <Aadhaar NUMBER-last 4-digits> <6-digits-OTP>
Note: If the same mobile number has been registered to multiple Aadhaar numbers, the user will have to send the last eight digits of the Aadhaar instead of the last four digits.
How to Unlock your Aadhaar number?
Similar to the locking of Aadhaar number, a user can unlock their Aadhaar number via both the UIDAI portal or SMS
How to Unlock your Aadhaar number via UIDAI portal-
- Step 1: Go to www.uidai.gov.in.
- Step 2: Select the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and click on the ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock’ option.
- Step 3: Click on the ‘Unlock UID’ option and fill your Virtual ID and security code in the correct fields.
- Step 4: Click on the ‘Send OTP’ option to receive the OTP on the registered mobile number.
- Step 5: Enter the OTP and select ‘Submit’ to unlock your Aadhaar number.
Unlock your Aadhaar Number via SMS-
Step 1: From the registered mobile number, send an SMS to 1947 in the following format:
- GETOTP <Virtual-ID-last-6-digits>
- Step 2: You will receive a six-digit OTP via SMS.
- Step 3: To unlock your Aadhaar number, send a second SMS to 1947 with the following format:
- UNLOCKUID <Virtual-ID-last-6-digits> <OTP-6-digits>
Like in the case of locking the Aadhaar number, if there are multiple Aadhaar numbers associated with the same mobile number, the user will have to send the last 10 digits of their Virtual ID instead of six-digits.
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Why Should You Lock Your Aadhaar Number?
Protecting your Aadhaar number is an important step to keep your identity safe.Locking your Aadhaar stops anyone from using it for authentication, whether it is biometric, demographic, or OTP-based.It fully blocks any unauthorized access and prevents misuse during KYC or other verification processes.
If your Aadhaar number gets leaked, there is a real risk of it being misused. But once your Aadhaar is locked, even if someone knows your number, they cannot use it without your permission.
Whenever you need to use your Aadhaar, like for bank work or government services, you can simply unlock it online or by sending an SMS.
The steps are easy and fast, and you always stay in full control of your Aadhaar.
What Are the Important Things to Keep in Mind While Locking Aadhaar?
Before you go ahead and lock your Aadhaar, you must generate your Virtual ID (VID) if you do not have it already. Without the VID, the system will not allow you to proceed.Also, you must confirm that your mobile number is correctly registered with UIDAI. All OTPs will be sent to this registered number only. If your mobile number has changed, you need to update it first before using the lock/unlock feature.
Another important point is that once your Aadhaar number is locked, even you cannot use it for authentication unless you unlock it. So, lock your Aadhaar only if you are sure that you do not immediately need it for any banking, telecom, or government services.
The Aadhaar Lock/Unlock feature by UIDAI is a great step towards improving digital security. In just a few clicks or a simple SMS, you can protect your Aadhaar number from being misused. The feature is easy to use, fast, and available to every Aadhaar holder.
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