To safeguard your Aadhaar information and reduce the risk of fraud, it is imperative to implement specific security measures that prevent unauthorized use of your fingerprints and other biometric data for authentication. Furthermore, regularly monitoring your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to your bank is essential.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a mechanism to enhance the security of your Aadhaar number and grant you control by allowing you to lock your Aadhaar number through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
Locking your Aadhaar (UID) prevents its use for authentication via UID, UID Token, or Virtual ID (VID) in biometric, demographic, or OTP modes.
If you wish to unlock your Aadhaar (UID), you can do so by using the latest VID, either through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. After unlocking your Aadhaar (UID), you can utilize it for authentication using UID, UID Token, and VID.
Additionally, it is advisable for individuals to set up transaction alerts through their banks. This feature provides real-time updates on any activity within their accounts, facilitating the swift detection and resolution of any suspicious transactions. Staying informed about the latest security measures and practices provided by UIDAI and their bank is also crucial.
Here are the steps to lock your UID:
Steps to Lock:
- To lock your UID, you must possess a 16-digit VID number, a prerequisite for the locking process. If you don’t have a VID, you can generate one through the SMS service or the UIDAI website.
- Using SMS Service: Send an SMS to 1947 in the following format: “GVID [last 4 or 8 digits of your UID].” For example, “GVID 1234.”
- Using the UIDAI Website:
- Visit the UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock).
- Under the “My Aadhaar” tab, select “Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services.”
- Choose the “UID Lock” radio button.
- Enter your UID number, full name, and pin code based on your latest details.
- Enter the security code.
- Click on “Send OTP” or select “TOTP” and click on “submit.”
- Your UID will be successfully locked.
Steps to Unlock:
- Unlocking your UID with the latest VID can be done through the UIDAI website (https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock).
- Choose the “Unlock” radio button.
- Enter your latest 16-digit VID and the security code.
- Click on “Send OTP” or select “TOTP” and then click “Submit.”
- Your UID will be successfully unlocked.
You can also utilize the Aadhaar lock or unlock service through the mAadhaar app.
Also Read
If you happen to forget your VID after locking your Aadhaar, there’s a solution. You can retrieve the 16-digit VID by using the SMS service. To do this, send an SMS to 1947 from the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. The SMS should be in the format “RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of your UID].” For example, you can send “RVID 1234.” After sending this message, you will receive your VID on your registered mobile number.
