Take a situation in which a scammer obtains a SIM card under your identity and registers for a scheme using it. You are completely unaware of where the money is going. The harm has already been done by the time you learn about it.
This kind of fraud often happens through biometric misuse. Suppose someone manages to steal your fingerprints or retina scan — your money can be easily stolen. Getting angry won’t help.
But there’s no need to panic. To prevent such issues, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has introduced the Aadhaar Biometric Lock.
The best part? You don’t need to stand in a line or fill out any forms. Just pick up your mobile, and within 2 minutes, you can secure your Aadhaar.
What is Aadhaar Biometric Lock?
When you enable the biometric lock on your Aadhaar:
No one can use your fingerprints to get a SIM.
No one can complete KYC using your eye scan.
No one can misuse your Aadhaar fraudulently.
In short, your identity becomes fully secure. If needed, you can temporarily unlock it and then lock it again after completing your task.
How to Enable Biometric Lock?
There are two simple methods:
1. Through UIDAI Website
Open the official UIDAI website.
Enter your Aadhaar number.
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile. Enter it to log in.
You’ll see the option to lock/unlock biometrics.
Click on Lock, and your Aadhaar is now secured.
2. Through mAadhaar App
Download the mAadhaar App.
Log in using OTP.
Go to the menu and click on Biometric Lock.
Within seconds, you’ll see a message: “Your biometric is now secured.”
When to Unlock?
You will need to unlock your Aadhaar if you want to complete bank KYC or Aadhaar verification for any government scheme. Once done, you can lock it again immediately.
Here’s the English version of your additional section rewritten clearly and in an easy-to-read style:
The same process applies for unlocking your Aadhaar biometric. You can log in using OTP either through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app and unlock your biometric. The key point is that once your work is done, you should lock it again immediately.
Many people might wonder if enabling the biometric lock will stop all Aadhaar-related services. It won’t. OTP-based verifications will still work as usual. This means any service that uses OTP for login or verification will function normally.
The biometric lock only blocks fingerprint and iris-based verification.
Overall, this process is especially important for people whose Aadhaar is linked to multiple services like bank accounts, SIM cards, subsidies, or in areas where fake KYC and SIM fraud cases are common. Anyone worried about unauthorized activity in their name should definitely use this feature.
One important tip: Before enabling the Aadhaar biometric lock, make sure your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar, because the OTP will be sent to that number. If your number is not linked, visit the nearest Aadhaar center to update it first, and then start the biometric lock process.
That’s all for this update. Written by Anurag Tiwari. Keep reading Business Connect Magazine Live.
FAQ: Aadhaar Biometric Lock – How to Protect Your Identity
Q1: What happens if a scammer uses my Aadhaar to get a SIM or register for schemes?
A scammer can obtain a SIM under your name and use it to register for schemes, diverting money without your knowledge. By the time you find out, the damage may already be done.
Q2: How do scammers misuse biometrics?
If someone steals your fingerprints or retina scan, they can commit fraud using your Aadhaar-linked services, including bank accounts and SIM cards. Anger or panic won’t help—you need proactive protection.
Q3: What is the Aadhaar Biometric Lock?
The Aadhaar Biometric Lock is a feature by UIDAI that lets you lock your fingerprint and iris verification. Once locked:
No one can use your fingerprint to get a SIM.
No one can complete KYC using your eye scan.
No one can misuse your Aadhaar fraudulently.
You can temporarily unlock it for legitimate uses and relock it afterward.
Q4: How can I enable the Aadhaar Biometric Lock?
There are two simple ways:
Through UIDAI Website:
Open the official UIDAI website.
Enter your Aadhaar number.
Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Choose the “Lock/Unlock Biometric” option.
Click Lock—your Aadhaar is now secure.
Through mAadhaar App:
Download and open the mAadhaar app.
Log in using OTP.
Go to the menu and select Biometric Lock.
Within seconds, a message will confirm: “Your biometric is now secured.”
Q5: When do I need to unlock my Aadhaar?
You need to unlock it if you want to:
Complete bank KYC
Verify Aadhaar for government schemes
Once done, lock it again immediately.
Q6: Will enabling biometric lock stop all Aadhaar-related services?
No. OTP-based verification will continue to work normally. The lock only blocks fingerprint and iris-based verification.
Q7: Who should enable the biometric lock?
People with Aadhaar linked to bank accounts, SIMs, or subsidies
Residents in areas prone to fake KYC or SIM fraud
Anyone concerned about unauthorized activity in their name
Q8: Any important tips before enabling the lock?
Make sure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar, as OTPs are sent there. If it isn’t, visit your nearest Aadhaar center to update your number first.
Q9: How long does it take to lock/unlock?
It takes just a few minutes through the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
Q10: Why is this process important?
It protects your identity and financial safety, reduces fraud risks, and ensures that only you control your Aadhaar-based verification.
