Aadhaar Biometric Unlock: Everything You Need To Know To Unlock Online Quickly

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Aadhaar is a vital identification document for residents in India, and the biometric data linked to it plays a critical role in verifying identity securely. To enhance safety and prevent misuse, there is a provision to temporarily lock or unlock your biometric data linked to Aadhaar. If your Aadhaar biometrics are locked, you won’t be able to use them for verification until they are unlocked. This guide explains how to unlock your Aadhaar biometrics across different platforms for a hassle-free experience.


Aadhaar serves as a vital proof of identity and address for residents across India, secured by biometric data to prevent misuse and fraud. For added protection, users can lock or unlock their Aadhaar biometric information when accessing various services. This article explains what Aadhaar biometric means, why unlocking it is necessary, and how to unlock it through multiple easy-to-use methods.

What is Aadhaar Biometric and Why is it Important?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued to individuals, linked with their biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans. This biometric data strengthens the security of the Aadhaar card by confirming that the rightful owner is accessing the services linked to it. Biometric authentication is widely used in government and private sectors for secure verification, making the locking and unlocking feature critical to protect against fraudulent activities.


Why Do You Need to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric?

When your Aadhaar biometric is locked, you cannot use fingerprint or iris scans for authentication. This locking mechanism safeguards your data from unauthorised use, especially when your card is not actively in use. To carry out transactions or services requiring biometric verification, you must unlock this biometric information temporarily. Unlocking ensures smooth authentication while maintaining security by automatically re-locking after a short duration.

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online

Unlocking your Aadhaar biometric online is straightforward using the official UIDAI portal. You will require your Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID), which acts as a secure substitute for your Aadhaar number during this process. To unlock biometric data online:


  1. Visit the official UIDAI myAadhaar website.


  2. Navigate to the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ section.


  3. Select the option to unlock your biometric data.


  4. Enter your Virtual ID and the displayed captcha code.



  • Submit the request and verify the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.


  • Once verified, your biometric data will be unlocked for a limited time, enabling you to complete biometric authentication.

    Unlocking Aadhaar Biometric Using the mAadhaar App

    The mAadhaar mobile application also allows users to manage their biometric locking status conveniently. To unlock your biometric data via the app:

    1. Download and open the mAadhaar app from your device’s app store.


    2. Log in using your Aadhaar number and mobile verification.



  • Access the ‘Biometric Lock’ feature within the app.


  • Follow the prompts to unlock your biometric information by entering the required credentials and OTP.


  • This method provides a simple and quick alternative for biometric unlocking on the go.

    Unlocking Aadhaar Biometric via SMS

    For those who prefer SMS, unlocking biometric data is possible by sending specific text messages to the UIDAI number 1947. You need your Virtual ID ready to proceed. The process involves:

    1. Generating your Virtual ID by texting 'GVID ' to 1947.



  • Requesting an OTP using 'GETOTP '.


  • Sending 'UNLOCKUID <6-digit OTP>' to unlock the biometric.

  • After completion, you will receive confirmation of the unlock status via SMS.

    Duration and Security of Aadhaar Biometric Unlock

    Once unlocked, the biometric data remains accessible for a short period—typically 10 minutes—after which it automatically locks again to maintain security. This temporary unlock window is designed to balance usability with protection, ensuring your biometric data does not remain vulnerable for extended periods.

    Unlocking your Aadhaar biometric only when necessary and re-locking immediately after helps prevent unauthorised use while enabling seamless access to services that require biometric authentication.