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How to protect your Aadhaar biometrics against cyber fraud
Your Aadhaar biometrics—iris scan and fingerprints—are strong identity-verification instruments, but in the wrong hands, they can put your finances and personal data at risk. As online fraud cases rise, you need to take precautions to keep your Aadhaar security safe. Securing your online biometrics is an easy way to do this. This guide explains to you how to easily lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometrics to keep your identity and finances safe.
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Why you need to lock Aadhaar biometrics?
Your Aadhaar biometrics—fingerprints and iris scan—are freely used for mobile verification, banking, and verification of identity through government schemes. But unauthorised individuals without authorization could misuse it to conduct fraudulent transactions with your details. Locking biometrics introduces a valuable security aspect of turning off biometric authentication until you unlock it. It is easy, reversible at no cost if you decide to use it temporarily, and free.
Your Aadhaar biometrics—fingerprints and iris scan—are freely used for mobile verification, banking, and verification of identity through government schemes. But unauthorised individuals without authorization could misuse it to conduct fraudulent transactions with your details. Locking biometrics introduces a valuable security aspect of turning off biometric authentication until you unlock it. It is easy, reversible at no cost if you decide to use it temporarily, and free.
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Step 1: Visit UIDAI website or mAadhaar app
Visit the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in) or download the mAadhaar mobile app on your smartphone. Either way, it gives you the facility to manage your Aadhaar settings, like biometric locking and unlocking. Choose what is more convenient for you. Ensure that your Aadhaar is linked with a mobile number as OTP authentication is required to go ahead further.
Visit the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in) or download the mAadhaar mobile app on your smartphone. Either way, it gives you the facility to manage your Aadhaar settings, like biometric locking and unlocking. Choose what is more convenient for you. Ensure that your Aadhaar is linked with a mobile number as OTP authentication is required to go ahead further.
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![Step 2: Click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' On the UIDAI website, find the option with the name "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" under the My Aadhaar header. On the mAadhaar app, it is under the Biometric Settings. Click on it, and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number as well as captcha code. You will be sent a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number that you have registered. Enter the OTP to get to the next step.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250712085511_3.jpg "Step 2: Click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' On the UIDAI website, find the option with the name "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" under the My Aadhaar header. On the mAadhaar app, it is under the Biometric Settings. Click on it, and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number as well as captcha code. You will be sent a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number that you have registered. Enter the OTP to get to the next step.")
Step 2: Click on 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics'
On the UIDAI website, find the option with the name "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" under the My Aadhaar header. On the mAadhaar app, it is under the Biometric Settings. Click on it, and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number as well as captcha code. You will be sent a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number that you have registered. Enter the OTP to get to the next step.
On the UIDAI website, find the option with the name "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" under the My Aadhaar header. On the mAadhaar app, it is under the Biometric Settings. Click on it, and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number as well as captcha code. You will be sent a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number that you have registered. Enter the OTP to get to the next step.
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Step 3: Lock your biometrics
When you log in through OTP, you can find a Lock Biometrics option. If you agree and submit, your Aadhaar biometric authentication gets locked—nobody can use your fingerprint or iris data for verification unless you unblock it. UIDAI will display you a success message and can even send an OK SMS to your registered mobile number.
When you log in through OTP, you can find a Lock Biometrics option. If you agree and submit, your Aadhaar biometric authentication gets locked—nobody can use your fingerprint or iris data for verification unless you unblock it. UIDAI will display you a success message and can even send an OK SMS to your registered mobile number.
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Step 4: How to unlock when needed
If you want to unlock your biometrics temporarily (e.g., for a bank KYC or e-KYC process), refer to the same section and select Unlock Biometrics. The 10-minute unlock is in place, after which it auto-locks for security again. This feature lets you use your Aadhaar securely without any compromise on protection at all permanently. You can also switch off the lock permanently if required.
If you want to unlock your biometrics temporarily (e.g., for a bank KYC or e-KYC process), refer to the same section and select Unlock Biometrics. The 10-minute unlock is in place, after which it auto-locks for security again. This feature lets you use your Aadhaar securely without any compromise on protection at all permanently. You can also switch off the lock permanently if required.
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Last-minute tips to stay safe
Biometric locking is a highly recommended practice, especially in the age of surging digital fraud. Also, don't share your Aadhaar OTP or download your Aadhaar from unauthorized websites. Use strong mobile security (PIN or biometric lock) and keep the registered mobile number. These small steps go a long way in safeguarding your Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and financial details.
Biometric locking is a highly recommended practice, especially in the age of surging digital fraud. Also, don't share your Aadhaar OTP or download your Aadhaar from unauthorized websites. Use strong mobile security (PIN or biometric lock) and keep the registered mobile number. These small steps go a long way in safeguarding your Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and financial details.
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