Aadhaar update guide

Aadhaar Biometric Lock and Unlock: How the UIDAI Security Feature Works

Biometric Locking/Unlocking is a UIDAI security feature that lets an Aadhaar number holder lock biometric authentication and temporarily unlock or disable the lock when needed.

Independent website: We cannot lock or unlock your biometrics and should never receive your Aadhaar number, biometric data or OTP.

Open Official UIDAI Biometric Guidance

Quick guide

What biometric lock covers

Use this summary before taking action.

UIDAI says fingerprint, iris and face modalities are locked.

Biometric authentication fails while the lock is active.

UIDAI provides temporary unlock and an option to disable the locking system.

A registered mobile number is essential for UIDAI’s documented online locking service.

Open Official UIDAI Biometric Guidance

What it does

What Happens When Aadhaar Biometrics Are Locked?

Fingerprint

Fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication cannot be performed while biometrics are locked.

Iris

Iris-based Aadhaar authentication is blocked by the biometric lock.

Face

UIDAI’s current FAQ includes face among the biometric modalities covered by the lock.

Unlock options

Temporary Unlock vs Disabling the Lock

Option	Meaning	When useful
Temporary unlock	Allows biometrics to be used for a needed authentication and is not the same as permanently turning protection off.	Useful when you normally keep biometrics locked but need one biometric transaction.
Disable locking	Removes the biometric locking state until you enable it again.	Use only if you understand the security trade-off.

How to use

How to Use UIDAI Biometric Lock/Unlock

Open an official UIDAI route

Use UIDAI, myAadhaar, Aadhaar App or another UIDAI-supported channel.

Authenticate

Complete the registered-mobile or other authentication requested by UIDAI.

Choose the biometric action

Lock, temporarily unlock or disable the locking system as needed.

Confirm the result

Read the UIDAI confirmation before leaving the service page.

Complete your authentication

If temporarily unlocked, perform the needed biometric transaction.

Recheck protection

Confirm the biometric-lock state afterwards if security is your goal.

Expected error

Biometric Authentication Fails After Locking

Expected behaviour: UIDAI documents error code 330 for biometric authentication attempted while biometrics are locked. Unlock through UIDAI before a biometric transaction that requires fingerprint, iris or face.

Official sources

Official Sources Used

UIDAI — Biometric Lock/Unlock FAQ

View official source

UIDAI — Aadhaar Online Services

View official source

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I try fingerprint authentication while my biometrics are locked?

The authentication fails, and UIDAI returns error code 330. This is expected behaviour and means your lock is working. Unlock first if you need that transaction.

My bank or ration shop needs my fingerprint, but my biometrics are locked. What should I do?

Temporarily unlock your biometrics on UIDAI’s official service or the AadhaarApp just before the transaction. Afterwards, check that your biometrics are locked again if you want to keep the protection.

Do I need a registered mobile number to lock or unlock biometrics?

Yes. Unlocking needs an OTP on your registered mobile. If no mobile is registered, visit an Aadhaar centre to add one before you use this feature.

What is the difference between a temporary unlock and disabling the lock?

A temporary unlock lets you complete a needed biometric transaction while keeping the lock feature on. Disabling turns the locking system off until you enable it again, so use it only if you understand the trade-off.

Can I lock my biometrics from the AadhaarApp?

Yes. Biometric lock/unlock is one of the services in UIDAI’s official AadhaarApp, as well as in the myAadhaar portal.

Does a biometric lock stop OTP-based Aadhaar services?

No. It blocks only fingerprint, iris and face authentication. OTP and demographic authentication continue to work. To block all modes, UIDAI offers a separate Aadhaar number lock, explained in our security guide.

Official action

Manage Biometrics Through UIDAI

Keep biometrics locked when you want the protection, and use UIDAI’s temporary unlock or disable options only when needed.

Open Official UIDAI Biometric Guidance