How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Number: Step-By-Step Guide

Last Updated on January 6, 2021 by

Hi readers! I hope you are doing well! In this post, you will find steps to lock or unlock your Aadhaar card via UIDAI website. The online lock/unlock process is quite simple. I’ve explained each and every step in an easy to understand manner.

Usually, I write posts, career guides, course reviews and educational posts for students. But this is a general informational article. Aadhaar card is being used by people belonging to different age groups, professions, economic status etc. You may also check – Check bank balance via missed call.

This post will be of help to Citizens of India! Students, working professionals, farmers, folks enjoying retired life – anyone with an Aadhaar card will benefit from the information that I’ve shared in this post.

Why lock/unlock Aadhaar number, some of you may ask. Read on to find answer to this question –

When should you lock your Aadhaar number?

The Aadhaar number lock/unlock feature was introduced by UIDAI keeping privacy and security of an individual’s Aadhaar number in mind. This feature simply enhances the safety, security and privacy of your Aadhaar number.

Unauthorized Aadhaar authentication is a real menace. If you ever come across this problem, you may easily lock your Aadhaar number and prevent Aadhaar authentication using Aadhaar number (demographic, biometric or OTP authentication).

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VID is a prerequisite for locking/unlocking your Aadhaar number

VID stands for Virtual ID. It is a 16 digit number. You may generate VID number easily via UIDAI’s website or via SMS. VID is a prerequisite for locking your Aadhaar number. Without VID, you can’t lock your Aadhaar number.

Once your Aadhaar number of locked, you may use your VID to carry out Aadhaar authentication.

How to lock or unlock your Aadhaar number?

Users can lock or unlock their Aadhaar number using two methods –

1. Via UIDAI’s website
2. Via SMS

Let us take a closer look at each method. Let us start –

1 Via UIDAI website

Steps to lock Aadhaar number via UIDAI website –

1. Visit the official website of UIDAI – uidai.gov.in
2. Find ‘My Aadhaar’ on the navigation bar of the website and click on it
3. Check ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab and click on ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock’ option
4. Select ‘Lock UID’ radio button and enter the details asked there (full name, UID, pincode etc)
5. After entering the details and security code, click on ‘Send OTP’ button
6. An OTP (valid for 10 minuted) will be sent to your registered mobile number
7. Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit’ button
8. That’s it – your Aadhaar number will be locked

Steps to unlock Aadhaar number via UIDAI website –

1. Visit the official website of UIDAI – uidai.gov.in
2. Find ‘My Aadhaar’ on the navigation bar of the website and click on it
3. Check ‘Aadhaar Services’ tab and click on ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock’ option
4. Select ‘Unlock UID’ radio button
5. Enter your VID (prerequisite) and security code
6. After entering necessary details, click on ‘Send OTP’ button
7. You will receive an OTP (valid for 10 minutes) on your registered mobile number
8. Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit’ button
9. That’s it – your Aadhaar number will be unlocked

2 Via SMS

Steps to lock Aadhaar number via SMS –

1. Send the following message to the number 1947 (from your registered mobile number) – GETOTP (space) last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number
2. After sending the SMS, you will receive a 6 digit OTP via SMS from UIDAI
3. Send another SMS to the number 1947 in the following format – LOCKUID (space) last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number (space) 6 digit OTP number
4. Your Aadhaar number will be locked after sending the second SMS (you will also get a confirmation message regarding the same)

Steps to unlock Aadhaar number via SMS –

1. Send the following message to the number 1947 (from your registered mobile number) – GETOTP (space) last 6 digits of your VID
2. After sending the SMS, you will receive a 6 digit OTP via SMS from UIDAI
3. Send another SMS to the number 1947 in the following format – UNLOCKUID (space) last 6 digits of your Aadhaar number (space) 6 digit OTP number
4. Your Aadhaar number will be unlocked after sending the second SMS (you will also get a confirmation message regarding the same)

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.