How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to Unlock Biometric in Aadhaar

After multiple failed attempts of Aadhaar biometric verification, the biometrics may be locked, and this may hinder access to banking and government services. But unlocking them is a hassle free process and also very safe. This guide will walk you through all the stages on how to unlock your biometrics on your Aadhaar securely and stepwise. 

What Is Biometric Locking? 

Biometric locking is a privacy feature via which you can block the usage of fingerprint, combined with iris or face with the purpose of authentication. The locked credentials are unavailable for anyone - not even you - for Aadhaar verification. 

Why Unlock Your Biometrics? 

It is also possible that you had secured your biometrics by locking them and now unfortunately, you cannot utilize them for bank eKYC, SIM issuing, or other Aadhaar-oriented checks. In order to work with the device again, you need to unlock it for a short time. 

Example: Sunita’s Story 

Being worried about the potential misuse of her biometrics, Sunita decided to lock her biometric. When it came to her turning into a bank account opener, she made it a point to unlock the biometric for 10 minutes, perform the verification and then let her biometrics get locked again. 

Quick Checklist – How to Unlock Biometrics 

Navigate to UIDAI’s Biometric Lock/Unlock page which is available on their website. 

Put in your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit VID and copy the characters shown in the captcha image. 

After clicking Send OTP, wait for an OTP to come on your registered mobile and then enter this OTP. 

Select Unblocking Biometric, permit via OTP. 

The biometrics that you have chosen to be unblocked will be unlocked only for a limited time (normally 10 minutes) and then they will get locked again automatically. 

Unlock via m-Aadhaar App 

Launch the m-Aadhaar app. Go to your profile → Biometric Settings. 

Deactivate “Enable Biometric Locking” by clicking on the checkbox. Confirm your decision and the OTP will be sent. 

When you accept it, biometrics will be available for a few minutes. 

Things to Watch Out For (Quick Tips) 

In order for the OTP to be sent to you, it is a must that the mobile number is registered with Aadhaar. 

As the open time after unlocking is very short, make sure you do not delay your authentication process. 

Additionally, if you wish, you are allowed to delete the biometric locking feature from the UIDAI’s portal forever.