Now, lock your Aadhaar for more privacy, Here's how you can do it

Aadhaar Card holders who wanted their privacy and security, UIDAI has come up with a new feature through which individuals to loch their Aadhaar number. Once you have locked the Aadhaar number, any authentication using Aadhaar number
will not be permitted.

This means that once the Aadhaar number is locked, authentication services through OTP, biometric, demographics etc. cannot be done using Aadhaar number. Once the Aadhaar number is locked, you will have to use the 16.digit Virtual ID called VID to authenticate yourself for any KYC services. You will be able to use your Aadhaar number for authentication only after unlocking it.

It may be noted that you need to generate your VOD before locking your Aadhaar number. It can be generated from either UIDAI's website or through an SMS. Not that in order to generate VID through SMS, your mobile number must be registered with UIDAI.

Here's how you can lock your Aadhaar number:

1. Through UIDAI website

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.

Step 2: Click on 'My Aadhaar and locate 'Aadhaar services".

Step 3: Click on 'Aadhaar lock/unlock' under the Aadhaar services.

Step 4: Enter details required like Name, Pin Code, UID etc. and select 'Send OTP'.

Step 5: An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on submit.

Step 6: You Aadhaar number will be locked.

2. Through SMS

Step 1: From your registered mobile number, send GETOTP< SPACE >Last four digits of Aadhaar number to 1947. For example, if your Aadhaar number is 1234 5678 9012, then SMS will be sent as GETOTP 9012.

Step 2: A 6-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile via SMS.

Step 3: Send another SMS which states LOCKUID< SPACE >Last four digits of Aadhaar number< SPACE > 6 digit OTP number.

Step 4: Once the SMS is sent, your Aadhaar number will be locked.

Here's how you can unlock your Aadhaar number

1. Through UIDAI website

Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website.

Step 2: Click on 'My Aadhaar' tab and under the 'Aadhaar services', select 'Aadhaar lock/unlock'.

Step 3: Select'Unlock UID' option and enter the VID and security code.

Step 4: Click on 'Send OTP'. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number via SMS.

Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on 'Submit'. You Aadhaar will be unlocked.

2. Through SMS

Step 1: Send SMS to 1947 from your registered mobile number in the format: GETOTP< SPACE >Last six digits of your Virtual ID number.