Step‑by‑Step Process to Secure Aadhaar Fingerprint, Iris and Face

The UIDAI introduced a biometric lock and unlock mechanism to let users control the three types of biometric templates stored with Aadhaar: fingerprint, iris and facial data.

**How to lock your biometrics** 1. Open the myAadhaar portal (myaadhaar.gov.in) or the mAadhaar application. 2. Sign in using your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile. 3. Locate the “Biometric Lock/Unlock” option in the dashboard. 4. Choose “Lock Biometrics” and confirm the action. 5. A confirmation message will appear; your biometrics are now inactive for Aadhaar authentication.

**How to unlock for a specific service** 1. Before visiting the service point, log in again with the same steps. 2. Select “Unlock Biometrics” and receive a fresh OTP. 3. Complete the OTP verification; your biometrics become temporarily active. 4. Perform the required Aadhaar verification (e.g., at a bank kiosk). 5. Immediately return to the portal and re‑enable the lock to resume protection.

**Things to keep in mind** - The lock status is visible on the dashboard; you can check it at any time. - Each lock or unlock action requires a new OTP, ensuring that only the legitimate Aadhaar holder can change the setting. - If you change your mobile number, update it in the Aadhaar database before using the lock feature.

By following this straightforward process, you can enjoy the convenience of Aadhaar services while minimizing the risk of biometric misuse.