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How to lock and unlock your Aadhaar online (2026)

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You can lock or unlock your Aadhaar online with your registered mobile number and a 16-digit VID (Virtual ID). The time is not stated on the official page.

Central Government Checked 2026-10-30 myAadhaar, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

Steps

  1. Open the myAadhaar website
    Go to the official myAadhaar website.
    Open this page
  2. Click Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services
    Under the My Aadhaar tab, click Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services. We could not open this form at the last check.
  3. Select UID Lock
    Click the round circle beside UID Lock.
  4. Fill in the lock form
    Type your UID Number (the Aadhaar number to lock), Full Name and Pin Code as in your latest Aadhaar details. Then type the Security code shown on the form.
  5. Send OTP
    Click Send OTP, or select TOTP if you use it. The OTP (one-time code) goes to your registered mobile number.
  6. Click Submit to lock
    Click Submit.
  7. Unlock: select Unlock
    On the same lock and unlock form, click the round circle beside Unlock.
    Open this page
  8. Unlock: fill in the unlock form
    Type your latest 16-digit VID and the Security code shown on the form.
  9. Unlock: send OTP
    Click Send OTP. A one-time code (OTP) is sent to your registered mobile number.
  10. Unlock: click Submit
    Click Submit.
  11. After the last step
    After you click Submit in step 6, the form should show: Your UID will be locked successfully.
    We could not check the live form, so the next screen may look different.
    Identity checks using your UID Number, UID Token or VID will not work until you unlock.
    A lock stays on until you unlock it.
    The UIDAI pages we read do not state a reply time for this service.
    If something goes wrong, call UIDAI on 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in.
    Want to change your address on Aadhaar? Read How to update the address in your Aadhaar.

Raju's example: locking Aadhaar until he needs it

For example, Raju is a shop worker who wants to stop his Aadhaar from being used for identity checks while he is not using it. His mobile number is registered with Aadhaar, and he has a 16-digit VID. Later, he needs an Aadhaar identity check.

  1. Before locking Raju makes sure he has his 16-digit VID and access to his re…
  2. Lock Aadhaar He selects UID Lock, enters his Aadhaar details and security…
  3. While locked Identity checks using his Aadhaar number, UID Token or VID c…
  4. When he needs an identity check He selects Unlock, enters his latest VID and security code,…

Raju must unlock his Aadhaar before it can be used for an identity check again. Locking and unlocking are free.

The official rule: Aadhaar locking requires a registered mobile number and a 16-digit VID. The lock blocks authentication using the Aadhaar number, UID Token and VID until Aadhaar is unlocked. Locking only biometrics blocks fingerprint, iris and face checks, while other checks can still work.

Raju and his figures are an example; the rule is the official one.

What you need

  • Aadhaar
Free

Where to find it

Home Help Frequently Asked Questions Authentication Open the official page

If something goes wrong

Error Code 330 when fingerprint, iris or face is locked
Code 330 reads 'Biometrics locked by Aadhaar holder'. A temporary unlock lasts for a limited time (generally 15 minutes) or for one check.
Forgot your VID, or never had one
To get your VID back, send RVID (retrieve a VID) from your registered mobile to 1947. Add a space, then the last 4 or 8 digits of your UID Number. For a new VID, send GVID (generate a VID) to 1947 in the same way.
Someone asks for your OTP or password
Never share your OTP or password with anyone who calls or messages you. Keep your Security code to yourself too.
Your mobile number is not registered with Aadhaar
Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Mobile Update End Point (a UIDAI place where you can update your mobile number). Then come back to step 1.

Official help

myAadhaar official website (UIDAI)
myAadhaar website
Authentication page on uidai.gov.in
Lock and unlock rules
UIDAI toll-free helpline
1947
File a complaint on myAadhaar
myAadhaar complaint form
UIDAI Citizen's Charter (PDF)
Citizen's Charter

Words used on this page

UIDAIUnique Identification Authority of India. The government body that gives Aadhaar numbers.
UID NumberYour Aadhaar number. The form calls it UID Number.
VID (Virtual ID)A 16-digit number used in place of your Aadhaar number. It cannot reveal it.
UID TokenAnother code listed with the UID Number and VID for identity checks. The official page does not explain it further.
OTPOne-time password. A one-use code sent to your registered mobile number.
BiometricsYour fingerprints, iris and face. Used to check who you are.
Error code 330A message meaning you have locked your fingerprint, iris or face.
Registered mobile numberThe mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. OTPs go to it.
Security codeThe code the form shows. Type it exactly as shown.
RVID (retrieve a VID)Send it to 1947 to get your latest VID back. Needs your registered mobile number.
GVID (generate a VID)Send it to 1947 to make a new VID. Needs your registered mobile number.

Sources and how we checked

Last checked against the official source: 2026-10-30

Known limits

We have not tested the steps ourselves; if a screen looks different, follow the official website.