Your Aadhaar number is one of the most important identity proofs in India. It is used for KYC (Know Your Customer), government subsidies, SIM card verification, banking, and many other services. But with such wide usage, keeping it secure is equally important.

To help you stay safe, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) provides a Lock/Unlock feature. This feature allows you to temporarily lock your Aadhaar number to prevent misuse. Instead of your Aadhaar, you can use a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) for authentication. When you need to use your Aadhaar again, you can unlock it in just a few steps.

This blog explains in detail what Aadhaar Lock/Unlock is, why it matters, and how you can do it step by step.

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🔐 What Does Locking Aadhaar Mean?

When you lock your Aadhaar number:

• Your 12-digit Aadhaar number cannot be used for authentication.
• Only your Virtual ID (VID) works for services like e-KYC.
• This prevents unauthorized access or fraud using your Aadhaar number.

👉 Simply put, locking Aadhaar adds a strong security layer.

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🆔 Step 1: Generate Your Virtual ID (VID)

Before you lock or unlock Aadhaar, you need to create your 16-digit VID. This is a temporary, revocable number mapped to your Aadhaar. You can generate or change it anytime.

Method 1: Online (UIDAI Website)

1. Go to the official UIDAI website.
2. Open the Aadhaar Services section.
3. Select Generate Virtual ID (VID).
4. Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP.
5. A new 16-digit VID will be generated.

Method 2: SMS Service

1. Open your SMS app.
2. Type: RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of Aadhaar number].
   • Example: RVID 5678
3. Send the SMS to 1947 (UIDAI’s helpline).
4. You will receive your VID via SMS.

💡 Pro Tip: Save your VID safely in your phone or write it down. You’ll need it for locking and unlocking.

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🔒 Step 2: How to Lock Your Aadhaar

Once you have your VID, follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar:

1. Visit the Lock/Unlock Aadhaar page on the UIDAI website.
2. Enter your 16-digit VID.
3. Complete the OTP verification.
4. Submit the request to lock your Aadhaar.

After Locking:

• Your Aadhaar number will not work for any authentication.
• Only your VID can be used.

👉 This is very useful if you’re not using Aadhaar actively and want to prevent any unauthorized attempts.

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🔓 Step 3: How to Unlock Your Aadhaar

When you need to use your Aadhaar again (for bank updates, SIM activation, or e-KYC), you can easily unlock it.

1. Go to the Lock/Unlock Aadhaar section on the UIDAI website.
2. Enter your 16-digit VID.
3. Complete OTP verification.
4. Unlock your Aadhaar.

After Unlocking:

• Both your Aadhaar number and VID can be used for authentication.
• You can lock it again anytime for added security.

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✅ Benefits of Locking and Unlocking Aadhaar

• Better Security: Protects your Aadhaar from misuse or fraud.
• Flexibility: Unlock anytime when you actually need it.
• Peace of Mind: Even if your Aadhaar number is exposed, it cannot be used without unlocking.
• Control: You decide when and how your Aadhaar is used.

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The Aadhaar Lock/Unlock feature is a simple but powerful way to stay in control of your digital identity. By using a Virtual ID (VID), you can protect your Aadhaar number from unauthorized use.

🔑 Best Practice: Keep your Aadhaar locked when not in use, and unlock it only when required.

For the latest updates and services, always visit the official UIDAI website.

Stay secure, stay smart!