No More Worries About Aadhaar Misuse: Here’s How to Lock It via the App

Are you concerned about the potential misuse of your Aadhaar card? A new, simple method is now available that allows you to fully secure your card instantly from the comfort of your home. Find out more about this feature.

The Aadhaar card is the most widely used document in India. It is no secret that Aadhaar has become essential for a vast range of government and private tasks across the country. Whether you are opening a bank account, getting a new SIM card, or availing the benefits of a government scheme, Aadhaar is required everywhere. However, as its usage expands, so do concerns regarding data theft and fraud. Everyone worries about the possibility of their identity being misused for illicit activities.

To eliminate this concern, the UIDAI has introduced a new security feature. With this update, you can lock your Aadhaar number entirely. Once the number is locked, it cannot be misused by anyone. Let’s explore how this new feature works and how you can use it.

What is this new Aadhaar Lock feature?

Many of you might be wondering, "Wasn't there already a biometric lock option?" So, what makes this new feature special? It is important to note that the previous feature only controlled elements like fingerprints, iris scans, or OTPs, while the Aadhaar number itself remained accessible.

With this new update, the entire Aadhaar number gets locked. If someone attempts to use the locked number for verification purposes, the system will immediately display an error. This feature acts as a digital safety shield, particularly for the elderly and those who do not use their Aadhaar card frequently. It virtually eliminates the risk of any kind of fraud or misuse. No more worries about Aadhaar misuse; here’s how to lock it using the app

You can use the VID

You might be wondering: if you lock your Aadhaar number completely, how will you manage if you need to use it later? This is where the 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) comes in handy. When your Aadhaar number is locked, you can use this Virtual ID to complete all your essential tasks without any interruption.

This Virtual ID is completely secure and cannot be tracked. It is crucial to have this ID before locking your Aadhaar. If you don't have one, you can generate it via the official app or portal. This allows you to keep your main number safe while handling your digital tasks without worry.

How to activate this feature via the app

Activating this excellent feature is very easy, and you do not need to visit an Aadhaar center at all. First, open the official mAadhaar app on your smartphone and log in using your PIN. Next, click on the 'Security' option located at the bottom of the app's home page.

There, you will see the 'Virtual ID and Aadhaar Lock' option; tap on it. Now, select 'Aadhaar Lock,' tick the box agreeing to the terms, and enter your VID. Following this, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, and you will also need to complete verification via face authentication (scanning your face). Once done, your number will be securely locked.