Aadhaar Card Fraud Alert: Step-by-Step Guide To Lock & Unlock Aadhaar Card

The Aadhar card is the most important document in India. It's like an ID card that has your unique details, like your name, address, and fingerprints. You need it for lots of things, like getting government help or opening a bank account. But if you lose it or someone steals it, it can cause big problems. People might pretend to be you and do bad things. To stop this, you can lock your Aadhar card. 

This means that your special details stay safe. Locking your Aadhar card adds an extra layer of protection to your identity and helps keep you safe from fraud. In this article, we'll show you how to lock and unlock your Aadhar card, giving you more security for your identity.

Importance of Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Card

Locking your Aadhaar card is like putting a lock on your door to keep out thieves. When you lock your Aadhaar card, it keeps your fingerprints and other private stuff safe. This way, no one can use your Aadhaar card without your permission.

Generate Virtual ID (VID)

Before you lock or unlock your Aadhaar, make sure to create a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). Only the VID can do this job. You can create your VID by using the Generate Virtual ID service on the Dashboard or by sending a text message to 1947. Just type RVID followed by the last 4 or 8 digits of your UID, like this: RVID 0000.

After you've made your VID, come back to this page. Then, lock your Aadhaar using your VID and use it to confirm your identity whenever needed. Remember, once you lock your Aadhaar, you can't use your Aadhaar number for confirming your identity anymore. 

Here's how you can keep your Aadhar card safe by locking it:

Online Method:

• Go to the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/.
• Click on "My Aadhaar" tab.
• Choose "Aadhaar Services" from the options.
• Click on "Aadhaar Lock/Unlock."
• Select "Lock UID."
• Enter your Aadhar card number, full name, and pin code.
• Tap on "Send OTP."
• Type in the OTP you get on your phone and submit.

By doing these steps, your Aadhar card will be locked, keeping your personal info safe.

Locking Your Aadhar Card via SMS:

You can also lock your Aadhar card through SMS:

• Send a text saying "GETOTP (last 4 digits of Aadhaar)" to 1947 from your registered mobile number. For example, if your Aadhaar number ends with 0000, text "GETOTP 0000."
• You'll get an OTP on your phone.
• Send another text to 1947 with "LOCKUID (last 4 digits of Aadhaar) (OTP)." For instance, if your Aadhaar number ends with 0000, and your OTP is 111111, text "LOCKUID 0000 111111."

After that, you'll get a confirmation message from UIDAI.

Here's how you can unlock your Aadhar card:

If you lose your Aadhaar card or it gets stolen and you want to stop someone from using it fraudulently, you can now lock it with UIDAI. This means nobody can use it for anything until you find it or get a new one. You can unlock it again using your registered phone number or the UIDAI website.

You can lock your Aadhaar card on the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.

When you lock it, you won't be able to use it for any kind of authentication, like using your fingerprint or a one-time password (OTP). But you can unlock it later using the mAadhaar app, UIDAI website, or a special 16-digit code called VID.

Guide to unlock your Aadhaar:

• Step 1: First, generate a 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). You can do this on the Dashboard or by sending an SMS to 1947 with the message "RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of your Aadhaar number]".
• Step 2: Once you have your VID, go back to the website and use it to lock your Aadhaar. From then on, you'll need to use your VID instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication.
• Step 3: When you want to unlock your Aadhaar, use your VID again. This will also let you use your Aadhaar number for authentication.

If you forget your VID after locking your Aadhaar, you can get it back by sending an SMS to 1947 with the message "RVID [last 4 or 8 digits of your Aadhaar number]". You'll get your VID back on your registered mobile number.

(Disclaimer: The information provided about the Aadhar card is intended for general understanding only and should not be considered as professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, it may not cover all aspects or be applicable in every situation. Users are encouraged to verify the information and seek appropriate guidance from relevant authorities or experts as needed. The use of Aadhar card and its security measures are subject to government regulations and policies, which may change over time. We do not take responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.)