How to lock (and unlock) your Aadhaar biometrics to stop fingerprint fraud
Locking your Aadhaar biometrics blocks every fingerprint, iris and face authentication on your Aadhaar until you unlock it — the best protection against AePS (Aadhaar-enabled payment) fraud, where cloned fingerprints are used to withdraw money. Lock it free on myAadhaar or in the Aadhaar app. When you need biometrics (bank, ration shop, pension), unlock temporarily — it re-locks automatically.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where to lock | myAadhaar → Lock/Unlock Biometrics, or the Aadhaar app | UIDAI |
| Cost | Free | UIDAI |
| Temporary unlock | Unlocks for a short time, then re-locks automatically | UIDAI |
| Check misuse | myAadhaar → Authentication History | UIDAI |
| Helpline | 1947 · cyber fraud 1930 | UIDAI / MHA |
Why lock?
Fraudsters copy fingerprints from property registration papers or other documents, make silicone clones, and use them with your Aadhaar number to withdraw money through AePS at micro-ATMs — without OTP. A biometric lock makes that impossible.
How to lock
- Log in at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in (Aadhaar + OTP), or open the Aadhaar app.
- Choose Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
- Read the note, tick the consent box and choose Lock.
- Done — biometric authentication is now blocked. OTP-based services still work.
When you need biometrics
Before using fingerprint/face at a bank, ration shop, pension (Jeevan Pramaan) or Aadhaar centre, open the same screen and choose temporary unlock. It re-locks automatically after a short time.
Aadhaar centres need biometrics for updates. Unlock before visiting for a mobile, name or address update.
Check if someone used your Aadhaar
On myAadhaar, open Authentication History to see every authentication (date, time, type, agency). If you see anything you didn’t do, lock biometrics, call 1947, and if money was taken, call 1930. See Aadhaar misused: what to do.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I lock Aadhaar biometrics?
No one — including you — can use your fingerprint, iris or face for Aadhaar authentication until you unlock it. OTP-based services keep working.
Is Aadhaar biometric lock free?
Yes, on myAadhaar and the Aadhaar app.
Will locking stop my ration or pension?
It stops biometric authentication. Temporarily unlock before visiting the ration shop or submitting a life certificate, or use face/OTP options where available.
How do I check who used my Aadhaar?
Use Authentication History on myAadhaar.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- myAadhaar — Lock/Unlock BiometricsLock, unlock, authentication history
- UIDAI helplineReport misuse
- National Cyber Crime ReportingReport money fraud (or call 1930)
Disclaimer: HumainOne is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with UIDAI, the Income Tax Department, EPFO, NPCI, the Election Commission, the Government of Maharashtra or any government body. We do not accept applications, documents or fees. Information is checked against official sources on the date shown but rules change — always confirm on the official website before acting. Calculators give estimates, not official figures, and this is not tax or legal advice.