I locked my Aadhaar card, here is why you should do it too

Last week, I did something I had been putting off for months. I locked my Aadhaar card. It took less than five minutes, and honestly, I do not know why I waited this long. With rising cases of identity theft and data misuse, your Aadhaar number is not just a piece of paper anymore. It is linked to your bank account, your phone number, your PAN card, and almost everything that matters. Anyone with your Aadhaar number and a fingerprint scanner could potentially misuse your identity without you ever knowing. Locking it is a simple, free step that adds a strong layer of protection. Here is exactly how I did it and why I think you should too.

How to lock or unlock your Aadhaar card

Locking or unlocking your Aadhaar biometrics is easy; all you need to do is follow the simple steps below:

Lock Aadhaar card

Download the new Aadhaar app on your device > register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number linked to it > verify yourself using an OTP or face authentication > ensure that the biometric is unlocked > tap Security > press Virtual ID and Aadhaar Lock > generate a Virtual ID (VID) > write down the VID somewhere > tap Lock Aadhaar > enter your VID > authenticate using Face ID.

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Unlock Aadhaar card

If you want to unlock your Aadhar card, then open the new Aadhaar app > ensure that the biometrics are unlocked > head to the Services tab > tap Virtual ID and Aadhaar Lock > select Aadhaar Unlock > enter the VID you noted > authenticate via Face ID.

Note: You can also do the same using the Aadhaar website.

What to do if you forget VID?

If you’ve misplaced your VID, then you can simply recover it by sending an SMS. The message should say RVID<SPACE> Last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number. Once done, send it to 1947, and your VID will then be sent to you over SMS.

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Why locking your Aadhaar card actually matters

Here are some of the reasons why locking your Aadhaar card actually matters:

• Even if someone manages to grab a copy of your fingerprint or iris, then they won’t be able to scan it and authenticate transactions.
• Your Aadhaar-based identity cannot be used to open new telecom connections, SIM cards, or accounts in your name without your consent.
• There is no cost involved, and you can unlock it anytime you genuinely need to.