Lock or unlock your Aadhaar biometrics (fingerprint, iris, face)
Lock your own fingerprint, iris and face for Aadhaar checks free in the Aadhaar app or on myAadhaar, and unlock them for a short time when you need them.
Free on the official page. Your own numbers only. We have no automated link to any government portal, use no private data services, and never store the result.
What you need
- Your own Aadhaar number (12 digits) or your VID (Virtual ID, a 16-digit number that stands in for Aadhaar).
- The mobile phone linked to your Aadhaar, with you. An OTP (one-time password, a code sent by SMS) comes to it. Without a linked mobile you cannot lock.
- A phone with the official Aadhaar app, or a phone or computer with internet. UIDAI (the Aadhaar office) gives this service free.
What to do on the official page
- Open the official Aadhaar app, or the official myAadhaar website (the button on this page). Its address ends in uidai.gov.in. Do not use other sites that ask for your Aadhaar number.
- Type your Aadhaar number and the picture code (captcha) yourself. Ask for the OTP.
- Type the OTP from your SMS yourself. Never tell the OTP to anyone, not even FormSathi.
- Open 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics'. The screen shows whether your biometrics are locked now.
- To lock: tick the box that you understand, and choose to lock. To unlock for a short time: choose unlock. Then confirm.
- Read the message on the screen and find it in the list below.
What the result means
The portal shows: Your biometrics are locked.
It means: No one can use your fingerprint, iris (eye scan) or face for an Aadhaar check. A ration shop, bank or SIM counter that tries gets error 330, which means 'biometrics locked'. OTP checks on your phone still work.
What to do next: Nothing to do. It stays locked until you unlock it. Before you go to a ration shop, bank or SIM counter that needs your fingerprint, unlock it for a short time.
The portal shows: Your biometrics are unlocked for a short time (temporarily unlocked).
It means: Your fingerprint, iris and face work for Aadhaar checks for a short time, usually about 15 minutes, or for one check. Then they lock again by themselves.
What to do next: Give your fingerprint at the counter right away. If the time runs out first, unlock again.
The portal shows: Your biometrics are unlocked (locking is off).
It means: This is how every Aadhaar starts. Your fingerprint, iris and face work for Aadhaar checks at any time.
What to do next: If you rarely give your fingerprint, you can lock it. If you see a use you do not know in your Aadhaar authentication history, lock it now.
The portal shows: At a ration shop, bank or SIM counter: 'error 330' or 'biometrics locked'.
It means: Your fingerprint did not fail. You locked your biometrics earlier, so the machine cannot check them.
What to do next: Open the Aadhaar app on your phone, unlock for a short time, and try again at the counter. If you cannot, call UIDAI on 1947 (free) or ask at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (Aadhaar centre).
The portal shows: The OTP does not come, or the page says your mobile is not registered.
It means: Only a person whose mobile is linked to Aadhaar can lock or unlock online.
What to do next: Link your mobile at an Aadhaar centre first. See the FormSathi page on checking your Aadhaar mobile link.
Frequently asked questions
Is locking my biometrics free?
Yes. UIDAI does not list any fee for lock or unlock in the Aadhaar app or on myAadhaar. FormSathi does not charge for this page.
Will my ration or bank money stop if I lock?
No. Your benefits stay. But a counter that needs your fingerprint cannot check it while it is locked. Unlock for a short time just before you give your fingerprint.
How do I unlock for good?
In the same 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' place, you can turn the locking off. UIDAI says you can unlock on its website, in the Aadhaar app, at an enrolment centre or at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Is this the same as locking my Aadhaar number?
No. Biometric lock stops only fingerprint, iris and face. Aadhaar number lock stops every use of the number, even OTP, and then you use your VID instead. Most people need only the biometric lock.
Can I lock someone else's biometrics?
Lock only your own. The OTP goes to that person's own phone, and only they should type it. FormSathi never looks up another person's Aadhaar.
Other free checks
All checks
Aadhaar safety
- Aadhaar authentication history (where your Aadhaar was used)
- Which mobile is linked to my Aadhaar
- Is my Aadhaar number valid
PAN card
Income tax
- Find the TAN of whoever cut tax from your pay
- Find your own income tax Assessing Officer
- Check if an income tax notice is genuine
- See if your income tax payment reached the government
- Where is my income tax refund?
- Is my bank account ready for an income tax refund?
- See the tax cut on your PAN (Form 26AS and AIS)
Money from schemes
- Aadhaar bank seeding status
- Is my Ayushman card ready?
- Ladki Bahin application status
- MahaDBT scholarship application status
- Where is my PM-Kisan money?
Aadhaar
- Download my e-Aadhaar
- Aadhaar PVC card order status
- Find my lost Aadhaar number or enrolment ID
- Aadhaar update status
ID cards and documents
- Driving licence application status
- Passport application status
- Track my voter form (Form 6 / Form 8) application
- Download my digital voter ID card (e-EPIC)
- Find my name in the voter list
Work and jobs
- e-Shram card: check and download
- Where is my PF claim? Check your EPF withdrawal status
- Is my PF account (UAN) active, and how much is in it?
- PM Vishwakarma application status
Business
Sources (date read)
- UIDAI: Aadhaar online services, 'Biometric Lock/Unlock' (fingerprint, iris, face; registered mobile needed; temporary unlock by website, enrolment centre, Aadhaar Seva Kendra or app; error 330; locking can be disabled) · 2026-11-04
- UIDAI FAQ: the Aadhaar app offers 'Biometric lock/unlock'; toll-free 1947 · 2026-11-04
- UIDAI: Authentication, temporary biometric unlock 'valid for a limited duration (generally 15 minutes)' or one authentication · 2026-11-04
Updated: 2026-11-04