Secure Your Aadhaar: A Guide to VID and Biometric Locking

🛡️ Secure Your Aadhaar: A Complete Guide to Virtual ID (VID) and Biometric Locking

📌 Introduction

In today’s digital age, safeguarding your identity is crucial. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers two powerful tools to protect your Aadhaar data — Virtual ID (VID) and Biometric Locking. This blog will guide you through how VID and biometric locking work, how to use them, and why they matter.

🔐 What is Virtual ID (VID)?

Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary, revocable, 16-digit random number that is linked to your Aadhaar number. It can be used for authentication in place of your actual Aadhaar number, ensuring your Aadhaar stays confidential.

✅ Key Features of VID:

Cannot be reverse-engineered to extract Aadhaar number
One VID is valid at a time per Aadhaar number
Can be generated, retrieved, or changed by the Aadhaar holder only
Used for eKYC and authentication like Aadhaar number

🔁 How to Generate or Retrieve Your VID

🖥️ Option 1: UIDAI Website

Visit: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and login to generate VID.

📱 Option 2: mAadhaar Mobile App

Download from Play Store or App Store, login, and go to “VID Generation”.

📩 Option 3: SMS Service

Send SMS from your registered mobile number to 1947:

To retrieve VID: RVID <Last 4 digits of Aadhaar>
To generate a new VID: GVID <Last 4 digits of Aadhaar>

📅 Validity and Security of VID

Valid for 1 calendar day (until midnight)
You can generate a new VID anytime after that
Previous VID gets automatically deactivated

Important: Only the Aadhaar holder can generate or regenerate VID. Agencies must obtain explicit consent for VID-based authentication.

🛡️ What is Biometric Locking?

Biometric Locking is a safety feature that allows Aadhaar holders to lock or unlock their biometric data including:

👆 Fingerprint
👁️ Iris
😊 Face

Once locked, biometric authentication becomes disabled, preventing unauthorized use.

🔓 How to Lock or Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

🌐 Option 1: UIDAI Website

Visit: Lock/Unlock Aadhaar

📱 Option 2: mAadhaar App

🏢 Option 3: Aadhaar Service Centre

Note: You must generate a 16-digit VID before locking/unlocking your biometrics.

❗ When Biometrics Are Locked

If someone tries to authenticate using your biometrics while they are locked:

The authentication fails
Error code 330 is shown

🧠 Why You Should Use VID and Biometric Locking

✅ Prevent unauthorized use of Aadhaar
✅ Avoid identity theft
✅ Secure your biometric data
✅ Stay compliant and protected

📞 Need Help?

UIDAI Helpline: 1947
Website: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is VID the same as Aadhaar?

No. VID is a temporary, 16-digit random number that is used instead of Aadhaar for authentication.

2. Can I generate VID without a registered mobile number?

No. A registered mobile number is mandatory to receive OTP and complete the VID process.

3. How often can I generate a new VID?

You can generate a new VID once per calendar day.

4. What happens if I forget my VID?

You can retrieve it by sending an SMS from your registered mobile number: RVID <Last 4 digits of Aadhaar> to 1947.

5. Is biometric lock permanent?

No. You can unlock it temporarily or disable the lock permanently as per your choice.

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