Aadhaar Lock
Also known as: biometric lock, mAadhaar lock, UIDAI biometric lock
A free feature in the mAadhaar app that disables biometric authentication on your Aadhaar number, blocking anyone from using your fingerprint or iris for fraud.
Aadhaar Lock is a free official service from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Activated through the mAadhaar mobile app, it disables biometric authentication on your Aadhaar number — so even if a scammer has your demographic details, they cannot complete any financial transaction, KYC, or government service that requires your fingerprint or iris scan.
When you need to use your Aadhaar for a legitimate transaction (opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, registering for a service), you unlock the biometrics for about 10 minutes via the app. The lock re-engages automatically. This narrow window makes fraudulent use almost impossible without your physical phone and app login.
For Indian residents, Aadhaar Lock is the closest equivalent to a US credit freeze and is arguably more important — Aadhaar is now the foundation of banking, telecom, tax, and many private services. Locking biometrics is the single highest-impact privacy action you can take in 2026.