UIDAI

Aadhaar Card Download Online

Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data Online [2020]

Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data Online [2020]

Many times, you have to provide Aadhaar or other documents as their identity or address proof. Aadhaar has become one of the most frequently utilized identification documents. Everyone knows that Aadhaar mentions crucial information of an individual including demographics and biometrics. Increased utilization of Aadhaar has also enhanced the possibilities of someone misusing your personal information. From this perspective, UIDAI gifted Aadhaar holders with one more provision to lock/unlock the biometrics mentioned in Aadhaar.     

How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Data Online?

UIDAI has not made it mandatory for the Aadhaar holders to lock the biometric data of Aadhaar. It has been offered as a deliberate choice of holders to lock/unlock Aadhaar biometric data. UIDAI has introduced this service with the objective to strengthen the security of Aadhaar holder’s biometric data. It means that if you lock your Aadhaar biometrics, you will not be able to use your iris or fingerprints for authentication purpose.

Lock Aadhaar biometrics will help in protecting the data’s privacy and confidentiality. Increasing online fraud and cyber crimes have boosted UIDAI’s concerns regarding the safety of resident’s personal information on Aadhaar. With locking Aadhaar biometrics, you will be able to prevent potential misuse of your biometrics.

There are two modes using which you can avail of this service.

  1. UIDAI website
  2. mAadhaar App

Use UIDAI Official Website to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

The first and foremost method to lock/unlock your Aadhaar biometric is to visit the official website of UIDAI as under.

Lock Aadhaar Biometrics

  • Go to UIDAI’s portal https://uidai.gov.in/ where you will be able to avail of the “lock/unlock Aadhaar biometrics” service.
  • Click on My Aadhaar locates on the top horizontal blue panel and select the option “Lock/Unlock Biometrics” from the Aadhaar Services section.
  • It will take to a new page wherein you have to agree to the condition mentioning “I understand that after biometric lock enables, I will not perform biometric authentication until I unlock Biometrics”.
  • Select the given icon “Lock/Unlock Biometrics” that will redirect you to a new page.
  • It will initiate the first stage prompting you to log in your Aadhaar account. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and security code displayed on the screen.
  • Two options are available for further proceedings namely Send OTP or Enter TOTP. Select any of the options as per your convenience.
  • On choosing the option, UIDAI will deliver an OTP to your registered mobile number via SMS. Enter correct OTP in the designated field.
  • Click on Login or Submit icon and your biometrics will be locked. Details related to locking date and time will display on the screen indicating the locking of Aadhaar biometrics.

Unlock Aadhaar biometrics

If you desire to remove lock permanently from your Aadhaar biometrics, you have the privilege to avail unlock service. Visiting the website will help you in disabling lock services of Aadhaar biometric data.

  • Visit the UIDAI portal and open the page “Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics” lying in “Aadhaar Services” section.
  • Login your Aadhaar account by entering your 12 digits Aadhaar number or 16 digits Virtual ID.
  • Enter the security code under “Captcha Verification” section.
  • Enter the “Disable” icon which will unlock your Aadhaar biometrics till you further lock it.

mAadhaar App to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

Using the following guidelines, lock/unlock your Aadhaar biometrics using mAadhaar app:

Lock Aadhaar Biometrics via mAadhaar

mAadhaar is the official UIDAI app using which you can avail some Aadhaar-related services. One of these services is lock/unlock Aadhaar biometric data for security purpose. 

  • Download the app and enter your personal basic information including Aadhaar number to make profile on the app.

(Note: If you are already an active user of mAadhaar app, skip the previous step.)

  • Open the app and locate the three vertical dots lying on top right corner.
  • Out of different options, click on the option “Biometric Settings”.
  • Choose the check box named “Enable Biometric Lock” to lock biometrics.
  • Make sure to tick mark locates on top right corner to save your chosen option.
  • An OTP will deliver to your registered mobile number and auto-fill the OTP section on the app. This app does not provide any facility to enter OTP manually.   
  • It will lock the biometrics permanently till you unlock it for any purpose.
  • After the task approval, your biometrics will be locked which will consume maximum 6 hours for lock activation.

Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics using mAadhaar

  • Open the app and login to your profile.
  • Click on three dots on top right corner and choose “Biometric Settings”.
  • Remove the tick of check box “Enable Biometric Lock” and tick the box on top right corner.
  • It will lead to OTP generation and this will automatically be fed in the OTP field.

After OTP auto-filling, your biometrics will unlock permanently till it gets further locked. It will take up to 6 hours to deactivate the biometric lock. It means that you will be unable to authenticate using Aadhaar for following 6 hours.

Significant points related to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics

  • Aadhaar card contains biometric data of an individual including iris and fingerprints. Therefore, this service will lock or unlock biometrics.
  • Aadhaar authentication is used by various agencies such as telecom service providers, banks and others. You cannot complete authentication process using Aadhaar if you use biometric lock.
  • You can have the provision to unlock the biometric data temporarily for the authentication purpose.
  • You can lock or unlock your Aadhaar Biometric data as many times as you want. But it will be highly recommended to not frequently use this service for unnecessary reasons.
  • Using UIDAI’s portal, you can lock your Aadhaar biometric data, unlock it and even disable the lock service.
  • You are not required unlocking the Aadhaar biometrics once you disable the lock facility.
  • OTP is necessary to avail the service of locking or unlocking Aadhaar biometric data. Hence, this makes your mobile number mandatory to be registered with UIDAI in order to avail this service.
  • UIDAI provides this service at free of cost which indicates that locking, unlocking or disabling the biometric lock does not involve any fee.
  • You can use either your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID to lock/unlock biometrics in Aadhaar if using the website. Be it Aadhaar number or Virtual ID, the procedure of locking/unlocking Aadhaar biometrics will remain same.
  • In case you do not have virtual ID, you can generate it by visiting the UIDAI website and selecting “Virtual ID Generator”.

Conclusion:

If UIDAI facilitates us with various safety measures for Aadhaar, we should also leave no room for Aadhaar information being stolen or misused by anyone. You become empowered to protect your personal information using these measures. UIDAI has not only bestowed us with many benefits being an Aadhaar holder but also ensures the safe and secured utilization of this essential document.

How to Check Aadhaar Complaint Status – File Complaint Online

How to Check Aadhaar Complaint Status – File Complaint Online

With the increased significance of Aadhaar, proper management of Aadhaar and its services becomes the utmost responsibility of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). UIDAI must ensure proper fulfillment of key responsibilities assigned such as Aadhaar issuance, the performance of authentication and Aadhaar policy development, etc. Residents of India can avail of different benefits provided under the Aadhaar Act 2016 if become an Aadhaar holder.

Among different services, UIDAI developed a mechanism that offers voice to Aadhaar holders for filing related complaints. This mechanism is known as the Grievance Redressal Mechanism. This mechanism was set up with the main aim of providing residents with the provision to file Aadhaar-related complaints and to check their status online.

File an Aadhaar Complaint Online/Offline – Methods

Residents mainly file complaints in relation to non-generation of Aadhaar and enrolment agencies or operators. This grievance redressal mechanism offers three primary channels to Indian residents. These channels are UIDAI helpline number (1947), post to Regional offices and E-mail (help@uidai.gov.in).

By Visiting UIDAI Official Web Portal

Using the following guidelines, you will be able to raise a complaint and check the complaint status as well.

  1. Go to the official portal of UIDAI using the link https://uidai.gov.in/ and select the Contact & Support window.file aadhaar complaint
  2. Now Select the “File a complaint” option of the section “Grievance Redressal Mechanism”. You will redirect to a new page wherein essential information required to be filled.
  3. Enter your personal details correctly in the designated fields. These details are related to the enrolment number, contact details, location, and complaint details.aadhaar complaint enrolment number
  4. Enrolment details include 14-digit enrolment ID and 14-digit enrolment time & date.
  5. Contact details are name, email address, and mobile number.aadhaar complaint name mobile number email
  6. Location details involve postal code and town/city.aadhaar complaint city pincode
  7. Complaint information is complaint type and category.aadhaar complaint category
  8. Enter your concern in the given section. You can write your concern within the limit of 150 characters as prescribed by UIDAI.aadhaar complaint concern
  9. Fill the security code in the Captcha Verification section. You will get this code in the picture mentioned on the screen.aadhaar captcha verification
  10. Press the “Submit” icon.

After filling and submitting all the personal details correctly, your complaint will be filed in the UIDAI database.

Using the UIDAI Contact Centre

You will find toll-free contact center set up by UIDAI on its official portal. UIDAI established this contact center with the main aim of managing grievances and queries of Indian residents regarding Aadhaar updates, enrolment and other services. It is noteworthy to keep the acknowledgment slip safe for enrolment details. You can use your Enrolment number from that slip to lodge a complaint through the contact center. In the following two ways, you can use the UIDAI contact center for grievance:

  • Call
  • E-mail

Call 1947 to File Complaint

Dial 1947 from your registered mobile number and provide all the required details to the operator. Mention clearly what complaint you want to lodge and the operator will forward your concern to higher authorities. Not only this, but you can make inquiries or receive comprehensive information in relation to your Aadhaar. You can also directly call or fax to the regional offices of UIDAI for speedy resolutions of filed complaints.

Here is the list of some contact numbers of UIDAI’s Regional offices in India.

New Delhi Regional Office
  • Contact number: 011-23481126
  • Fax: 011-23481110
Ranchi Regional Office
  • Contact Number: 0651-6450145
Lucknow Regional Office
  • Contact Number: 0522-2304979
Chandigarh Regional Office
  • Contact Number: 0172-2711947
  • Fax: 0172-2711717
Mumbai Regional Office
  • Contact Number: 0651-6450145 

Write an E-mail to File an Aadhaar Complaint

UIDAI has set up an e-mail system for the residents of India to file complaints regarding Aadhaar. You can write up to UIDAI officials as what your concerns are through E-mail. Following is the guideline to use E-mail for the same:

  • Step 1: Open your registered E-mail ID and type your concern in the “Compose” box.

(Make sure you clearly mentioned your Enrolment details and complaint in the mail)

The officials forward this E-mail to the concerned Regional Office at Headquarters after the examination. After disposing of the grievance, the Regional Office/Concerned Section works with a grievance cell and replies the complainant over the mail.

Also, rather than E-mailing to UIDAI, you can E-mail your complaint to the concerned UIDAI regional office directly.

  • Lucknow Regional Office: uidai.lucknow@uidai.net.in
  • Ranchi Regional Office: ro.helpdesk@uidai.net.in
  • Chandigarh Regional Office: grievancecell.rochd@uidai.net.in
  • Mumbai Regional Office: help@uidai.gov.in

File an Aadhaar Complaint Through Post

Headquarters/Regional Officers of UIDAI also accept Aadhaar holder grievances when sending through the post. The holders send the hardcopy of grievance which further gets examined and forwarded to the higher authorities. These grievances get forwarded when the Deputy Director approves it. Deputy Director is a Public Grievance Officer appointed by UIDAI.

With the cooperation of UIDAI’s grievance cell, the process of grievance disposal undertakes by the Concerned Section/Regional Office. Complainant gets direct replies from these authorities. In case of any requirement, these authorities are responsible to also give interim replies to these complainants.

Remember you should attach supportive documents whiling filing Aadhaar-related complaint through the post.

Below are some addresses mentioned of UIDAI Regional Offices where you can post your complaint:

  • Unique Identification Authority of India

Government of India (GoI),

3rd Floor, Tower II, Jeevan Bharati Building,

Connaught Circus,

New Delhi – 110001

  • UIDAI Regional Office, Lucknow

3rd Floor,

Uttar Pradesh Samaj Kalyan Nirman Nigam Building,

TC-46/ V, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar,

Lucknow- 226 010

  • UIDAI Regional Office, Delhi

Ground Floor,

Pragati Maidan Metro Station,

Pragati Maidan,

New Delhi-110001

  • UIDAI Regional Office, Mumbai

7th Floor,

MTNL Exchange Building,

G.D. Somani Marg, Cuffe Parade,

Mumbai – 400 005

  • UIDAI Regional Office, Chandigarh

SCO 139-141,

3rd and 4th Floor,

Sector 17-C,

Chandigarh – 160017

  • UIDAI Regional Office, Ranchi

1st Floor,

RIADA Central Office Building,

Namkum Industrial Area,

Near STPI Lowadih,

Ranchi – 834 010

Through Public Grievance Portal of the Government of India

Aadhaar enrolled residents can share their grievances or issues to UIDAI through the Indian Government’s Public Grievance Portal. You are required to visit pgportal.gov.in and filing your complaint. On this portal, following are the modes available to the complainants:

  • Pension
  • Direct Receipts
  • Directorate of Public Grievances (DPG)
  • P.M’s Office
  • Parent Organization
  • Minister’s Office
  • Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
  • President’s Secretariat

In this mode to file a complaint, the same process is followed as in other modes. Grievances are forwarded to Regional Office/Concerned Section at the headquarters after going through proper examination. These grievances require the approval of Deputy Director, UIDAI’s Public Grievance Officer. RO/CS at HQ manages these grievances and disposes them at the earliest along with giving interim replies to the complainants.

Check Your Aadhaar Complaint Status Online

With the provision of lodging grievance, you are also eligible to track the status of your Aadhaar complaint. UIDAI provides you with the provision to track Aadhaar complaint status being Aadhaar enrolled by visiting the official UIDAI portal. It is the only method using which you get access to the Aadhaar complaint status irrespective of the complaint filing mode.

It means whether you have lodged a complaint via E-mail, post or phone, you have a single method of visiting the website to check complaint status. If you are unaware, follow this process and you will receive your complaint status within a few moments.

  • Step 2: Go to Grievance Redressal Mechanism that you will get in the section “Contact & Support”. There are two options available in this mechanism namely “File a Complaint” and “Check Compliant Status”.aadhaar complaint status
  • Step 3: Click on Check Complaint Status and fill the complaint ID that you received after the complaint submission. The complaint ID is of 14 digits in the format of (1234/12345/12345).check aadhaar complaint status
  • Step 4: Check your complaint status by entering the security code correctly under “Captcha Verification”. Press the icon “Check Status” and you will get your status on the screen.

Key Points:

  • Registration of complaint and complaint ID is a prerequisite to track the Aadhaar complaint status.
  • UIDAI provides you complaint ID after submitting the Aadhaar complaint. Keep this ID safe for tracking status.
  • In case of dissatisfaction from status, you can further call UIDAI toll free number 1947.
  • You can get instant updates regarding Aadhaar compliant by a direct conversation in 1947 with UIDAI operators.
  • If you are using other modes, your patience is highly expected to get a reply from UIDAI regarding Aadhaar compliant.
  • You don’t require providing your enrolment ID if the complaint is against Aadhaar enrolment agency or operators.
  • In case of a complaint regarding the non-generation of Aadhaar, Enrolment ID is mandatory while filing the complaint.

Conclusion:

UIDAI invests all efforts to provide users with an error-free experience of Aadhaar. In this urge, UIDAI provides you with the facility to lodge and check the Aadhaar complaint online by visiting the portal. With this 2-minute process, you can raise your Aadhaar-related complaints and track the status of the same without any complications.

What is the Password of e-Aadhaar card to open PDF file

What is the Password of e-Aadhaar card to open PDF file

Increased awareness of Aadhaar has made UIDAI issue more than 1.24 billion Aadhaar ID numbers to Indian residents till the date. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that UIDAI assigns to the residents of India. It holds crucial personal information (demographic and biometric) of Aadhaar cardholder and assigns irrespective of gender and age. We all receive a physical copy of Aadhaar through India post by UIDAI after the completion of the enrolment process.

But for the time being, if you require an Aadhaar card, you can directly download it as and when needed. You can simply visit the UIDAI official portal and download e-Aadhaar that requires a password to open. You can simply understand e-Aadhaar and password to open the same in a detailed manner using the following.

What is e-Aadhaar?

One can enroll for Aadhaar number by visiting banks, Aadhaar enrolment centers, and post offices. Completion of the enrolment process makes you eligible to download an online copy of Aadhaar on your own. You have different options such as virtual ID, enrolment ID or Aadhaar number using which you can download Aadhaar online.

UIDAI has given a new provision to Aadhaar holders wherein you can own e-Aadhaar or electronic Aadhaar. It makes a clear indication of downloading Aadhaar using the official UIDAI portal. E-Aadhaar refers to the electronic copy of the Aadhaar card downloaded online. This electronic version has equal validity as the physical copy of Aadhaar. E-Aadhaar holds validity due to the official signature of UIDAI marked on it. 

E-Aadhaar mentions all the basic demographic and biometric information of the holder. This electronic form displays your full name, address, date of birth, mobile number, Aadhaar number, facial photograph and sex and so on. Key features of e-Aadhaar have been identified as “acceptance as identification proof” and “a legally valid document”. 

In simple words, you can understand e-Aadhaar as the digitalized version of the assigned 12-digit Aadhaar number.

Password to Open Aadhaar Card PDF File

When you download Aadhaar online through the UIDAI website, you receive a PDF file. To integrate safety to downloaded Aadhaar, UIDAI assigned a password-protection feature in this file. It means that this file is password-protected that cannot be opened without inserting a password. Alike physical Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar is also significant for the Indian residents.

You do not need to panic with this password-protection feature of PDF file. The password is simple for the Aadhaar holders that you can get without investing further effort. Being an Aadhaar holder, UIDAI bestows you to download e-Aadhaar whether in regular or masked form. Masked Aadhaar involves the revelation of only the last four digits of Aadhaar number with the perspective of integrating secured usage of Aadhaar. Regular Aadhaar showcases all the digits of Aadhaar number without concealing any digit.

Process to Derive e-Aadhaar Password

  • This password is the combination of Aadhaar holder’s registered name and date of birth.
  • The initial four letters of a password are the initial letters of your name.
  • It is followed by the date of birth in the format of YYYY to constitute the complete password.
  • It means that the final four letters contain the birth year from your date of birth registered in Aadhaar.

In order to eliminate panic or complications, UIDAI offers a simple password to open a downloaded Aadhaar PDF file. This password is termed as an e-Aadhaar password. For your better understanding of this password, following are some instances explained to derive password:

Example 1:

  • Aadhaar cardholder name: MAHESH RAWAT
  • Date of Birth: 08 August 1985
  • E-Aadhaar password: MAHE1985

Example 2:

  • Aadhaar cardholder name: SAI GUPTA
  • Date of Birth: 24 January 1994
  • E-Aadhaar password: SAIG1994

Example 3:

  • Aadhaar cardholder name: ROY 
  • Date of Birth: 15 July 1976
  • E-Aadhaar password: ROY1976

Example 4:

  • Aadhaar cardholder name: M.D. KHAN
  • Date of Birth: 31 December 1982
  • E-Aadhaar password: M.D.1982

Open E-Aadhaar After Downloading

After downloading Aadhaar online, you get a password-protected PDF file. You have the following two manners using which you can open e-Aadhaar.

  • Enter Postal Code

This method involves entering the PIN code of your postal address that is registered in Aadhaar. Make sure the postal address should be registered in Aadhaar during enrolment while providing other details.

  • Password

If you are unable to open the file using the PIN code, then you should enter the password assigned by UIDAI. Generate your password using the above-mentioned method. You are required to combine your name and date of birth to derive e-Aadhaar password.

Use any of the above-mentioned methods to open downloaded Aadhaar PDF. Not only has this, but you can print the downloaded Aadhaar PDF for your convenience. Using a password is an uncomplicated method and you need to keep in mind to accurately use your name and date of birth.   

Why e-Aadhaar password is needed?

We have often heard the term “password” multiple times in our daily life. It can be for mobile, computer, e-banking, Wi-Fi connection, logging in social media accounts or Google account, etc. The main purpose of using a password is offering necessary protection and preventing cybercrimes and frauds. Using a password, you can prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.

For the same, UIDAI integrated password protection in e-Aadhaar. The password is important to prevent misuse and manipulation of the holder’s personal information mentioned in Aadhaar. Passwords consider an effective manner to secure crucial documents and things. UIDAI uses a password as a means to protect your online downloaded Aadhaar card. E-Aadhaar is already safe as it is in PDF format. The integration of the password just adds strength to e-Aadhaar protection.

We have heard multiple cases of scamming and online fraudulence every day. Hence, a password for Aadhaar is a prerequisite indicating no surprising fact for the holders. The password enables the Aadhaar number of a holder to be encrypted and safe at any cost. Prevention of the Aadhaar card in the hands of unwanted people is one of the rationales behind the utilization of the e-Aadhaar password. With the rapid increase in data theft, UIDAI has put into action the password-protection in e-Aadhaar.   

E-Aadhaar does not possess the risks of being stolen or forgotten. As we all are aware that e-Aadhaar is used in the same manner as the physical copy of Aadhaar. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure the protection of PDF files received as e-Aadhaar.

Things to remember:

  • Online downloading of the Aadhaar card does not involve any cost.
  • No cap on downloading Aadhaar online. It means that you can download Aadhaar as many times as you need.
  • Use no spaces among 8-digits while entering the password.
  • OTP is a must download Aadhaar online. Therefore, link your mobile number with Aadhaar to avail of this service.
  • You can print the downloaded Aadhaar when you download and open the e-Aadhaar PDF file.

Functions of e-Aadhaar

E-Aadhaar has become a universal identity proof for Indian residents. We use the Aadhaar card whether in physical or electronic form in our everyday lives. UIDAI offers a provision to link Aadhaar card with bank accounts, hospital services, and phone numbers, etc to gift holders with immense convenience. Following are the key functions of e-Aadhaar:

  • Government schemes
  • Universal Identity proof for photo, name, address, mobile number
  • Gas connections
  • LPG and other subsidies
  • Contact numbers
  • Bank Accounts

Conclusion:

If you are using e-Aadhaar, you ought to be aware of basics such as password generation. UIDAI provided password-protection to e-Aadhaar for the benefits of Aadhaar holders only. You can prevent unauthorized access or misuse of personal information mentioned in e-Aadhaar. The password of e-Aadhaar does not require any specialization. Although e-Aadhaar offers you great benefits, it should be your responsibility to safeguard your personal information including Aadhaar card.