Q.1 What is Aadhaar SMS Service?
Ans. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a service called “Aadhaar Services on SMS” which enables Aadhaar Number holders, who do not have access to internet/resident portal/m-Aadhaar etc. to use various Aadhaar services like Virtual ID generation/retrieval, Aadhaar lock/unlock etc. through SMS.
- Resident can avail Aadhaar Service by sending SMS from Registered Mobile to 1947.
- Resident can perform VID Generation/Retrieval, Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Number etc. by sending an SMS in the given format to 1947 from their registered mobile number.
- For More details on Virtual ID (VID) please visit: https://uidai.gov.in/contact-support/have-any-question/284-faqs/aadhaar-online-services/virtual-id-vid.html
Q.2 Do I need to generate OTP for all Aadhaar SMS services?
Ans. OTP Auhtentication is must for Aadhaar Lock/unlock and Biometric Lock/unlock Function. You don’t need OTP for VID Generation & Retrieval function.
To get OTP send SMS -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number
Example – GETOTP 1234.
Q.3 How to Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Number with SMS service?
Ans. For Locking Aadhaar Number:
Send OTP request as -> GETOTPLAST 4 or 8 DIGITs of Aadhaar Number Then send Locking Request as -> LOCKUIDLast 4 or 8 DIGIT of Aadhaar Number6 DIGIT OTP
You will get a confirmation message for your request. Once it is locked you will not be able to perform any form of Authentication (Biometric, Demographic or OTP) using your Aadhaar Number. However, you can still use your latest Virtual ID for performing Authentication.
For Un-Locking Aadhaar Number you must have your latest Virtual ID.
Send OTP request with last 6 or 10 DIGITs of Virtual ID number as ->
GETOTPLAST 6 or 10 DIGITs Virtual ID
Then send Unlocking Request as -> UNLOCKUIDLAST 6 or 10 DIGIT Virtual ID 6 DIGIT OTP
Q.4 What is Virtual ID?
Ans. VID or Virtual ID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with your Aadhaar number. Virtual ID can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. Authentication may be performed using Virtual ID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number. It is not possible to derive Aadhaar number from Virtual ID
Q.5 What does Lock/Unlock Aadhaar mean?
Ans. To further strengthen your privacy and security, UIDAI has introduced a feature to lock and unlock your Aadhaar Number. After locking your Aadhaar Number, Authentication cannot be performed using Aadhaar Number. In that case you may use your Virtual ID to perform Authentication. This will prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar Number by anyone else. Unlocking your Aadhaar Number will resume the use of Aadhaar Number for Authentication.
Q.6 My SMS is not being sent. What should I do?
Ans. Please check if your SMS service is working properly. In case of any issue with respect to the SMS not being sent, kindly contact your telecom service provider. It may be a case of bad network or non-functioning SMS service or low Balance etc
