How to reset DigiLocker Password: PIN recovery, username and account guide

Introduction

DigiLocker is one of the most widely used government digital platforms in India, millions of individuals access it for Aadhaar, PAN, driving licences, and vehicle registration certificates. But it is also one of the most commonly searched platforms for account recovery. Forgotten PINs, inactive mobile numbers, locked accounts, and OTPs that fail to arrive are among the most frequent issues Indian users encounter.

This guide covers everything you need to regain access to your DigiLocker account — resetting your PIN, recovering your username, creating a fresh account if you do not have one, and understanding what the 6-digit security PIN actually is and how to choose a strong one. It also covers how DigiLocker is used specifically in the context of bond investing, KYC for bond applications and downloading e-bond certificates.

What Is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is a digital document storage and verification platform launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is part of the Digital India initiative and allows every Aadhaar-linked Indian citizen to store, access, and share verified government documents electronically.

Documents stored and issued in DigiLocker carry the same legal validity as their physical originals under the Information Technology Act, 2000. This makes DigiLocker-based eKYC accepted by banks, SEBI-registered brokers, OBPP platforms, and government agencies.

What Is the 6-Digit Security PIN in DigiLocker?

The 6-digit security PIN is DigiLocker's account password , a numeric code chosen by the user at the time of account creation.

What it is: A 6-digit numeric code set by you, used as a login credential every time you access DigiLocker without OTP. The primary "password" of your DigiLocker account.

What it is not: Not the same as your Aadhaar PIN, not the same as the Aadhaar OTP used during eKYC consent, not a PIN set by the government , you choose it yourself.

Common confusion: Many users confuse the security PIN with the OTP that DigiLocker sends to their mobile. The OTP is temporary and sent on demand. The PIN is permanent until you change or reset it.

How to Reset a Forgotten DigiLocker PIN or Password

The reset process takes under two minutes , provided your registered mobile number is active.

Step-by-step PIN reset on the website:

1. Go to digilocker.gov.in

2. Click Sign In

3. Enter your registered mobile number

4. Below the PIN entry box, click Forgot Security PIN

5. DigiLocker sends an OTP to your registered mobile

6. Enter the OTP

7. Enter your new 6-digit PIN

8. Confirm the new PIN

9. Click Submit , PIN is reset and you are logged in

Step-by-step PIN reset on the DigiLocker app:

1. Open the DigiLocker app

2. Tap Sign In

3. Enter your registered mobile number

4. Tap Forgot PIN

5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile

6. Set and confirm a new 6-digit PIN

7. Tap Submit , PIN reset complete

Important: The OTP for PIN reset goes to your DigiLocker-registered mobile , not necessarily your current number. If you have changed your SIM since creating the account, see the troubleshooting section below.

How to Find Your DigiLocker Username

DigiLocker does not use a traditional username. Your registered mobile number is your login identifier.

If you do not remember which mobile number you used:

● Try your Aadhaar-linked mobile: DigiLocker requires the Aadhaar-linked mobile for account creation. Most users create it with the same number.

● Try Aadhaar login: At the sign-in page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. DigiLocker sends an OTP to your current Aadhaar-linked mobile , bypassing the need to know the registered mobile.

● Check for welcome email: If you provided an email at registration, check for a DigiLocker welcome email confirming the registered mobile.

● Check UIDAI portal: Your Aadhaar-linked mobile is visible (partially masked) at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.

How to Create a New DigiLocker Account

If you have never used DigiLocker before , or need to start fresh , here is how to create an account.

What you need:

● 12-digit Aadhaar number

● Mobile number currently linked to your Aadhaar

● Name and date of birth as per Aadhaar

Account creation steps:

1. Visit digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker app

2. Click or tap Sign Up

3. Enter your mobile number → receive OTP → enter OTP

4. Enter your full name and date of birth exactly as in Aadhaar

5. Set a 6-digit security PIN , note it down securely

6. Enter your Aadhaar number → receive Aadhaar OTP → enter it

7. Account is created , Aadhaar and PAN documents appear automatically in Issued Documents

Note: DigiLocker allows only one account per Aadhaar number. If an account already exists for your Aadhaar, you will be prompted to recover it. Use the PIN reset process above.

DigiLocker Password Examples: What Makes a Strong PIN

Your 6-digit security PIN is the primary security layer on your DigiLocker account — which contains sensitive documents like Aadhaar and PAN. Choosing a weak PIN creates a security risk.

Patterns DigiLocker typically rejects:

• Sequential numbers: 123456, 234567, 654321

• Repeated digits: 111111, 222222, 000000

• Common patterns: 112233, 121212

What makes a strong 6-digit PIN:

• Avoid birth dates, anniversaries, or phone number digits - these are guessable

• Use a combination that has no obvious personal connection

• A PIN like 483917 is significantly harder to guess than 010190 (a birthdate)

• Do not share your PIN with anyone - DigiLocker support will never ask for it

Storing your PIN safely:

• Note it in a secure offline location

• Use a password manager if you manage multiple digital PINs

• Do not store it in unprotected notes apps or messaging apps

How to Delete a DigiLocker Account

DigiLocker does not offer self-service account deletion. Deletion requires contacting support:

Option 1 , Through the app/website: Log in → navigate to Help & Support or Contact Us → submit a deletion request with your registered mobile number and reason.

Option 2 , Email: Send a request to support@digilocker.gov.in with your registered mobile number, Aadhaar (last 4 digits), and a deletion request.

Before deleting: Download all documents you need , Aadhaar, PAN, e-bond certificates. Note that deleting your DigiLocker account does not cancel any bonds, investments, or government services. After deletion, your Aadhaar can be used to create a new account in future.

DigiLocker and Bond Investing in India

DigiLocker plays a direct role in three parts of India's bond investing journey:

1. KYC for 54EC bond applications: When applying online for REC, PFC, IRFC, or HUDCO 54EC Capital Gain Bonds, the application process uses DigiLocker for instant Aadhaar eKYC , eliminating the need for physical KYC documents.

2. e-Bond certificate retrieval: REC and IRFC issue 54EC bond certificates as e-documents in DigiLocker's Issued Documents section after allotment. Investors who have misplaced their physical certificate can retrieve the digital copy from DigiLocker at any time.

3. OBPP and Demat account onboarding: SEBI-registered OBPPs such as BondScanner use DigiLocker eKYC during digital account opening , verifying PAN and Aadhaar instantly.

Having an active, accessible DigiLocker account with a PIN you remember is a practical prerequisite for smooth bond investing in India. To explore listed bonds available on BondScanner, visit bondscanner.com/bonds.

For a detailed guide to using DigiLocker specifically for bond KYC and e-bond certificate access, refer to DigiLocker for Bond Investing: KYC, PIN Reset and e-Bond Access.

FAQs

How do I reset my DigiLocker password or PIN?

Go to digilocker.gov.in or the DigiLocker app, click Sign In, enter your registered mobile number, and select Forgot Security PIN. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile and set a new 6-digit PIN. The process takes under two minutes.

What is the 6-digit security PIN in DigiLocker?

The 6-digit security PIN is a numeric password set by the user at account creation. It is used to log in to DigiLocker and is separate from the Aadhaar OTP used for eKYC consent.

How do I find my DigiLocker username?

DigiLocker does not use a conventional username. Your registered mobile number is your login identifier. If you do not remember it, log in using your 12-digit Aadhaar number as an alternate method.

What do I do if the DigiLocker Forgot PIN OTP is not working?

Verify you are entering the correct registered mobile. Wait 2 minutes and click Resend OTP. If the registered mobile is no longer active, use Aadhaar-based login and update your mobile from profile settings.

Can I have two DigiLocker accounts? N

DigiLocker allows only one account per Aadhaar number. If an account already exists for your Aadhaar, you will be prompted to recover it.

What happens if my DigiLocker registered mobile is no longer active?

Use the Aadhaar login method , enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, receive an OTP on your current Aadhaar-linked mobile, and log in. Then update the registered mobile from profile settings.

Is DigiLocker free to use?

Yes. DigiLocker is a free Government of India service with no charges for account creation, document access, or eKYC.

This article is published by BondScanner, a SEBI-registered Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP). Links to BondScanner's bond listing page, Android app, and iOS app referenced in this article are for informational purposes only.

Explore listed bonds on the BondScanner app:

Disclaimer

This blog is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The instruments, issuer categories, yield ranges, and examples mentioned herein are illustrative and should not be construed as investment advice or recommendations.

BondScanner is a SEBI-registered OBPP and does not provide personalised investment advice. Nothing in this article is a solicitation to buy or sell any security.