iOS · iPhone & iPad
Lock Private Notes on iPhone With a Passcode or Face ID
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Lock eligible notes with the iPhone passcode or a separate Notes password, then enable Face ID and remove sensitive previews or unlocked copies.
Choose the password system
In Notes settings, use the device passcode for simpler recovery or create a separate Notes password you can reliably remember.
Lock the note
Open an eligible note, choose Lock, and authenticate; some attachments, shared notes, and account types cannot be locked.
Enable biometric access
Allow Face ID or Touch ID for Notes, then verify the note relocks when you leave it.
Reduce other exposure
Delete unlocked duplicates, review notification previews and backups, and remember a forgotten custom Notes password cannot unlock old notes.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If “Lock Private Notes on iPhone With a Passcode or Face ID” remains unresolved, identify which numbered step first produces a different result and preserve that screen or message. Recheck the account, permission, storage, connection, or device prerequisite described above, then follow only the matching Apple Support recovery path; do not combine unrelated resets, bypasses, or third-party repair tools.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Reviewed against the linked first-party guidance; interface labels can vary by current app, service, or operating-system version.