Want to keep certain Notes private on your iPhone 14? You can lock individual notes with a password, your device passcode, or Face ID for extra security. Here’s how to do it, plus what to expect if you forget your password.
How to Lock a Note in the Notes App
- Open the Notes app.
- Select the note you want to lock.
- Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner.
- Tap Lock.
- Follow the prompts to set up a password, use your device passcode, or enable Face ID.
Once locked, the note will show a lock icon. You’ll need the correct password, passcode, or Face ID to open it.
Access Locked Notes Across Devices
Locked notes can be opened on any Apple device signed in to the same iCloud account—just use the same password or device passcode. If it’s your first time opening a locked note on another device, follow the prompts to finish setting up lock access.
If you don’t want to enable lock access on that device, just tap Not Now.
Set a Notes Password via Settings
You can also create or manage your Notes password directly from your iPhone’s settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Notes.
- Tap Password.
- Choose the Notes account you want to lock (e.g., iCloud).
- Set a custom password or enable Use Device Passcode.
- Optionally, add a password hint.
This password will apply to any new notes you choose to lock.
What Happens If You Forget Your Notes Password?
If you forget your Notes password:
- You can reset it through Settings > Notes > Password > select account > Reset Password.
- This only affects new notes going forward—previously locked notes remain inaccessible unless you remember the original password.
- Apple cannot help you recover locked notes. Even with your Apple ID, there’s no way to bypass the lock without the original password.