How to lock a note on iPhone?

Here’s a simple article, “How to lock a note on iPhone?”, with easy-to-follow instructions and a brief analysis of the pros and cons. At the end, you’ll also find recommendations for iOS training courses in Warsaw. 

A quick overview

  • Notes on iPhone can be locked individually. A locked note requires a password, Face ID, or Touch ID to unlock it.
  • There are two practical paths:
    1. locking the note with a separate password (independent of the phone code),
    2. locking the note using the phone code unlock option (if this option is available in your iOS version).
  • Note: If you forget the password for a locked note, there isn’t always an easy way to recover it; some versions of iOS offer an option to reset the password via Apple ID, while others may result in you losing access to the content.

Disadvantages and risks (including forgotten password)

  • Risk of forgetting the password: If you forget the password for a locked note, different scenarios are possible depending on the iOS version (e.g., “Forgot password?” option or having to manually unblock it). In practice, it’s a good idea to keep the password in a safe place or use biometrics to make unlocking easier.
  • Limited recovery: Some recovery methods may be limited or irreversible, which may result in loss of access to the note content.
  • Complexity of use: For less advanced users, the locking and unlocking process may be a bit complicated the first few times.
  • Versions and Updates: The interface and locking options may vary slightly depending on your iOS version. If you see a slightly different layout, look for the lock icon at the top of the note.
  • iOS versions may have slightly different interfaces. Look for the lock icon at the top of the note and follow the prompts for password, biometrics, or other available options.
  • If you’ve forgotten your note’s password, check if the “Forgot password?” option appears when you try to unlock it. Some versions of iOS allow you to reset your password through your Apple ID; in other cases, your only option may be to lose access to the note’s contents.
  • To avoid problems with losing access, it is worth:
    • use biometrics (Face ID/Touch ID) for quick unlocking,
    • save your password in a trusted password manager,
    • Update iOS regularly to have the latest recovery options.

Instructions 1. Locking a note with a separate password (per-note password)

  • Step 1: Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Select the note you want to protect.
  • Step 3: Tap the lock icon at the top of the screen.
  • Step 4: If this is your first time locking, set a new password for this note. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID unlocking.
  • Step 5: To unlock the note in the future, tap the lock icon again and authenticate (Face ID/Touch ID or enter your remembered password).
  • Bonus tip: Plan to save your password in a safe place or password manager so you can easily retrieve it if needed.

Instruction 2. Locking a note using a phone code (unlocking with a screen code)

  • Step 1: Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Select the note to protect.
  • Step 3: Tap the lock icon (Lock) and select the option that allows you to unlock your phone using your screen passcode (if available in your iOS version). Enter the screen passcode.
  • Step 4: Once you have enabled phone code unlock, in the future, unlocking your note can be done using the screen code or, if available, biometrics (Face ID/Touch ID) depending on your settings.
  • Step 5: To unlock the note, use the screen passcode or biometrics according to your settings.

Summary

  • Step 1: Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Select the note to protect.
  • Step 3: Tap the lock icon (Lock) and select the option that allows you to unlock your phone using your screen passcode (if available in your iOS version). Enter the screen passcode.
  • Step 4: Once you have enabled phone code unlock, in the future, unlocking your note can be done using the screen code or, if available, biometrics (Face ID/Touch ID) depending on your settings.
  • Step 5: To unlock the note, use the screen passcode or biometrics according to your settings.