How to Lock Notes on iPhone: Password or Face ID (iOS 16)

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Can you lock notes on iPhones? Absolutely! Let's learn how to hide notes on iPhones running iOS 16 or an older operating system. Once your note is locked, you’ll have to use a password, Face ID, or Touch ID to unlock it, keeping the information in your Notes app safe from prying eyes!

Why You'll Love This Tip

  • Keep certain notes private.  
  • Even if someone has your iPhone passcode, they still won't be able to read your locked notes. 

Related: How to Hide Photos on Your iPhone

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How to Lock Notes on iPhone to Hide Private Notes

Before we learn how to lock photos on your iPhone in the Notes app, be sure that the Notes app is enabled to lock notes. You'll need to read this article to make sure you know how to set a password for your notes. For more great iPhone privacy tutorials, check out our free Tip of the Day. Here's how to lock your notes:

  1. The fastest way to lock a note, is to find the note you wish to open in the Notes app, long press it, and tap Lock Note

    The fastest way to lock a note, is to find the note you wish to open in the Notes app, long press it, and tap Lock Note. 
  2. Alternatively, you need to first open the Notes app.

    Alternatively, you need to first open the Notes app.
  3. Then navigate to the Notes folder (if your Notes app does not automatically open to it).

    Find the note you want and tap to open it.
  4. Find the note you want and tap to open it.

    Then navigate to the Notes folder (if your Notes app does not automatically open to it).
  5. Tap the more icon.

    Tap the more icon.
  6. Tap the Lock icon to lock that note. 

    Tap the Lock icon to lock that note. 
  7. You will have to use Touch ID, Face ID, or the password you set to confirm it’s you.

    You will have to use Touch ID, Face ID, or the password you set to confirm it’s you.
  8. If you have shared this note with others, you won't be able to lock the note unless you un-share it, then try again.

    If you have shared this note with others, you won't be able to lock the note unless you un-share it, then try again.
  9. Also, you also cannot lock notes that include video, audio, a PDF, or other file attachments.

    Also, you also cannot lock notes that include video, audio, a PDF, or other file attachments.
  10. Tap the unlocked Lock icon at the top of the page to lock your note.

    Tap the unlocked Lock icon at the top of the page to lock your note.
  11. A lock will then be added to the note, and you'll need to tap View Note and unlock the note in order to view it from now on.

    A lock will then be added to the note, and you'll need to tap View Note and unlock the note in order to view it from now on.

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Now you know how to hide notes on your iPhone by locking them with a password, Face ID, or Touch ID!

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Conner Carey's picture

Author Details

Conner Carey

Conner Carey's writing can be found at conpoet.com. She is currently writing a book, creating lots of content, and writing poetry via @conpoet on Instagram. She lives in an RV full-time with her mom, Jan and dog, Jodi as they slow-travel around the country.