Are Apple Notes Encrypted? What Is and Isn't Protected
Only partly. A note you lock is end-to-end encrypted. An ordinary note in iCloud is encrypted too, but Apple holds the keys unless you turn on Advanced Data Protection.
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What do I need to know?
- Locked notes are the strong option. Apple says they use end-to-end encryption, so only you can read them.
- Ordinary notes are not locked. Anyone who opens Notes on your unlocked phone can read them.
- Advanced Data Protection is the other fix. It puts all your iCloud notes under keys only your devices hold.
What does "encrypted" mean for a note?
There are three levels.
- On the phone. iPhone storage is encrypted while the phone is locked. Once you unlock it, every ordinary note is readable.
- In iCloud. Ordinary notes are encrypted on Apple's servers, but Apple holds those keys. Apple can use them, for example to answer a legal order.
- End-to-end. Only your devices hold the key. This covers locked notes, and everything in iCloud if Advanced Data Protection is on.
How do I lock a note?
Steps for iOS 27. Check Apple's lock notes page if your screen differs.
- Open the note.
- Tap the More button, then Lock.
- Choose Use iPhone Passcode or Create Password.
- Tap the lock icon to hide the note.
Pick a separate password if people near you know your passcode. If you forget it, Apple cannot recover the note.
How do I turn on Advanced Data Protection?
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Tap iCloud, then Advanced Data Protection.
- Tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection and follow the prompts.
You must set up a recovery contact or recovery key first. Our guide to Advanced Data Protection covers the trade-offs.
Which notes can't be locked?
Apple lists notes with some attachments, shared notes, and notes stored in Gmail, Yahoo or other IMAP accounts. Check a note by looking for Lock in its menu. If it is missing, the note cannot be locked.
Can someone read my notes without my phone?
Not a locked note, because they would need your password or passcode. For an ordinary note in iCloud, they would need access to your Apple Account, or a legal order to Apple.
What this doesn't protect against
A locked note stays readable for a few minutes after you open it. Neither locking nor encryption stops a screenshot. A note is only as private as the passcode or password behind it. If you lose a separate notes password, the note is gone.
Do it with Cryptile
Cryptile secure notes sit in an encrypted vault with your photos and files. Each note is encrypted with AES-256-GCM under a key made on your device from your pattern. There is no account and no server, and the developer never holds your keys.