How to Lock a Note with a Password in Apple Notes

Apple Notes is one of the most versatile built-in applications on iOS and macOS. While it is perfect for jotting down quick grocery lists, many users also use it to store highly sensitive information, such as financial details, medical records, or personal diary entries.

While your iPhone or Mac is already protected by your main lock screen password, adding an extra layer of security to specific, sensitive notes is a smart privacy practice. Apple allows you to individually lock any note, requiring a secondary password, Face ID, or Touch ID to view its contents.

In this guide, we will show you how to lock a note in Apple Notes and how to manage your locking preferences across all your Apple devices.

How to Lock a Note on iPhone and iPad

Locking a note on your iOS device takes only a few seconds. Apple recently updated how this system works: you can now choose to use your standard iPhone passcode to unlock notes, rather than having to remember a separate, custom Notes password.

1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on the specific note you want to lock, or create a new one.
3. Tap the More (three dots) icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Tap the Lock icon (it says “Lock” underneath it).
5. If this is your first time locking a note, you will be prompted to choose your lock method. Apple will recommend using your iPhone Passcode. This is the safest option because it allows you to use Face ID or Touch ID seamlessly.
6. If you choose to create a Custom Password instead, ensure it is something you will not forget, as Apple cannot reset it for you if it is lost.
7. Once configured, an animation of a padlock locking will appear, and the note’s contents will be hidden.

To view the note again, simply tap “View Note” and authenticate with Face ID or your chosen password.

How to Lock a Note on Mac

Because Apple Notes synchronises perfectly via iCloud, any note you lock on your iPhone will automatically be locked on your Mac. However, you can also lock notes directly from the macOS desktop app.

1. Open the Notes application on your Mac.
2. Select the note you want to protect from the sidebar.
3. Look at the top toolbar and click the Padlock icon.
4. Select Lock Note from the dropdown menu.
5. If you are using a Mac with Touch ID, you can use your fingerprint to lock it. Otherwise, you will need to enter your Mac login password or your custom Notes password.

Important Limitations of Locked Notes

While the locking feature is excellent for privacy, there are a few important limitations you should be aware of before you lock everything in your app.

• You Cannot Lock Tagged Notes: If you have added a hashtag (e.g., #finances) to organise your note, Apple will not allow you to lock it. You must remove the tag first.
• You Cannot Lock Shared Notes: If you are collaborating on a note with a colleague or family member, the lock feature is disabled.
• Attachments Are Still Secure: If you attach a PDF or an image to a locked note, that attachment is also fully encrypted and cannot be viewed until the note is unlocked.

By utilising the locking feature, you can confidently use Apple Notes as a secure vault for your most private information, ensuring that even if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they still cannot read your secrets.