Quite like Apple, I am a stickler for protecting my privacy and don’t mind taking an extra step to safeguard my personal information. Though sometimes there’s a downside to my possessiveness, precisely when I forgot my note password.
Notes have been my go-to app for saving essential information such as passwords, account details, and transaction history among other things. And why not, your Notes can be synced across the Apple ecosystem; moreover, you can lock your notes with password on your iPhone and Mac.
However, the trouble arises when you forget note password and the hint question isn’t helpful. Fortunately, there is a way to reset a forgotten Notes password on iOS and Mac. I have been a victim of one such incidence, and this is what I did.
How to Unlock Notes When You Forgot Password on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Unfortunately, if your notes are just password-protected, you can’t regain access to your locked notes until you remember the password. Even if you create a new password, that will apply to the new notes only, and the old one will remain unopenable.
Thankfully I was using a device with Touch ID and managed to recover my crucial information from the notes.
Quick Links:
- How to Recover Locked Notes Using Touch ID/Face ID on iOS Device
- How to Reset Forgotten Notes Password on iPhone and iPad
- How to Reset Forgotten Notes Password on Mac
How to Recover Locked Notes Using Touch ID on iOS Device
Step #1. Open Notes app on your device and Tap on to open the note you want to unlock.

Step #2. Tap on View Note. When the dialogue window prompts for a password, enter your Touch ID or Face ID.

Step #3. Once opened, copy the content of the note and Tap ‘< (Back)’ to exit from the note.

Step #4. Tap on Create Note icon from the bottom right corner and Paste the content on a new note and save the new note.

Step #5. Repeat steps #1 – #4 for all the locked notes you want to recover.
Once done, follow the below-mentioned steps to reset your notes password.
Note that this solution only works for iPhone or iPad with Touch ID or Face ID or a Mac with Touch Bar or Touch ID power button. Another constraint is that your Touch ID or Face ID should have been activated as a password earlier as well. I am really sorry for the loss of your data if none of these conditions aren’t met.
How to Reset Forgotten Notes Password on iPhone and iPad
Step #1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device and tap on Notes.

Step #2. Tap on Password and select the Reset Password option.

Step #3. A dialogue window will ask for your Apple ID Password, enter the password and tap on OK.

Step #4. Next, tap on Reset Password again and enter your new password and password hint and Tap on Done to finish the process.

How to Reset Forgotten Notes Password on Mac
Step #1. Open the Notes app on your Mac.

Step #2. Click on Notes from the menu options and select Preferences.

Step #3. Click on Reset Password.

Step #4. Click on OK to confirm Reset your password.

Step #5. A dialogue window will ask for your iCloud Password, enter the password and click OK.

Step #6. Click on Reset Password for confirming to change the Password.

Step #7. Now enter the new password you want to keep and password hint and then click on Set Password.

That’s how it’s done, folks!!
Signing off
With great features comes greater protection and a slight bit of inconvenience. The Notes app employs a single password for all your notes on all your devices. So, if you forgot the password, you’ll be locked out of all your notes from all your devices.
Though non-recoverability is a great feature where security is concerned, it is quite unfortunate for us forgetful types. However, now with the Touch ID and Face ID feature, that issue is solved as well. Here are some more great features you shall check.
Related Posts:
- Find Saved Passwords on iPhone and iPad
- How to Password Protect Folders on Mac
- Allow Safari to Save Passwords for Websites on iPhone
- How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch when Wearing a Mask
In all honesty, Apple will always give me reasons to fall in love with Apple devices. What is your view about it? Have you ever been stuck like this before?
Share your opinions and reviews with us in the comment box.