To open a locked note in Apple Notes on iPhone or iPad, tap the locked note, tap View Note, and then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. If biometrics are unavailable or fail, enter the credential that originally locked the note: the device passcode or the custom Notes password. The note stays open for a limited time and locks again when you close Notes or your device goes to sleep.
Open a locked note with Face ID
- Open Notes and tap the locked note.
- Tap View Note.
- Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. If biometric authentication does not succeed, enter the password or passcode used to lock that note.
Apple’s support guidance states the relocking rule plainly: “If you close the Notes app or your device goes to sleep, the note locks again.” Each time you return to a locked note, you authenticate again.
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
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Turn on Face ID for Notes
Face ID can only open locked notes if it is enabled for the Notes app. Apple’s steps are:
- Open Settings, then go to Apps > Notes > Password.
- If prompted, select the Notes account you want to configure.
- Turn on Face ID, if your device supports it.
Apple recommends that you keep your iPhone or iPad on the latest iOS or iPadOS release before you set this up.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Know which credential protects the note
A locked note is protected by one of two credentials, and that choice determines which fallback works when Face ID does not.
| Factor | Device passcode locking | Custom Notes password |
|---|---|---|
| Face ID or Touch ID can open the note | Yes, when enabled for Notes | Yes, when enabled for Notes |
| Fallback credential | The device passcode on that device (or the Mac login password on a Mac) | The custom password you created for that note’s account |
| Requirement noted by Apple | iCloud Keychain must be on; supported on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 or later | Not stated as a version requirement in the Apple sources reviewed |
| Apple’s guidance on biometrics | Use each device’s own passcode across devices | Do not rely on biometrics as your only means of access |
| Opening the note on iCloud.com | Not possible; use Notes on a supported device | Not stated in the Apple sources reviewed |
| Effect of a forgotten credential | Use the device passcode or Mac login password that applies to that device | Resetting the password does not unlock notes locked with the old password |
A custom password may be requested after biometric settings change or periodically. Keep the password and its hint somewhere you can retrieve them. If Face ID still works but you have forgotten the password, you can change it under Settings > Apps > Notes > Password > [your account] > Change Password. Changing the password protects notes locked from that point on; it does not restore access to notes locked with the old password.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
When Face ID does not appear or fails
Work through these checks in order. Most failures come from the setting, the account, or the credential rather than the note itself.
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- Face ID is not offered for the note. Confirm Face ID is enabled under Settings > Apps > Notes > Password, and that you are configuring the correct Notes account.
- Biometrics fail. Enter the credential the note was originally locked with: the device passcode for device-passcode locking, or the custom Notes password for custom-password locking. Notes accounts can use different locking methods and passwords, so the one that works for one account may not work for another.
- Device-passcode locking does not work. Check that iCloud Keychain is turned on and that the device runs a version Apple supports for this feature (iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS 13 or later).
- The note cannot be locked at all. Notes stored in third-party IMAP accounts such as Gmail or Yahoo cannot use this locking feature. Apple also excludes notes that are tagged, notes containing PDFs, audio or video, certain document attachments, and shared notes.
- You are trying to open the note on iCloud.com. Notes locked with a device passcode or Mac login password cannot be viewed there. Open the note in Notes on a supported device.
If you forgot the custom Notes password
Apple states that it cannot recover notes locked with a custom password you have forgotten. Resetting the password only protects notes locked after the reset. If Face ID still opens the note, you can use the change-password path above and set a new password. If neither biometrics nor the old password works, the locked notes from before the reset cannot be recovered through Apple.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Mac notes
On a Mac, Notes settings let you choose a Mac login password or a custom password for locked notes. You can also enable Touch ID on a Mac or Magic Keyboard that supports it.
Apple’s support sources were the basis for these steps. The menu labels and locking rules can change with OS updates, so if a path does not match your screen, check Apple’s current Notes support documentation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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