How to Password-Protect Notes on iPhone (2026 Tutorial)

Quick answer: In the Secure Notes app, open any note, tap the lock icon in the toolbar, and either apply your master password or set a unique password for that single note. Face ID and Touch ID unlock the password for day-to-day use.

How do I set up a master password for my notes?

1. Download Secure Notes from the App Store.
2. Open the app and create your master password — this encrypts your entire note database with AES-256.
3. Save the 12-word recovery seed somewhere physical. If you lose the master password, the seed is the only way back in.
4. Enable Face ID or Touch ID so you do not need to retype the master daily.

Can I use a different password for each note?

Yes. After creating a note, tap the lock icon in the toolbar and choose Custom password for this note. The note now unlocks with that password only, independent of the master. This is useful for shared notes you want to hand off without giving up master access.

How do I password-protect a folder of notes?

Tap New Folder, add notes to it, then tap Lock Folder. Folder passwords are the fastest way to protect a themed set — journals, medical records, or a specific client. For a walkthrough see our secure folder guide.

What happens if I forget the password?

Face ID and Touch ID are convenience unlocks, not recovery. If both biometric and password fail, use the 12-word recovery seed you saved during setup. Without it the encrypted content cannot be recovered — that is the tradeoff for true encryption.