How to Create a Secure Folder on iPhone for Notes and Files

Quick answer: A secure folder on iPhone is a password-protected container that locks every note inside with one unlock. In Secure Notes it takes three taps: New Folder, add notes, Lock Folder. Face ID or Touch ID unlocks the folder for the session.

How do I create a secure folder in Secure Notes?

1. Open Secure Notes and tap New Folder.
2. Name the folder (e.g. Medical, Travel, Credentials).
3. Drag or create notes inside it.
4. Tap Lock Folder and set a password or enable Face ID. The entire folder is now encrypted with AES-256.

How is this different from Apple Notes Locked Folder?

Apple Notes has a single “Locked” section that uses one password for everything. Secure Notes gives you an arbitrary number of folders, each with its own password. That matters when you want to share access to one folder (say, travel documents for a family member) without exposing another (say, credentials).

What is a secure folder useful for?

• Medical information: prescriptions, allergies, insurance cards.
• Journals: keep diary entries grouped and locked from the rest.
• Legal drafts: contracts, wills, power of attorney notes.
• Credentials: recovery codes, passwords, private keys.

For the underlying encryption model, see what AES-256 actually protects.