Apple Notes Disappeared or Missing

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Turn iCloud Notes back on

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Show All > Notes
   2. 02Make sure Sync this iPhone is on, then restart the device
   3. 03Apple published this fix after notes vanished for some users in November 2024
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Check Recently Deleted and iCloud.com

   Copy steps
   1. 01In Notes, open Folders > Recently Deleted (deleted notes stay for 30 days)
   2. 02Sign in at iCloud.com, open Notes and check Recently Deleted there
   3. 03Confirm you are signed in with the right Apple Account
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Restore from a backup as a last resort

   Copy steps
   1. 01Make a fresh backup first
   2. 02Restore an older iPhone backup; notes stored On My iPhone live only in that backup
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Notes you had are gone from the app after an update or sign-in change.

Why it happens

• C-01Notes toggle turned off in iCloud after an update
• C-02Notes deleted and in Recently Deleted
• C-03Notes stored On My iPhone and device changed
• C-04Signed in with a different Apple Account

// this guide also covers

• apple notes disappeared
• iphone notes missing
• notes disappeared after update

The same problem in other apps

All missing or lost data guides →

• Obsidian Images Not Showing in Notes (Obsidian)
• Notion 'Cannot Save Changes' Error (Notion)
• Bear Web Not Working (Sign-In or Missing Notes) (Bear)
• Craft Documents Missing or Disappeared (Craft)

Other Apple Notes errors

• Apple Notes Not Syncing Between iPhone and Mac
• Apple Notes Forgot Password for Locked Notes
• Apple Notes Shared Notes Not Updating or Collaboration Unavailable
• Apple Notes Slow, Lagging or Freezing
• Gmail Notes Not Syncing in Apple Notes
• Apple Notes Not Syncing Because iCloud Storage Is Full
• How to Export Apple Notes (Markdown, PDF, All Notes)
• Apple Notes on Android or Windows