Forgot Bear Note Password (Locked Notes)
Ongoing macOS, iOS, iPadOS Updated October 21, 2026
Quick answer
Bear cannot see, recover or reset your Note Password, so encrypted notes can't be opened without it. Try saved passwords and your hint; if it's truly lost, the only way forward is deleting locked notes and resetting the password.
Most likely fix: Try every stored password.
Symptoms
Face ID/Touch ID no longer unlocks a note and Bear asks for a Note Password you don't remember.
Why it happens
- Biometric unlock reset after device or OS change
- Password never saved in a password manager
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Try every stored password
- Check your password manager and iCloud Keychain for 'Bear'
- Read the password hint shown on the unlock prompt
- Try on another device where Face ID/Touch ID may still work
2. Reset with Delete Password Mode (deletes locked notes)
- Find locked notes via Notes > Locked or search @locked
- Delete all locked notes and empty the Trash
- iOS: Settings > Advanced > Delete Notes Password; Mac: Help > Advanced
- Lock a note again to set a new password - and store it in a password manager
This guide also covers
- bear forgot password
- bear locked notes password
- bear encrypted note recover
- bear face id not working
Still not working?
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