Losing important notes can be frustrating, especially if they contain vital information like reminders, schoolwork, or personal thoughts.
If you’re wondering how to recover deleted notes on iPhone, don’t panic.
There are a few effective ways to retrieve them, and I’ll walk you through each method step by step.
Why iPhone Notes Disappear
Before we jump into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why your notes might be missing.
Sometimes, notes get deleted by mistake or disappear because of syncing issues with iCloud or other accounts.
How to Recover Deleted Notes on iPhone
Knowing the reason can help you choose the best recovery method.
Method 1: Check the Recently Deleted Folder
The first place to check when you realize a note is gone is the Recently Deleted folder.
- Open the Notes app.
- Tap on Folders and look for Recently Deleted Files.
- If you see your note there, tap on it.
- Press Recover to move it back to the main Notes folder.
Notes stay in this folder for up to 30 days before they’re permanently deleted. So, act quickly if you think you might have deleted a note by mistake.
Method 2: Restore From iCloud Backup
If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you have a higher chance of recovering your notes.
Keep in mind that restoring from a backup will replace your current data with the backup data.
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your Apple ID name, then select iCloud.
- Check that Notes is toggled on.
- Go to iCloud Backup and see when the last backup was made.
- To restore, go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to restore from your iCloud backup during the setup process.
This method can be risky if you’ve added new data that isn’t in the backup. Double-check what’s backed up to avoid losing important information.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
If you didn’t find your deleted note in the Recently Deleted folder and don’t want to reset your iPhone, third-party apps can help.
There are recovery apps designed to retrieve lost data, including notes.
These tools scan your iPhone and help you locate recently deleted notes. However, make sure to use trusted apps to avoid data risks.
Locker: Photo Vault – More Than Just Photo Storage
Before moving on, let me share a helpful tip for keeping your private notes secure.
Locker: Photo Vault is a great app for hiding photos and documents. But did you know it also supports deleted note storage?
With Locker, you can save sensitive deleted notes without worrying about them being synced or deleted accidentally.
Try using Locker to store your most important notes in a safe, password-protected environment. This way, even if your iPhone encounters a problem, your key information stays secure.
Just download the app safely from the App Store.
Method 4: Restore From iTunes/Finder Backup
If you regularly back up your iPhone using iTunes or Finder, this method could work for you.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (or Finder if you’re on macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your iPhone and click Restore Backup.
- Choose the most recent backup that you think has the deleted notes.
- Click Restore and wait for the process to finish.
Keep in mind, restoring from an iTunes or Finder backup will overwrite your existing data.
Method 5: Check Email Accounts Linked to Notes
Sometimes, your deleted notes might be linked to an email account. Here’s how to check:
- Go to Settings and tap Mail.
- Select Accounts and check which accounts have Notes enabled.
- Open the Notes app and look at each folder under your different accounts to see if your missing note is there.
Helpful Tips for Preventing Future Note Loss
Losing notes can be stressful, but there are simple practices you can follow to protect your data.
Here’s how you can safeguard your important notes and avoid the hassle of recovering them:
Back Up Your iPhone Regularly
One of the most reliable ways to prevent permanent note loss is to back up your iPhone frequently.
Regular backups ensure that even if something unexpected happens, you have a copy of your data. Here’s how to back up your iPhone:
- iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and toggle it on. Ensure you have enough iCloud storage for backups.
- Computer Backup: Connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to create backups.
Keeping a regular backup schedule will provide peace of mind and a quick way to restore your notes if needed.
Sync Notes Only to Trusted Accounts
Another way to protect your notes is by syncing them only with trusted accounts.
When you link your iPhone to various email or cloud accounts, each account may handle your notes differently.
To make sure your notes are safe:
- Check Account Settings: Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts and review which accounts are set up to sync notes.
- Use iCloud as the Primary Account: For added security, set iCloud as the primary account for notes.
Ensuring your notes are only synced with reliable accounts reduces the risk of losing them due to syncing issues.
Store Sensitive Notes Securely with Locker: Photo Vault
For important or private notes, consider using an app like Locker: Photo Vault.
While this app is known for hiding photos, it also supports note storage in a secure, password-protected environment.
Here’s why Locker is a smart choice:
- Enhanced Security: Locker protects your notes with a password, so even if someone gains access to your phone, they can’t open the app without the code.
- Offline Accessibility: Unlike cloud-based storage, Locker allows you to access your notes offline.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your most sensitive notes are safely stored in a dedicated app helps prevent accidental loss or deletion.
By using an app like Locker: Photo Vault, you ensure your most important notes stay safe.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to how to recover deleted notes on iPhone, there are various approaches.
From checking the Recently Deleted folder to restoring from backups or using third-party tools, there’s usually a way to get your data back.
Make sure to protect your notes using a secure app like Locker: Photo Vault to prevent issues in the future.
Losing notes can be a headache, but with the right steps, you can recover them and avoid future problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get deleted iPhone Notes back?
Yes, you can get deleted iPhone notes back using methods like checking the Recently Deleted folder, restoring from iCloud or iTunes backups, or using third-party recovery tools.
Always act fast, as notes in the Recently Deleted folder are only available for 30 days.
How to undo deleted text in Notes on iPhone?
If you deleted text while editing a note, you can shake your iPhone to trigger the Undo Typing feature.
Simply shake the device and tap Undo when the pop-up appears. This feature helps reverse recent typing actions but won’t bring back entire deleted notes.
Why is there no recently deleted folder in Notes?
If you don’t see a Recently Deleted folder, it could mean that you don’t have any deleted notes or your notes are stored in an account (like an email account) that doesn’t support this feature.
Check your settings and make sure your iCloud or device storage is being used for notes.
Where is the recently deleted folder on iPhone?
The Recently Deleted folder is found in the Notes app. Tap Folders on the main screen of the app, and you should see Recently Deleted listed with your other note folders.
If it’s not there, make sure your notes are being saved to an account that supports this feature.