Is it encrypted? Secria

Is Apple Notes encrypted?

Only if you turn on Advanced Data Protection or lock a note. Otherwise Apple holds the keys to the notes you keep in iCloud.

Checked on 25 October 2026 against 9 sources.

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Apple NotesApple
Who can read itPersonal accounts
  • Your notes and docsOnly you, once you turn it onAdvanced Data Protection seals your notes in iCloud but isn't offered to new users in the UK, and you can also lock single notes with your passcode or a password.1, 2, 5, 7Turn it on
  • Shared with othersApple can read itShared notes can't be locked, and are sealed only when everyone in the note has Advanced Data Protection on.3, 6
  • Post-quantumNot yetNo post-quantum protection for notes announced as of 25 October 2026; Apple has added it to iMessage and to connections.8
Who holds the keys
Apple holds the keys by default; with Advanced Data Protection only your devices do, and a locked note opens only with your passcode or Notes password.
What Apple can still see
Even with Advanced Data Protection on, Apple can see when each note was created, changed and last viewed, whether it's pinned or deleted, and whether it holds a drawing.
Checked on 25 Oct 2026SourcesJSONCite

Turn on Advanced Data Protection, once

  1. Update every Apple device signed in to your Apple Account to current software.
  2. Open Settings › your name › iCloud › Advanced Data Protection.
  3. Tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
  4. If you haven't set up a recovery contact or recovery key, tap Account Recovery › Set Up Account Recovery and follow the steps.

Keep your recovery key or recovery contact safe: Apple can't get your notes back for you. New users in the UK can't turn this on. To lock a single note instead, open it, tap the More button, then tap Lock.

Email is worth checking next: Gmail, Outlook and iCloud Mail can all read your mailbox. See which email services can.

Can Apple read my notes?

By default, it can read the notes you keep in iCloud. They are encrypted, but Apple keeps the keys in its data centers1.

There are two ways to change that. Advanced Data Protection seals all your notes, so only your trusted devices hold the keys and Apple can't decrypt them1, 9. Or you can lock single notes with your iPhone passcode or a separate password, which Apple says keeps them end-to-end encrypted2.

Are locked notes in Apple Notes end-to-end encrypted?

Yes. Apple says both ways to lock a note, your device passcode or a separate Notes password, use end-to-end encryption for iCloud accounts2. Its security guide says the note and its attachments are encrypted with a key made from your password4.

There are limits. The title of a locked note stays visible in your notes list, and you can't lock notes with video, audio, PDF or file attachments, notes with tags, or shared notes3. If you forget a separate Notes password, Apple can't help you get back in3.

Are shared notes in Apple Notes encrypted?

Not end-to-end, unless everyone in the note has Advanced Data Protection on1, 6. Shared notes can't be locked3.

Sharing with "anyone with the link" is never sealed, even with Advanced Data Protection on1.

Can I seal my notes in the UK?

New users in the UK can't turn on Advanced Data Protection, so their notes in iCloud stay under standard protection, where Apple holds the keys7.

Locking a note is a separate feature. Apple's UK notice doesn't mention it, and Apple's help page for locked notes lists no region limits7, 2.

How Apple Notes compares

Sorted by how many parts are sealed by default, then by how many can be. Ties go A to Z.

Apple NotesOptionalMicrosoft WordOptionalGoogle DocsNoGoogle KeepNoNotionNo

Sources

  1. iCloud data security overview (published 5 January 2026), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  2. How to lock or unlock notes on your iPhone or iPad (published 11 December 2025), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  3. Lock your notes on iPhone (iPhone User Guide), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  4. Secure features in the Notes app (Apple Platform Security), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  5. Use Advanced Data Protection for your iCloud data (iPhone User Guide), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  6. How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud (published 17 April 2026), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  7. Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection in the United Kingdom to new users (published 23 September 2025), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  8. Quantum-secure cryptography in Apple operating systems (published 28 January 2026), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
  9. Legal Process Guidelines: Government & Law Enforcement within the United States (October 2025), Apple. Read on 25 Oct 2026.

Changes to this answer

  • First published.

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