Notes - syncing with iCloud

I created this User Tip to serve as the basic framework for managing and recovering Notes - Notes - syncing with iCloud

Notes can sometimes become scattered or multiplied when syncing or when changing devices. To ensure that Notes are always correct, follow these few simple steps. These steps include a Mac but do not include the steps for a PC. These steps include the use of iCloud and do not require purchasing additional storage.

If you are missing Notes because you recently deleted an email account, add it back until you perform these steps.

If you do not wish to use iCloud choose one email account to use as the default to prevent notes from being lost, scattered, or mismanaged.

Step one

(Skip to step two if you do not own an iPhone/iPad)

On iPhone/iPad

1. Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account and turn on Notes (repeat for all accounts).
2. Go to settings>Apple ID (your name at the top>iCloud>iCloud backup - turn on and select "back up now."
3. Go back to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>turn notes off - choose to keep on device. Do not turn it back on yet!
4. Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account except iCloud - turn off Notes (repeat for all accounts).
5. Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap iCloud - turn on Notes. Stop here on the iPhone until you perform the Mac steps.

Step two

(Skip to step three if you do not own a Mac)

On Mac

1. Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap iCloud account - turn on Notes
2. Go to system preferences>internet accounts> are the Notes turned on for all accounts?
3. Go to system preferences>iCloud>Notes - uncheck that, and then check it again and it may ask to merge. This should force it to merge all the Notes you have for the Mac.
4. Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap any account that is not iCloud - turn off Notes (repeat for all accounts).
5. Stop there and go to iCloud.com

Step three

On iCloud.com

1. Sign in and select Notes - make sure they are correct.

Step four

On iPhone

1. Go back to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>turn Notes on and merge.
2. Go to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>iCloud backup - turn on

Useful Links

Use Notes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

If you're missing notes on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Create a checklist with Notes - Apple Support

Import your notes and files to the Notes app - Apple Support