Locked note in Notes app not unlocking with Face ID

I am trying to open a locked note using Face ID. When I tap on “view note”, it shows that it has checked my face and it shows the check mark, but it doesn’t show me the unlocked note afterwards. I have a screen recording of it but I’m not sure how to share it.

iPhone 14, iOS 16

Posted on Dec 26, 2022 8:46 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 27, 2022 4:25 PM

Hi Rojooo,


It seems you're having trouble unlocking a note and we have some steps posted below to address the issue.


Does Face ID unlock your other notes correctly? Set up a test note and try that.


If you have a forgotten notes password, Face ID won't unlock the notes associated with that specific password.


You can read more about passwords in the Notes app here:

How to lock or unlock notes on your iPhone or iPad


Let us know if that helps.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.



11 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 27, 2022 4:25 PM in response to Rojooo

Hi Rojooo,


It seems you're having trouble unlocking a note and we have some steps posted below to address the issue.


Does Face ID unlock your other notes correctly? Set up a test note and try that.


If you have a forgotten notes password, Face ID won't unlock the notes associated with that specific password.


You can read more about passwords in the Notes app here:

How to lock or unlock notes on your iPhone or iPad


Let us know if that helps.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.



Dec 28, 2022 4:32 PM in response to Rojooo

If you don't know the Locked Notes Password, your notes are locked and there is no way to unlock them without the password. FaceID is NOT a permanent replacement for the notes lock password and should have been written down somewhere for future recall. Apple cannot unlock the notes as they totally encrypted on your iPhone. No one can help you unlock the notes, but you by entering the correct password.


When you locked your notes, you were given the opportunity to create a password hint. If you failed to do so and you never remember the password, the notes will remain locked forever.

Jan 2, 2023 11:29 AM in response to Rojooo

Rojooo Said:

"Locked note in Notes app not unlocking with Face ID: I followed both of those links and followed the instructions, but neither like solved my issue.

———-


To clarify:

Seems I may have misread your post: If you mean that a file is locked, then my reply would not apply. However, if your application is locked (as in not opening up), then it would apply (as a way to troubleshoot this).

Jan 2, 2023 7:54 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Again, it is not asking me for a password. It is checking for my Face ID, verifying my face, and then not unlocking the note. If there is a way I can share a screen recording, please tell me so that I can show you the bug.


Here is where I start from:

Then I tap on “View Note” and it checks my face:

And then it goes back to this screen:

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Locked note in Notes app not unlocking with Face ID

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.