Shared notes not updating on iPhone 17 pro

My wife and I have been sharing notes for years and now when she updates a shared note, it will not update on my phone. The only way it works if we are both on the shared note at the same time. If I delete the note and she reshares it, I get the old unedited note! I googled this issue and tried several fixes with no improvement. I have tried the following:

  • restarted phone
  • switched notes in iCloud on and off
  • created a brand new shared note
  • tried different networks and cell data



extremely frustrating!


thanks in advance


Posted on Jan 18, 2026 6:27 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2026 1:23 AM

Check on both phones:


  • Settings → Notes → Default Account
  • Make sure it says iCloud, not “On My iPhone” or Gmail/Yahoo/AOL/Outlook


Where are the Shared Notes? The pic below is self-explanatory.



8 replies

Jan 18, 2026 6:44 PM in response to joepopprocks

"Shared notes not updating on iPhone 17 pro: My wife and I have been sharing notes for years and now when she updates a shared note, it will not update on my phone. The only way it works if we are both on the shared note at the same time. If I delete the note and she reshares it, I get the old unedited note! I googled this issue and tried several fixes with no improvement. I have tried the following:[...]"

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Update your iPhone:

Go Here: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

So, have you updated to the most-recent iOS (iOS26.2, as of this thread)? If not, do so on both iPhones, and all of your devices --backing them all up before doing so.


A. Backing Up First:

IMPORTANT: If you have an option to update, however, then be certain you backup your iPhone first. That way, you will have something to restore your iPhone from should anything go wrong with the update


B. Updating, After Backing Up:

When it comes to updating an iPhone, aside from directly on the iPhone itself, you can do so using a Computer (WiFi or Ethernet), or through Cellular(which is not the way to go, if you have a limited mobile plan).

See my User Tips:

Jan 18, 2026 6:50 PM in response to joepopprocks

"Shared notes not updating on iPhone 17 pro: My wife and I have been sharing notes for years and now when she updates a shared note, it will not update on my phone. The only way it works if we are both on the shared note at the same time. If I delete the note and she reshares it, I get the old unedited note! I googled this issue and tried several fixes with no improvement. I have tried the following:[...]"

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Verify the Date and Time Are Correct:

If there is an inconsistency, that would get in the way.

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Date & Time

Shared notes not updating on iPhone 17 pro

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