# My locked note won't open with Face ID

> Face ID won't open your locked note? It may be off for Notes, reset after a Face ID change, or the note uses a device passcode your iOS can't read. Fixes.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/locked-note-wont-open-with-face-id/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Notes password settings with Face ID switched on](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/fix--locked-note-wont-open-with-face-id.png)

- 4 causes

Face ID in Notes is a convenience on top of a password, and Apple says not to rely on it alone.

- **Causes:** 4
- **Steps:** 3

**Short answer:** Turn on **Face ID** (or Touch ID) in **Settings › Apps › Notes › Password**. Apple warns that after you **change your Face ID or Touch ID settings**, you must enter your **notes password** again before Face ID works. Notes locked with a **device passcode** need iOS 16 or later. If none of that helps, type the password.

Causes

## Causes, most likely first

| Cause | How to tell | Fix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Face ID off for Notes | Only the password field appears | Turn on Face ID in Notes › Password |
| Face ID settings changed | You re-enrolled your face or changed Face ID | Enter the notes password once |
| Note locked with an older password | Hint shows an old password | Enter the old password |
| Device-passcode note on old iOS | iOS 15 or earlier | Open it on iOS 16 or later |

3 steps

## Turn on Face ID for locked notes

1. **Open Settings › Apps › Notes › Password.** Open **Settings**, tap **Apps**, **Notes**, then **Password**, and choose the account.
2. **Turn on Face ID.** Switch on **Face ID** (or Touch ID). Enter your notes password if asked.
3. **Open the note.** Tap the locked note, tap **View Note**, and look at your iPhone.

Did that fix it?

Good. People usually do this next:

- [What a locked note still shows](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-note-title/)
- [Locked note basics](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/)

Find your fix:

- [Password not working either](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/notes-password-not-working/)
- [Unlock notes guide](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/unlock-notes-iphone/)

> A lock with no settings to get wrongVaultForYou keeps the photos, videos and documents you choose in a private vault that opens only with a pattern you draw. [Get VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/)Free to download · iPhone, iOS 16 or later

Questions

## Note won't open with Face ID: questions

### Why won't Face ID unlock my notes?

Face ID has to be turned on in Settings › Apps › Notes › Password. Apple also says that after you update your Face ID or Touch ID settings, you have to reenter your notes password before Face ID works again. If the note uses an older password, Face ID won't open it; enter that old password.

### Should I rely on Face ID for locked notes?

Apple says not to rely on Face ID or Touch ID as the only way to unlock your notes. If you use a custom notes password and forget it, and Face ID stops working, Apple can't help you get back in. Keep the password somewhere safe, or lock notes with your device passcode.

Checked against Apple's documentation

- [Lock your notes on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphf177bb154/ios)
- [How to lock or unlock notes on your iPhone or iPad](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102537)

## Go deeper

- [Lock notes](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-notes-iphone/)
- [Face ID](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/face-id/)

## Other fixes

- [Require Face ID missing](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/require-face-id-missing/)
- [Notes password not working](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/notes-password-not-working/)
- [Can't lock a note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/cant-lock-a-note/)
- [Locked app still notifies](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/locked-app-still-shows-notifications/)
- [Guided Access won't end](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/guided-access-wont-end/)
- [Hidden album not locked](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/hidden-album-not-locked/)
- [Locked notes won't open on iCloud.com](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/locked-notes-missing-on-icloud-com/)