# Does a locked note's title show?

> Yes. Apple keeps a locked note's title visible in the notes list and in search, so anyone can read it. The contents stay locked. How to pick a safe title.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-note-title/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Notes list where a locked note's title is visible](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/shows-in--locked-note-title.png)

- Answer: Yes

Everything in a locked note is hidden except one line.

**Short answer:** **Yes.** Apple says that when a note is locked, **the title remains visible in the notes list**, and only the title appears in search. Everything else, including photos, is hidden until someone unlocks it. The title comes from the note's first line, so make that line plain.

The answer

## What shows and what doesn't

- **Title in notes list**Visible
- **Title in search**Visible
- **Body and photos**Locked
- **Lock icon**Shows it is locked

Why

## Why it works this way

Apple's Lock notes page: **When a note is locked, the title remains visible in the notes list.** Search shows only the title of a locked note.

That makes the title the one readable part. A title like "Bank" or "Private photos" tells anyone scrolling your notes what is inside.

The lock icon also shows the note is locked. If you don't want anyone to know a private note exists, a vault app with no names on its lock screen is the alternative.

By iOS version

## What changed across iOS versions

**Newest version first. Check yours in Settings › General › About.**

| Version | Released | What you see |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iOS 26 | September 15, 2025 | Notes lock with a custom password or your device passcode. |
| iOS 18 | September 16, 2024 | Notes lock with a custom password or your device passcode. |
| iOS 17 | September 18, 2023 | Notes lock with a custom password or your device passcode. |
| iOS 16 | September 12, 2022 | Notes lock with a custom password or your device passcode. |
| iOS 15 | September 20, 2021 | Notes lock with a custom notes password only. |
| iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 | Notes lock with a custom notes password only. |

2 steps

## Lock a note with a plain title

1. **Write a plain first line.** In the note, make the first line something ordinary. It becomes the title shown in the list.
2. **Tap ••• › Lock.** Tap the **More** button, then **Lock**, and use your passcode or notes password.

> A lock that covers the photo, not just the appVaultForYou 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

## Locked note titles: questions

### Can people see what my locked note is called?

Yes. Apple keeps the title of a locked note visible in the notes list, and only the title appears in Notes search results. The body, photos and attachments stay locked. The title is the note's first line, so make it something that doesn't reveal what the note holds.

### Can I hide a locked note completely?

Not in Notes: a locked note always shows its title and a lock icon in the list. You can move it to a folder, but it is still listed there. If you need the item itself to stay invisible, use an app whose lock screen shows no names or previews.

Checked against Apple's documentation

- [Lock your notes on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphf177bb154/ios)
- [Search notes on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphb8628c6b8/ios)

## Go deeper

- [Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/)
- [VaultNo names on its lock screen](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/)
- [Locked note vs vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/locked-note-vs-vault/)

## More: do locked items show…?

- [Note photos in PhotosCan, by copy](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/note-photos-in-photos-app/)
- [Locked notes in searchTitle only](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-notes-in-search/)
- [Locked notes on iCloud.comCustom password only](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-notes-on-icloud-com/)
- [Locked notes on iPad and MacYes, still locked](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-notes-on-other-devices/)
- [Locked app notificationsNo previews](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-app-notifications/)
- [Locked apps in Search & SiriNo](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-app-search-siri/)
- [Locked apps on other devicesNot locked there](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-app-on-ipad-and-mac/)
- [Hidden app namesYes, in places](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/hidden-app-names/)
- [CarPlay & call historyNo](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-app-carplay-call-history/)
- [Hidden album lock on Mac & iCloud.comDifferent locks](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/hidden-album-lock-on-mac-and-icloud/)
- [Vault photos in PhotosUntil you delete](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/vault-photos-in-photos-app/)