# Do locked notes show on my iPad and Mac?

> Yes, locked. iCloud notes sync to your iPad and Mac; a custom password opens them on every device, a device passcode uses each device's own code. Version rules.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-notes-on-other-devices/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Notes list with a locked note that syncs to iPad and Mac](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/shows-in--locked-notes-on-other-devices.png)

- Answer: Yes, still locked

Locked notes sync like any iCloud note. What opens them depends on the lock you chose.

**Short answer:** **Yes, and still locked.** With a **custom password**, the same password opens them on every device on your Apple Account. With your **device passcode**, Apple says you use **each device's own passcode** (or the Mac login password), and you need iOS 16, iPadOS 16 or macOS 13 or later; older devices can't open them.

The answer

## What shows and what doesn't

- **Synced to iPad and Mac**Yes, via iCloud
- **Opened without the lock**No
- **Custom password**Same everywhere
- **Device passcode**Each device's own

Why

## Why it works this way

Apple: if you use your device passcode for locked notes, you use **each device's passcode** (or login password for a Mac) to open them **on that device**. So the iPad's passcode opens your locked notes on the iPad.

With a **custom password**, you use that password on **all devices** signed in to the same Apple Account.

Version limits: notes locked with a device passcode need **iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13** or later. Notes with a custom password need iOS 9.3, iPadOS 13 or OS X 10.11.4 or later; on older systems you won't see them.

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 | Opens notes locked with either method. |
| iOS 18 | September 16, 2024 | Opens notes locked with either method. |
| iOS 17 | September 18, 2023 | Opens notes locked with either method. |
| iOS 16 | September 12, 2022 | Opens notes locked with either method. |
| iOS 15 | September 20, 2021 | Can't open notes locked with a device passcode. |
| iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 | Can't open notes locked with a device passcode. |

> 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 notes on iPad and Mac: questions

### Can someone open my locked notes on my iPad?

Only with the lock. If you use a custom notes password, they need that password on the iPad too. If you lock notes with your device passcode, Apple says each device uses its own passcode, so anyone who knows the iPad's passcode can open your locked notes on that iPad.

### Why can't I open a locked note on my older device?

Notes locked with your device passcode need iOS 16, iPadOS 16 or macOS 13 or later; Apple says older systems can't open them. Notes locked with a custom password need iOS 9.3, iPadOS 13 or OS X 10.11.4 or later. Update the device, or open the note somewhere newer.

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

- [Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/)
- [Unlock notes](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/unlock-notes-iphone/)
- [Note won't open?](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/fix/locked-note-wont-open-with-face-id/)

## 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 note titlesYes](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-note-title/)
- [Locked notes on iCloud.comCustom password only](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/shows-in/locked-notes-on-icloud-com/)
- [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/)