Before you delete
A locked note’s title remains visible in the list. Confirm the title, folder, and account. Do not delete a note merely to test whether deletion bypasses the lock; it does not recover the content.
Delete from the Notes list
- Open Notes and return to the note list.Use the back control until you can see the folder containing the locked note.
- Identify the correct locked note.Check its visible title and folder. Locked-note body text is not available without authorization.
- Use the list action.Swipe left on the note or touch and hold it, then choose Delete if that option is available.
- Confirm the destination.For iCloud notes, deletion normally moves the note to Recently Deleted across devices using the same Apple Account.
Apple documents the list-level delete action and the Recently Deleted behavior in its Notes deletion guide.
Stop if the content might matter
If the note contains a recovery code, legal record, medical detail, financial information, or irreplaceable writing, do not delete it simply because the password is inconvenient. Work through the forgotten-password guide first.
Review legitimate recovery options →What happens after deletion
An iCloud note generally stays in Recently Deleted for up to 30 days. Permanently deleting it from that folder ends the normal recovery route. A note stored through Gmail, Yahoo, or another provider may follow that provider’s bin behavior instead.
Deletion checklist
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Visual context
Recognize the screens and access choices
These reference visuals help distinguish authentication, storage, and recovery concepts. Your exact interface may vary by app and system version.
Verified references