Recovery window
Apple says an iCloud note normally remains in Recently Deleted for 30 days. Recover it before that window ends. Recovering the note does not remove its existing lock.
Recover from Recently Deleted
- Open the folder list.Use the back control in Notes until all folders and accounts are visible.
- Open Recently Deleted.If the folder is missing, that account may have no recently deleted notes.
- Select the note and choose Move or Recover.Move it to an existing or new folder.
- Expect the lock to remain.You still need the appropriate passcode, biometric method, or custom password to read protected content.
If the note is not there
Check every account
iCloud, On My iPhone, Gmail, Yahoo, and work accounts can maintain separate note stores.
Search by title
Apple notes that search may only find the title of locked notes, not their protected body text.
Check the provider bin
Third-party accounts may keep deleted notes in the mail provider’s bin rather than Apple’s Recently Deleted folder.
Apple’s missing-notes checklist covers account settings, Recently Deleted, search, and third-party account behavior.
Recovery verification scorecard
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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