Andrew Orr
When iPhone users accepted new iCloud terms, some were shocked to see all their Notes disappear from the app. Here's how to get them back.
A recent bug affecting Apple's Notes app has left some iPhone users concerned after their notes appeared to vanish. The issue seems to impact iPhones running iOS 18 versions after users agree to updated iCloud terms and conditions.
Reports across social media indicate that the Notes app disconnects from iCloud, leaving the app empty and alarming users who rely on it for personal and professional information.
After agreeing to the iCloud terms, the Notes app displays no content for affected users, showing only an empty "On My iPhone" folder instead of the usual iCloud-synced notes. Reopening or force-quitting the app does not resolve the issue, and some users are left wondering if their notes have been permanently erased.
Many users didn't immediately realize the connection between agreeing to the new terms and the bug, but reports indicate that the two are related. Although some users report that their notes reappear on their own after a short time, others find the issue persistent. For those affected, a straightforward solution is available.
How to recover disappearing Apple Notes
The fix for the missing notes bug is relatively simple and involves re-enabling iCloud sync for Notes.
- Go to Settings and tap on your name at the top to access your iCloud settings.
- Navigate to iCloud and select Notes.
- Wait until the Sync this iPhone toggle appears, then turn it off and on again.
- Open the Notes app again and wait for it to resync.
It may take a few minutes for all notes to reappear, especially if the user has a significant amount of data stored in Notes. Based on user reports, everything can take up to ten minutes to sync back fully. Once completed, notes should be restored as before the bug occurred.
Though the bug has caused frustration, there is no indication of permanent data loss. The issue appears limited to iOS 18 and iOS 18.1, plus is clearly connected to the recent iCloud terms and conditions update.
User reports on social media reflect widespread concern, with people worried about the safety of their notes on iCloud. While the bug disconnects Notes from iCloud on affected devices, users can still access their notes from other Apple devices that use the same iCloud account.
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
12 Comments
Oh thanks. Didn’t noticed they disappeared at all, only after reading the article 👍🏼👍🏼
I clicked on iCloud and my "Notes" are not there. Now what?
It finally appeared after 1/2 an hour. Thanks, your solution worked.
The issue is not llimited to iOS 18.0 and 18.1.
My iPhone 12 Pro is running iOS 17.7.1, and I also encountered a blank Notes screen this morning.
The names of Saved Noted on both my phone and on iCloud all 'disappeared' after agreeing to the updated iCloud terms and conditions.
First, I confirmed that I was connected to the internet via WiFi. Then I went to Settings, Notes, and because I share most Notes with other Apple devices via iCloud, I re-selected iCloud as the default location for my saved Notes.
In a matter of a few seconds, the filenames of both iCloud notes and notes stored locally on my iPhone began reappearing in the Notes selection list. In a few minutes, both lists were fully restored.
I don't sync anything other than passwords to iCloud... everything is hunky-dory at my end!