A note deleted from the Notes app can usually be recovered from Recently Deleted for a limited time, provided the account that stored the note supports that recovery folder.
Recover a Recently Deleted Note
- Open Notes.
- Go back to the Folders view.
- Open Recently Deleted.
- Tap Edit.
- Select the note you want to restore.
- Tap Move.
- Choose the folder where you want the note restored.
If Recently Deleted Is Missing
Check which account originally stored the note. Notes can be associated with iCloud, an email account, or local device storage, and the available recovery behavior can differ.
Older Deleted Notes
Items do not remain in Recently Deleted forever. Once a note has been permanently removed, the Notes app may not provide a direct recovery method.
Check Other Accounts and Folders
A note that seems deleted may simply be in another folder or account. Search Notes and inspect the account folders before assuming the content is gone.
Be Careful With Full-Device Restores
Restoring an old iPhone backup can affect current data. Do not overwrite a working phone solely to look for one note unless you have verified that the backup is relevant and understand the consequences.
Recovery Is Not a Backup Strategy
Recently Deleted is a temporary safety net, not a permanent archive. Important photos, notes, and messages should be protected through appropriate backups, synchronization, exports, or other records. If the only copy of something matters, do not rely on the deletion-recovery window as your long-term storage plan.
Search Before You Restore
Notes search can find text inside notes that are filed in unexpected folders. Use search before attempting recovery steps that are more disruptive.