There’s a hidden “Instant Notes” feature in your iPhone/iPad that will allow you to quickly jot down important thoughts, reminders, shopping lists, or to-do lists… even when your device is locked!
So now you don’t have to bother with unlocking your device… finding the notes app.. opening it… starting a new note… just to make a quick note to yourself.
Here’s how to turn on the “Instant Notes” feature of your iPhone or iPad…
First, add a shortcut to your control center to quickly access your notes app…
1. Start by heading to the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
2. Scroll down and select the option labeled “Control Center.”
3. Scroll down to the portion of the menu labeled “More Controls.” Here, you’ll see all of the various items that you can add to your Control Center.
4. Locate the menu option on screen labeled “Notes.” Tap on the plus icon to add it to your Control Center.
Whenever you want to open your notes app, just swipe down from the top right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open your control center, and tap the Notes icon.
Now, to make Notes accessible without unlocking your iPhone…
1. Go back to your Settings App.
2. Tap Notes.
3. Tap Access Notes from Lock Screen (you need to scroll all the way to the bottom).
4. Tap the option you want. Your options are as follows:
- Off: This will disable Notes from being accessed from the lock screen.
- Always Create New Note: This option will always create a new note when using Instant Notes.
Or my favorite options…
- Resume Last Note: The option allows you to edit the last note you created. Here you can select whether you want to resume the Last Note created on Lock Screen or Viewed in Notes App. I prefer the “Viewed in Notes App” option.
For “Instant Notes” I like to use the “Resume Last Note” “Created on Lock Screen” and “Create New Note = Never” options. Unless you want to start a new daily To-do list or note each day, then select “Create New Note = After Today”.
This set of options is great for keeping a running list, like a shopping list, or your to-do list.
To Use Your Instant Notes
1. Now that you’ve set up your Instant Notes, just swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open your Control Center.
2. Tap the Notes icon in your Control Center to launch your Notes app.
I like to use the Checkmark-in-a-Circle icon to create a running checklist.
There you have it… A quick place to jot down your Thoughts, Notes, Reminders, Shopping lists, and ToDo lists. It’s like always having a scrap of paper handy right on your iPhone or iPad!
Share this helpful tip about Instant Notes with your family and friends… 🙂
Excellent tips. Maybe the most interesting one that I have read from you.
Due to my job I have to take notes during my shift and all the time I used the “old fashion way”
Thanks!!!
Yes. Best tip yet.
I love your attention to detail and the easy way you present these tips. So appreciated!!!!!
Thank you so much, appreciate your tips and the way you show hope to do them!
Great hints and step by step instructions much appreciated
Keep them coming
Great tip.
I am always wanting to jot down a thought,a meeting time etc.
Very good information but I deleted the Notes app and don’t know how to get it back. Your articles are the best! Keep them coming.
I would be lost without you.
This was a great tip, thank you for all you do , the little things mean a lot
Love your tips and this one on notes is really good. Now how about voice notes.
I really appreciate the step by step instructions with screen shots if every step. So helpful to us electronically challenged especially.
I use the notes app all the time and I love it! Thanks for additional tips and shortcuts. Your explanation of how to use is excellent and easy to follow! Thanks!
Thank you. I don’t have the options in my notes (like the circle check). How do we get that feature?
Love your knowledge and making iPhone user friendly. THANKS
So helpful! Thank you. Best tip ever because usually when I need to make a note it has to be quick. By the time I get my phone unlocked the time has passed, and I end up scribbling it on a piece of paper which I can’t find later.