Learn how to create a new note or resume working on the last note from your iPhone or iPad Lock Screen, so you never miss jotting down a passing thought or an important address.
The Notes app is one of the easiest ways to capture notes on the go. Plus, if you sync with iCloud, you can access all of your notes on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So, when you have a thought, an idea, or an important note to take, opening the Notes app quickly is key.
With that said, here’s how to jot a note or make a sketch in the Notes app from Control Center on your iPhone or iPad Lock Screen. For more ways, check out these 12 ways to create a new note quickly on your iOS device.
Step 1: Allow Notes access from Lock Screen
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap Apps at the bottom of the screen, then select Notes from the list.
- Tap Access Notes from Lock Screen.
- Select an option other than Off. You can choose to resume working on the last note or opt to always create a new note.
Step 2: Add the Notes app button to Control Center
- Open iOS Control Center.
- Tap the plus button (+) in the top left, followed by “Add a Control.”
- Add the Notes button here. There is also a Quick Note control, which is a bit different, but you can try it out as well.
Step 3: Take notes from the Lock Screen
On iPad or iPad: Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the Lock Screen, then tap the Notes button to quickly take a note.
On iPad: Tap the iPad Lock Screen with your Apple Pencil to instantly launch a note screen where you can make a to-do list or sketch something. I hope this also works on the new iPhone Duo, since it supports Apple Pencil on both the outer and inner displays.
Having the Notes app accessible from your Lock Screen makes it much easier to capture what you need quickly. Will you be adding the Notes button to iOS Control Center?
On the same note (pun intended): 32 tips to use Apple Notes like a pro