ios 17.1.1 update issue: locked notes no longer open with password

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Level 1

13 points

ios 17.1.1 update issue: locked notes no longer open with password

I've recently upgraded from ios16 to ios 17.1.1 and have bumped into an issue that I've seen referenced as being present in the ios17 betas.

I use locked notes in the iOS Notes App fairly regularly and - for emphasis - have not changed passwords on them at all. However, after this update and turning on 'use passcode/Touch ID for locked notes' my notes previously locked with a password are inaccessible.

Despite using the correct passwords (100% sure of this), I'm receiving a "Password incorrect: Please try entering it again" message, not only when I try and access this through my phone but also if I try and access the same note through iCloud.com.

Very much hoping that there is a bug at work as I can't see any workaround possible, given the encryption at work. Previously documented here: https://www.reddit.com/r/iOS17Beta_2023/comments/142zjga/ios_17_bug_unable_to_unlock_notes/?rdt=55853

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 21, 2023 1:48 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 18, 2024 7:44 AM in response to Mimosa Cymru

If you have the lock icon when trying to start a new note, set the lock passcode, then delete that first note which is locked, then delete that note. This should enable new note creation, and somehow clears out the lock by default.

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Answer 2

B.Deis

Level 1

36 points

Dec 17, 2023 5:35 PM in response to Mimosa Cymru

Same. No resolution, but replying to let you know you are not alone. I have a sticky note in a physical safe with the notes password (for next of kin) and it has been unchanged for 5+ years, so I am 100% confident I am using the correct password; however, I am unable to access the locked notes on an iPhone 15 running 17.3.

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Answer 3

Mimosa Cymru Author

Level 1

13 points

Dec 18, 2023 8:26 AM in response to B.Deis

Thanks! I'm in the same boat - rarely if ever change passwords in Notes and this caught me totally off guard. I suspect that there is no fix because once the switch has been flipped, I suspect it can't be unflipped but it's a huge pain. Assuming all my locked Notes content pre 17.1.1 is all lost now.

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Answer 4

Mimosa Cymru Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 20, 2024 5:40 AM in response to ElectricBugaloo

I think this is an answer to a different problem.

The OP here is with regards Notes locked with a password prior to ios 17.1 update, after which those notes do not open with their password.

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ios 17.1.1 update issue: locked notes no longer open with password

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