Missing content in locked Apple Notes after password change on my iPhone 14

Based on what you've described, it sounds like there may have been a conflict between the password change and how Apple Notes handles locked content. Apple Notes encrypts each locked note using the password that was active at the time the content was created or last edited. So, if you changed your Notes password, older locked notes would still be tied to the original password, and anything you added afterward might have been saved under the new password or not saved properly if a syncing or encryption issue occurred.

The fact that you were able to unlock the note using your original password but only found part of the content—despite knowing you had added much more—suggests that the note may have reverted to an earlier version. This can happen due to iCloud sync errors, password conflicts, or bugs in the Notes app. Essentially, the app may have accessed the older, password-compatible version and discarded or failed to load the newer content.

To try recovering the missing data, start by checking the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Notes app. Sometimes, notes or versions get moved there if a sync issue causes the app to misclassify changes. Next, visit iCloud.com/notes on a web browser and search for the note. The web version of iCloud Notes occasionally shows content that doesn’t appear on your devices due to sync inconsistencies.

If you use multiple Apple devices, check each one individually. It's possible that a cached version on an iPad or Mac still contains the full note. If none of these options work, and the note is crucial, consider restoring your device from an iCloud or iTunes backup that was created when the full version of the note still existed. Be aware that restoring a backup will erase your current data and replace it with the older snapshot, so proceed with caution.

It’s important to remember that Apple does not migrate locked notes to a new password automatically when you change it. Each note retains the password it was originally locked with. This often leads to confusion or data loss when password changes and syncing issues overlap.