I use the Apple Notes app extensively, checking lists and adding notes on my MacBook Pro, iPhone, and iPad Mini. I am also frequently in locations with no cell service and no wi-fi. Is there a way to sync Notes between devices without cell or internet? Can it be done via Bluetooth or a cable connection?
iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18
gregvaughn wrote:
I wonder why Apple can't make it possible, either with Bluetooth or a direct cable connection (which I have tried).
Apple has never allowed file transfer over BT, probably because it's a major security hole. They did used to allow a lot of things to sync over a cable connection. In fact, that used to be the only way to do that. However, once they discontinued iTunes in favor of separate apps, that went away.
An app like iMazing will allow you to read notes from your phone on your computer but it doesn't sync them Notes on your Mac.
You can also let Apple know your thoughts here:
You should be able to AirDrop individual notes with Bluetooth. It should have wi-fi turned on, but I've never tested AirDrop without wi-fi. Could be something to check. How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
UPDATE: I just tried AirDropping a note from my iPhone to my iPad. I was incorrect when I said I wasn't sure about wi-fi. I tested it with wi-fi turned off and it wouldn't work. I received an error message saying that wi-fi needed to be turned on. So I decided after I responded to test this. You must have Bluetooth and wi-fi both on. With that said, I decided to leave wi-fi turned on, but disconnected from my wi-fi, leaving wi-fi turned on. I tried AirDrop for a note from my iPhone to my iPad and it worked. So, as long as you have Bluetooth and wi-fi turned on, you do not necessarily have to be connected to the internet to use AirDrop. Syncing, if you were using iCloud for Notes would not work though because of the lack of internet. Hope this helps.
Unfortunately, Apple Notes requires an internet connection to sync data between devices. Without Wi-Fi or cellular service, you won't be able to sync your notes.
Thank you for suggesting and testing. I'll give AirDrop a try and see if that could work for me.
I wonder why Apple can't make it possible, either with Bluetooth or a direct cable connection (which I have tried).
That i cannot answer.
Thank you for that information, Idris.
Best of luck!
is it possible to sync Apple Notes between devices when there is no wifi or cellular service?
