iCloud notes in iPhone is showing "no file exists"

If your iPhone’s Notes app is showing “No file exists,” it’s likely due to an iCloud sync issue, a temporary glitch, or a problem with the account you're signed into. The most common cause is that your device isn’t connected to the iCloud account where your notes were originally stored.

First, check your iCloud settings. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Show All → Notes and make sure Notes is turned on. Also, confirm you're signed into the correct Apple ID. In the Notes app, look for an “iCloud” section in the folder list. If it's missing, iCloud sync may be off or malfunctioning.

Next, check if Notes are stored under other accounts like Gmail or Yahoo. Go to Settings → Notes → Accounts, and ensure Notes is enabled for each listed email account. Then open the Notes app to see if folders from those accounts appear.

Try force-closing and reopening the Notes app, or restart your iPhone to reset temporary glitches. Also, log into iCloud.com and check the Notes section. If your notes are visible there, the issue is likely on your iPhone’s end.

Don't forget to check the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Notes app—it may contain the missing notes if they were recently deleted. You can restore them within 30 days.

If nothing else works, sign out of iCloud and sign back in. This forces a fresh sync but will temporarily remove iCloud content like notes and photos from the device. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out, then sign back in and check Notes again.

In short, this issue is usually caused by sync errors, incorrect account settings, or iCloud being temporarily out of sync. Most of the time, it can be resolved by checking your iCloud and email account settings, refreshing the app, or re-signing into iCloud.