How to access the Notes app from the Lock Screen on iPhone and iPad

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.

Writing a note from my iPad Lock Screen

The Notes app is one of the quickest and easiest ways to capture your 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 the Lock Screen

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap Apps from the bottom, and select Notes from the list of applications.
  2. Tap Access Notes from Lock Screen, which is at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select an option other than Off. You can choose to resume working on the last note or opt to always create a new note.
Access Notes from Lock Screen settings on iPhone

Step 2: Add the Notes app button to Control Center

  1. Open iOS Control Center, and tap the plus button (+) in the top left, followed by “Add a Control.”
  2. 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.
Adding Notes button to iPhone Control Center

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 and tap the Notes button to quickly take a note.

Typing a note quickly from iPhone Lock Screen

On iPad only: Tap the iPad Lock Screen with your Apple Pencil, and it will instantly launch a note screen where you can make a to-do list or sketch something.

Using Notes from iPad Lock Screen
I tapped once on my iPad Lock Screen with my Apple Pencil, and it straight up opened the Notes app interface where I can write or draw with the Pencil.

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