How to sync Notes from an iPhone to a Mac through iCloud, so your notes are always up-to-date

Advertisement
How to sync Notes from an iPhone to a Mac through iCloud, so your notes are always up-to-date

iphone and computer

Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr

To sync your Notes from an iPhone to a Mac, you'll need to make sure syncing is on.

Advertisement
  • You can sync your Notes from an iPhone to your Mac using an iCloud account.
  • The option to turn this feature on is found in the settings on both devices.
  • Syncing your Notes is helpful for accessing them on multiple devices, so the Notes you write while on your iPhone will automatically appear on your Mac when you get home.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Notes are a great way to organize lists, ideas, and things to do - and thanks to iCloud, you can sync these notes across all your devices.

You probably use the Notes app the most on your iPhone, since it's great for jotting down quick thoughts and reminders throughout the day. You can easily sync these Notes by making a few changes to your iCloud settings. This will make it so any Note you take on one device will appear on all your iCloud-connected devices.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

It's important to note that syncing will only work if you've signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices.

Here's how to set it up.

Advertisement

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

How to sync your Notes on a Mac

First, you'll need to make sure your Mac is open for syncing.

1. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac. You can do this by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and selecting "System Preferences..."

2. Click on the "iCloud" icon. If you're running macOS Catalina, it may also be called "Apple ID."

image1

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

The System Preferences menu on your Mac.

3. Here you'll find details for your Apple ID account. The main portion of the screen should show which apps are currently using iCloud. Make sure the Notes app has a checkmark next to it. If it has an empty white box, click to check it off.

Advertisement

image2

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

Check the box next to "Notes."

You can also access the iCloud settings page by going directly through the Notes app on your Mac.

1. Open Notes.

2. Click on "Notes" in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

3. Click "Accounts." This will bring you to your account information. You may have linked multiple email accounts to your Mac, but iCloud should always be the first option.

Advertisement

4. Select your iCloud account in the pane on the left.

sync notes mac iphone

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

You can find your iCloud settings directly in the Notes app.

5. Scroll down and make sure the Notes app has a checkmark next to it. It's also important to note that syncing will only work if you've signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices, so make sure this account on your Mac will be the same as the account on your iPhone.

How to sync your Notes on an iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

2. Tap your name at the top. This will bring you to your account details for your Apple ID, iCloud, and iTunes & App Store.

Advertisement

3. Tap "iCloud."

4. This will bring you to your iCloud details page, where you'll find how much storage you've used for photos, backups, and documents, along with which apps are currently using iCloud. Find the Notes app and make sure the toggle is switched from gray to green. Tap or swipe to change this.

sync notes mac iphone 4.PNG

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

Turn on Notes in iCloud sharing.

If for some reason your notes aren't syncing, make sure the default account is set to iCloud, as there is a chance the notes you are typing on your iPhone are linked to a different account. To do so:

1. Open your Settings app.

Advertisement

2. From the homepage, scroll down to find the "Notes" tab in the fifth section. Tap to open it.

sync notes mac iphone 5.PNG

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

The Notes tab will be among your other iCloud apps.

3. Make sure the "Default Account" is set to "iCloud." If it's not, tap to change it. Your Notes will now automatically sync with your Mac.

sync notes mac iphone 6.PNG

Marissa Perino/Business Insider

Set your "Default Account" to iCloud.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

Signup Today: Free Daily Newsletter from Business Insider Intelligence

Advertisement
{{}}