Several iPhone owners noticed that saved notes disappeared from the Notes app shortly after Apple rolled out the updated iCloud terms of service. The reports surfaced through 9to5Mac, which noted that the disappearance closely followed the moment users accepted the new terms. This glitch appears to affect notes kept in the iCloud-backed library, especially for people who rely on notes across multiple devices. While cloud quirks can happen, there has been no confirmation of widespread permanent data loss in the early feedback. In Canada and the United States, many users checked other devices and online accounts to see if the data reappeared elsewhere, seeking reassurance from the platform status pages and community discussions. Early observations point to the conclusion that recovery is possible with proper steps, rather than a terminal failure of data storage.
According to the reports, the problem tends to start after the new iCloud terms are accepted. When the Notes app loses its link to iCloud, the On My iPhone folder appears empty instead of the normally synced notes. Restarting the app does not fix the issue, and there is no indication that rebooting the device will restore the data. A straightforward fix is to re-enable the synchronization between Notes and iCloud. On iOS devices, this means going to Settings, tapping your Apple ID, opening iCloud, and turning on Notes. After reactivating sync, returning to the Notes app and giving it time to re-sync often brings the missing notes back into view across all linked devices.
In many cases, missing notes return automatically after a short delay. For those who still do not see their content, the recommended approach is to toggle the Sync this iPhone option back on. Open Settings, confirm that Notes is enabled under iCloud, and then reopen the Notes app so the cloud can repopulate the local library. It helps to verify that the content is stored in iCloud rather than only on the device. Once the toggle is on, the Notes app will pull data from iCloud and fill the local collection, usually within minutes as the connection stabilizes.
Despite the setback, there is no evidence of permanent data loss. The notes remain associated with the same iCloud account and can be restored to other devices signed in with that account. Users should ensure their devices have an active internet connection and sufficient iCloud storage to support the re-sync. If needed, checking iCloud status pages and Apple Support resources can provide guidance on ongoing issues. In the United States and Canada, many users found the data reappearing once the sync resumed across devices, and some observed notes reappear during the next full sync cycle. If notes remain missing after trying the basic steps, seeking guidance from Apple Support is a prudent next move.
Earlier reports noted GPS glitches affecting iPhone and iPad users in Russia. That issue is separate from the Notes synchronization problem described here. For readers in North America, the practical takeaway is to review iCloud settings after major software updates and monitor the status of Notes across devices. Keeping notes backed up in additional locations or exporting critical information can provide an extra layer of security while the issue is resolved.