How to Share Folders in the iOS Notes App - MacRumors
Skip to Content

How to Share Folders in the iOS Notes App

by

notes icon ios 12In iOS 13, Apple fleshed out the feature set of the stock Notes app while enhancing the viewing and search functions in such a way that it's now easier than ever to generate, find, and organize your notes.

In particular, there are new options to share entire folders of notes with friends or colleagues, including the ability to share your notes in a read-only capacity. Keep reading to learn how it's done.

In iOS 12, users were limited to sharing individual notes in Apple's stock app, which was frustrating for heavy note-takers, to say the least. Fortunately, there are two ways you can share a folder of notes in iOS 13.

Method 1

  1. Launch the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. In the Folders view, swipe from right to left on the folder that you want to share.
    how to share folder notes ios 4

  3. Tap the leftmost Share button (the blue icon).
  4. Check that the Share Options permissions at the bottom of the screen are set the way you want (invited people either Can make changes or View only).
    how to share folder notes ios 1

  5. Choose how you'd like to share the folder. The default sharing options include iMessage, Mail, and a Copy Link option if you want to share the invitation link in another way that's not offered in the additional third-party sharing buttons shown.

Method 2

  1. Launch the Notes app on your iPhone or ‌iPad‌.
  2. Tap into the folder of notes that you want to share.
    notes

  3. Tap the circled ellipsis button at the top right corner of the screen.
  4. Select Add People in the pop-up menu.
  5. Check that the Share Options permissions at the bottom of the screen are set the way you want (invited people either Can make changes or View only).
    notes

  6. Choose how you'd like to share the folder. The default sharing options include iMessage, Mail, and a Copy Link option if you want to share the invitation link in another way that's not offered in the additional third-party sharing buttons shown.

If you use a Mac running macOS Catalina and signed into the same iCloud account, the sharing status of your folders and your chosen permissions will be automatically synced to the desktop Apple Notes app.

Related Forum: iOS 13

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...