How do I delete notes from iCloud on my iPad?

Deleting notes from your iPad's Notes app is the most direct way to remove them from iCloud, as your device automatically synchronizes with your iCloud account. When you delete a note on your iPad, it's moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder, affecting iCloud.com and all other devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

How to Delete Notes from Your iPad (and iCloud)

Follow these steps to remove individual or multiple notes from your device, which will also delete them from your iCloud account.

Deleting Individual Notes

This is the quickest method for removing single notes.

1. Open the Notes App: Tap the yellow and white Notes app icon on your iPad's Home screen.
2. Locate the Note: Navigate to the folder containing the note you wish to delete.
3. Select the Note: Tap on the note to open it.
4. Delete the Note: In the Notes toolbar, locate and tap the trash can icon (🗑️).
   • Alternatively, from the list of notes, you can swipe left on the note you want to delete and then tap the red Delete button.

Once deleted, the note is moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder.

Deleting Multiple Notes

If you need to remove several notes at once, use the selection feature.

1. Open the Notes App: Launch the Notes app on your iPad.
2. Go to a Folder: Tap on the folder that contains the notes you want to delete.
3. Enter Selection Mode: Tap the ellipsis icon (...) at the top right of the screen (or sometimes "Edit" or "Select") and then choose Select Notes.
4. Select Notes: Tap on each note you wish to delete. A blue checkmark will appear next to selected notes.
5. Confirm Deletion: Tap the Delete button (which looks like a trash can icon 🗑️) at the bottom right of the screen.

Deleting an Entire Folder of Notes

Deleting a folder will move all its contents to the "Recently Deleted" folder.

1. Open the Notes App: Launch the Notes app.
2. View Folders: Ensure you are in the main Folders view (tap the back arrow until you see all your folders).
3. Edit Folders: Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
4. Delete Folder: Tap the red minus sign (➖) next to the folder you want to delete, then tap Delete. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Understanding the "Recently Deleted" Folder

When you delete a note from your iPad, it isn't immediately gone forever. It's moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder, where it remains for a period (typically 30 days) before being permanently removed. This applies across all your devices and iCloud.com, providing a safety net for accidental deletions.

Accessing "Recently Deleted"

1. Open the Notes App: Launch the Notes app.
2. Go to Folders View: Ensure you are in the main Folders list.
3. Tap "Recently Deleted": Scroll down the list of folders and tap on Recently Deleted.

Recovering Notes from "Recently Deleted"

If you accidentally deleted a note, you can recover it within the grace period.

1. Open "Recently Deleted": Follow the steps above to access the folder.
2. Edit Notes: Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
3. Select Notes to Recover: Tap the notes you wish to move back.
4. Move to Folder: Tap Move To... in the bottom-left corner and choose the desired folder (e.g., "Notes" or a specific folder you created).

Permanently Deleting Notes

To permanently remove notes before the 30-day period ends:

1. Open "Recently Deleted": Access the "Recently Deleted" folder.
2. Edit Notes: Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
3. Select Notes: Tap the notes you wish to permanently delete.
4. Delete All: Tap Delete or Delete All in the bottom-right corner, then confirm your choice.

Quick Overview: Deleting vs. Permanently Deleting

Action	Location	Effect on iCloud	Recovery Option
Delete	Notes app (any folder)	Moves to "Recently Deleted"	Yes, from "Recently Deleted" within ~30 days
Permanently Delete	"Recently Deleted" folder	Immediately removed	No, once confirmed, it's gone for good

For more detailed information on managing notes, refer to the official Apple Support page for Notes.