The Notes app on your iPhone is simple but very handy. Most people use it for reminders or grocery lists, but it can do much more. For example, you can use it to chat in real-time with friends, family, or coworkers. While it won’t replace apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, Notes is great for quick collaboration. Apple makes it easy to share and work on notes with others.
Sharing a Note Quickly
If you just want to send someone a note without letting them edit it, follow these steps:
- Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
- Select the note you want to share.
- Tap the Share icon (it looks like a square with an arrow).
- Choose Send Copy from the menu.
- Pick how you want to send it: email, Messages, or another app.
The person will receive the note, but they can’t make changes to it. This method is best for sharing information quickly.
Collaborating on a Note or Folder with iCloud
If you want others to edit or add to your notes, you’ll need to collaborate. Before starting, make sure:
- Your iPhone has the latest iOS update.
- iCloud is set up on your device and the devices of those you’re sharing with.
To collaborate on a note or folder, follow these steps:
- Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
- Select the note or folder you want to share.
- Tap the Share icon.
- Choose Collaborate if it’s a note.
- Adjust permissions:
- Under Who Can Access, pick Only invited people or Anyone with the link.
- Under Permissions, select Can make changes or View only.
- Toggle Allow others to invite on or off, depending on your preference.
- Choose how to send the invite, like through Messages or Mail. (AirDrop doesn’t support collaboration.)
Once shared, any changes made to the note will be visible to everyone in real time. If you share it via Messages, updates will appear in your conversation, and you can tap them to open the note.
This collaboration feature is perfect for to-do lists, trip planning, or any group task.