iPhone owners told to make important settings change to stop snoopy partners READING their secret messages

A SETTING faux pas could result in snoopy partners reading the secret thoughts you jot down in the Notes app.

Instant Notes feature lets users quickly write down their thoughts, or build shopping and errands lists on the fly.

But some iPhone owners use their Notes like a diary – and may write down embarrassing thoughts they don't want others to see.

The Control Centre – the drop down panel that can be used to access apps like Camera or Calculator quickly – can also be used to access Instant Notes.

Without a quick settings change, this can be opened on your lock screen – meaning your Instant Notes are not password protected, MacRumorsreported.

If you use the Control Centre to create Instant Notes, then anyone – including a snooping partner – can read what is written just by having your phone.

Fortunately, they can't open your full Notes app – only the last written Instant Note.

But to avoid this, you can remove the Control Centre from the lock screen.

Here's how:

1. Open Settingson your iPhone.
2. TapFace ID(orTouch ID)and Passcode.
3. Enter your passcode if prompted.
4. Scroll down and turn off the toggle next toControl Centre.

The Control Centre will be accessible as usual, just after inputting your password or using Face ID.

If you want to keep the Control Centre on your lock screen, there's another way you can protect your Instant Notes from being read by others.

1. OpenSettingson your iOS device.
2. FindNotes.
3. Scroll down and tapAccess Notes from Lock Screen.
4. By tappingAlways Create a New Note, you can stop other people reading your previous Note.
5. But to keep returning to a note you created earlier, tapResume Last Note.