The transition from iPhone to Android is often accompanied by a search for familiar functions - especially for the standard application "Notes"** from Apple. Users appreciate it for its minimalistic interface, convenient synchronization via iCloud, support for checklists and the ability to quickly create screenshot notes. Fortunately, Android there are free analogues that not only copy the functionality Apple Notes, but also add unique features - from handwriting to integration with Google Drive.

In this article we Let's look at:

  • 🔍 Which free note-taking apps on Android are most similar to the iPhone version (including synchronization, formatting and security).
  • 📱 Step-by-step guide for installation and configuration —from downloading to transferring data from Apple Notes.
  • ⚖️ Comparison of key functions: which is better - Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote or niche solutions like Simplenote.
  • ⚡ Hidden features, which 90% of users do not know about (for example, voice notes or automatic text recognition in photos).

If you are looking for not just a notepad, but a full-fledged replacement Apple Notes with support Markdown, joint editing or encryption - here you will find current solutions for 2026. Important: some applications from the list require registration for synchronization, but they all offer free plans with no limit on the number of notes.

1. Why standard “Notes” on Android are not suitable: comparison with iPhone

The standard application «Google Keep»** on Android seems to be a simple alternative Apple Notes, but in practice it is inferior in several criteria:

  • 📌 No folder hierarchy. In Apple Notes you can create subfolders (for example, “Work → Projects → 2026”), and in Keep only labels (#work, #ideas).
  • 🔒 No end-to-end encryption. Notes in Keep are stored in clear text on servers Googlewhereas Apple encrypts data even in a free account.
  • 📱 Inconvenient data transfer. Exporting notes from Apple Notes to Keep is possible only through .PDF or manually, while specialized applications (for example, Notion) offer automatic import.

Another nuance - synchronization between devices. Apple Notes instantly updates notes on all gadgets via iCloud, and Google Keep sometimes “lags” for 5-10 minutes If speed and structure are important to you, the standard solution Android will not work.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or One UI), instead of Google Keep default, their own note applications are installed (Samsung Notes, Xiaomi Notes). They are even less functional and often do not support data export.

2. TOP 5 free apps for notes like on iPhone

We tested dozens of applications and selected those that replicate the functionality as much as possible Apple Notes —from the interface to synchronization. All solutions from the list are available Google Play without subscription (premium features are marked separately).

Application Synchronization Support for checklists Encryption Export from Apple Notes
Microsoft OneNote ✅ OneDrive (free 5 GB) ✅ (with nested items) ❌ (only note password) ✅ (via .ONENOTE)
Simplenote ✅ Cloud Automattic ✅ (simple lists) ❌ ❌
Notion ✅ Cloud Notion (free) ✅ (with calendar and reminders) ✅ (optional) ✅ (via .CSV or .PDF)
Evernote ✅ Cloud Evernote (limit 60 MB/month) ✅ (with attached files). not only copies ✅ (paid) ✅ (plugin for Mac)
Zoho Notebook ✅ Zoho Cloud ✅ (with color marks) ✅ (for premium) ❌

Leader in functionality — Notion. It not only copies Apple Notes, but also adds databases, Kanban boards and integration with Google Calendar. However, for simple notes, the interface may seem overloaded. If necessary, choose maximum simplicity, choose Simplenote (minimalism as in Apple Notes to iOS 14).

📊 What application do you use for notes?
Google Keep
Apple Notes (on iPhone)
Microsoft OneNote
Notion
Other

3. Step-by-step guide: how to download and configure the application

Let's look at the installation using an example Microsoft OneNote —it is free, supports handwriting input (like Apple Pencil on iPad) and synchronizes with Windows/Mac. The instructions are relevant for Android 12–15.

  1. Download OneNote from Google Play:

    Check free space (required ~150 MB)|Connect to Wi-Fi (file weighs ~100 MB)|Close background applications to speed up downloading-->

    Open Play Market → Search → "Microsoft OneNote" → click "Install"**.

  2. Register an account Microsoft (if not):

    Why do you need a Microsoft account?

    Without it, notes will be stored only locally and will disappear when you reinstall the application or reset the phone. The account provides 5 GB of free cloud for synchronization between devices.

    Click "Login" → "Create" account" → enter your email (you can use Gmail or Outlook).

  3. Import notes from Apple Notes:

    To iPhone export notes via Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Notes → Export (format .ONENOTEThen send the file to Android (for example, via Telegram) and open it in OneNote.

Important nuance: if you have Android 14+on first launch OneNote will ask for permission to access files and the camera. Allow —this is needed to insert photos and scans of documents (analogous to the function "Scan text"** to Apple Notes).

⚠️ Attention: When importing notes from Apple Notes to OneNote table formatting is lost. If tables are important to you, use Notion or Evernote.

4. How to transfer notes from iPhone to Android without loss

Transferring data between ecosystems is the most difficult part. We have collected 3 proven methodsthat work in 2026:

  • 📤 Through iCloud.com:
    1. On iPhone turn on synchronization of notes in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Notes.
    2. On your computer, open iCloud.com, log in and export notes to .PDF or .TXT.
    3. Upload files to the selected application on Android (for example, in Notion via Import → File).
  • 🤖 Using the "Move to iOS" application (reverse transfer):
    💡

    The "Move to iOS" application is officially intended for transferring data from Android to iPhone, but with the help of workarounds you can do the opposite. To do this, you need two devices and a app iMazing on a PC.

    Install the application on iPhone application iMazing, export the notes to .CSV, and then import them into Google Keep or Evernote.

  • ☁️ Via Google Drive:

    Save notes from Apple Notes to .PDF (via the "Print" function), upload them to Google Drive, and then open in Android any note app.

    • The most reliable way — use Notion or Evernote, since they support direct import from .CSV/.PDF while preserving the structure. If there are few notes (up to 50 pieces), it is easier to transfer them manually by copying the text.

    💡

    To transfer notes with tables or attachments (photos, PDF), use Evernote —it best preserves the formatting from Apple Notes.

    5. Hidden tricks: what notes can do on Android, but the iPhone can’t

    In the pursuit of a familiar interface, Apple Notes users often miss out on the unique opportunities of Androidapplications. Here are 5 functions5 functions iPhone:

    • 🎨 Interface customizationthat are not included. In Notion or Evernote you can change themes (dark/light), fonts and even color labels for notes. In Apple Notes only 3 background colors are available.
    • 🤖 Voice notes with recognition. In Google Keep or Evernote you can record voice messages that are automatically converted to text (10+ languages ​​are supported, including Russian).
    • 🔗 Integration with other services. For example, in Notion you can insert live blocks from Google Sheets, Trello or Figma —this is convenient for working with commands.
    • 📅 Geolocation reminders. In Evernote or OneNote you can set up a notification that will trigger when you approach a certain place (for example, “Buy milk” when entering a store).
    • 🔐 Two-factor authentication for notes. In Evernote Premium or Notion you can protect individual notes not only with a password, but also with a fingerprint/face.

    Important: Some features (such as geolocation reminders) require location permission to be enabled, which may reduce battery life. GPS and location permissions, which can reduce battery life.

    6. Common problems and how to solve them

    Even the best note-taking apps have bugs. We have collected TOP 3 problems and ways to eliminate them:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Not synchronizing notes There is no Internet or the account settings are lost Check your network connection. Settings → Accounts delete and add the account again.
    Notes disappeared after update Application database failure Open Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage → Clear cache.
    Voice input does not work No access to microphone Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Microphone and enable access for the application.

    If the problem is not solved, try reset application settings (without deleting the data!):

    Settings → Applications → [Name] → Storage → Reset settings
    ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme) applications for Notes may conflict with system optimizers. If notes disappear after the phone sleeps, add the application to the list "Protected applications"** in the battery settings.
    ❓ Is it possible to use Apple Notes on Android officially?

    No, Apple does not release an application "Notes"** for Android. The only way is to use the web version iCloud.com via a browser, but it does not support offline mode and notifications.

    ❓ Which application is the lightest in weight?

    Simplenote weighs only ~5 MB and works even on weak devices phones (for example, Redmi 7A or Samsung Galaxy A10). For comparison: Evernote occupies ~150 MB, and Notion up to 200 MB.

    ❓ How to backup notes?

    Most applications have an export function:

    • OneNote: File → Export → Page/Notepad (format .ONENOTE or .PDF).
    • Evernote: Settings → Export notes (format .ENEX).
    • Google Keep: Manual export via Google Takeout (takeout.google.com).

      • Save the file to Google Drive or Yandex.Disk.

    ❓ Is it possible to synchronize notes between iPhone and Android?

    Yes, if you use cross-platform services:

    • Evernote or Notion - support both platforms and are synchronized in real time.
    • Google Keep - works on iPhone via a browser or application, but without notifications.
    • OneNote is the best option for users Microsoft 365.

      • Set up one account on both devices.

    ❓ Why don't Russian fonts appear in notes?

    The problem arises due to lack of support Unicode in some fonts. Solution:

    1. In the notes application, select the font Roboto, Arial or Open Sans.
    2. If the problem persists, update the application or reinstall it.