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How do I create a notebook?

Pedro Dantas 0 Reputation points
2026-04-10T22:13:23.5+00:00

The IOS app for OneNote does not allow the creation of notebooks on the cloud.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | Other | iOS
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  1. Norah-L 6,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-12T04:08:03.2733333+00:00

    Hello Pedro Dantas!

    Thank you for posting your question to the Q&A forum.

    From what you shared, it looks like you’re unable to create a new cloud‑based notebook using the OneNote app on your iOS device.

    Please note that in OneNote for iOS the option to create a new notebook only appears when you are viewing the full Notebooks list, and not while you are inside an existing notebook, section, or page. In those views, the + button is limited to creating pages or sections, which can make it seem like notebook creation is unavailable.

    In addition, if the app is signed in with a different Microsoft account than the one linked to the intended OneDrive storage, the notebook may be created in another location or fail to appear where expected after syncing.

    You may want to check the following:

    • Confirm that your device has a stable internet connection, since weak connectivity can prevent OneNote from communicating with OneDrive during the creation process.
    • Next, check that you are signed in with the intended Microsoft account
    • Verify that your OneDrive storage has available space and that both the OneNote app and iOS are up to date
    • If the issue persists, try creating the notebook in OneNote for the web first. Once created online, it should automatically sync to the iOS app when connectivity or sign‑in issues are resolved.

    Please let me know if this helps or if you need further clarification!

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-10T22:13:35.1766667+00:00

    On iOS, OneNote does support creating notebooks in the cloud (for example, on OneDrive), but the option is in the Notebooks list rather than inside a specific notebook.

    To create a cloud notebook in OneNote for iOS, use one of these methods:

    1. Make sure you are signed in to the Microsoft account or work/school account where the notebook should be stored.
    2. Open OneNote and go to the Notebooks list:
      • iPad: Tap the Notebook or Show Notebooks button to see all notebooks.
      • iPhone: Tap the back button in the upper-left until the notebook list is shown.
    3. Create the notebook:
      • iPad: At the bottom of the notebooks list, tap + Notebook.
      • iPhone: At the top of the notebook list, tap the + icon.
    4. Enter a descriptive name in the Name box.
    5. Tap Create.

    By default, new notebooks are created on the OneDrive account currently signed in. If a different cloud account is needed, sign out and then sign into that account first, then repeat the steps above.

    If using VoiceOver on iOS, the same can be done via the Notebooks tab:

    1. Open OneNote, then use four-finger tap near the bottom and swipe left until "Notebooks tab" is heard, then double-tap.
    2. Near the top, swipe right until "New notebook, button" is heard, then double-tap.
    3. Type the notebook name and then swipe to and double-tap "Done".

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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