How to Use the Reminders App on iPhone
Learn how to use the Reminders app on your iPhone to create to-do lists, set reminders for appointments, and never forget important tasks.
What you will learn
You will learn how to use the Reminders app that comes with your iPhone to create lists, add tasks with dates and times, organize your reminders, and share lists with family members.
What you need
- An iPhone running iOS 15 or later
- The Reminders app (it comes pre-installed on every iPhone)
Step 1: Open the Reminders app
Find the Reminders app on your home screen. It has a white icon with colorful bullet points. Tap it to open. You will see a screen with default lists like Reminders and options to create new ones.
Step 2: Create a new reminder
Tap New Reminder at the bottom-left corner of the screen. A text field will appear. Type what you want to remember, such as “Buy milk” or “Call the doctor.” Tap Done on the keyboard to save it.
Step 3: Add a date and time
To be reminded at a specific time, tap on the reminder you just created. Tap the calendar icon to add a date. Tap the clock icon to add a time. For example, you can set a reminder for “Call the doctor” at 9:00 AM tomorrow. Your phone will send you a notification at that exact time.
Step 4: Create a list to organize your reminders
Tap Add List at the bottom-right of the main screen. Give your list a name, such as “Shopping,” “Health,” or “Family.” Choose a color and an icon. Tap Done. You can now add reminders to this specific list to keep things organized.
Step 5: Move a reminder to a different list
If you want to move a reminder from one list to another, tap on the reminder to open it. Tap List and choose the list you want to move it to. This helps you keep related reminders together.
Step 6: Set a recurring reminder
Open a reminder and tap the date field. Tap Repeat and choose how often you want the reminder to come back: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly. This is useful for regular tasks like taking medication every morning or watering plants every week.
Step 7: Share a list with family
Open the list you want to share. Tap the three dots icon in the top-right corner, then tap Share List. Enter the name or email address of the person you want to share with. They will receive an invitation. Once they accept, both of you can add, edit, and complete reminders on that list.
Tips
- Use Siri to create reminders quickly by saying “Hey Siri, remind me to…” followed by your task
- Tap the circle next to a reminder to mark it as done
- Swipe left on a reminder to delete it
- Use the Flagged section on the main screen for your most important reminders
- You can also set location-based reminders that notify you when you arrive at or leave a specific place
Useful links
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Frequently asked questions
Can I set a reminder for a specific time?
Yes. When creating or editing a reminder, tap the calendar icon to add a date, then tap the clock icon to add a specific time. Your phone will send you a notification at that time.
Can I make a recurring reminder?
Yes. When setting the date for a reminder, tap Repeat and choose how often you want it to repeat -- daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. This is useful for things like taking medication or paying bills.
Do my reminders sync across devices?
Yes, if you use iCloud. Your reminders will appear on all Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID, including your iPad and Mac.
Can I share a reminder list with someone?
Yes. Open a list, tap the share icon, and invite someone by entering their name or email. They can see and edit the list too. This is useful for shared shopping lists.
What happens when I complete a reminder?
Tap the circle next to a reminder to mark it as complete. It disappears from the main view but is not deleted. You can see completed reminders by tapping Show Completed at the bottom of the list.
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