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Maximize Your Time: How to Set a Reminder on iPhone!

Want to know how to set a reminder on iPhone? If you are like me, you find that organized lists are essential to keeping track of everything you need to get done. But it’s also a huge help to get alerts when these tasks need to be completed. Luckily we always have our phones with us, and setting a reminder on your iPhone can be done in just a few taps!

In this article we walkthrough the quick and easy steps on how to set a reminder on iPhone. We include instructions on how to use Smart Lists and location services to organize your lists on the fly and maximize your productivity. This will ensure you never forget an important errand, meeting, or event. From creating a new reminder to customizing it to suit your needs, you will master the simple yet powerful features of the iPhone’s Reminders App in no time!

Key Takeaways

  • The Reminders App on iPhone allows users to create, customize, and organize tasks efficiently.
  • Use features such as setting location-based reminders, and using Tags and Smart Lists for better management.
  • Siri can be used to set reminders by voice command.
  • The Reminders App offers advanced features such as setting recurring tasks, assigning priorities, and integrating with third-party apps.

Quick Answer: How to Set a Reminder on iPhone

Creating reminders is incredibly simple in iOS 17. Simply open the Reminders App on your iPhone and click the ‘+‘ icon next to New Reminder. Then enter text for the title and any additional notes. Under details you can assign due dates as well as enable location services. After you have updated the details you can assign the reminder to a list. Finally, click add and you’re finished creating your reminder.

Remember, you can always go back into the reminder and change the details. If you would like more helpful instructions on how to use the Reminders App to increase your productivity, continue reading!

How to Personalize a Reminder on iPhone

Now that we know how to set a reminder on iPhone we can explore how to personalize them. Users can not only include due dates but they can also use location services to alert them to complete a task based on where they are. For instance, you can be prompted with a shopping list if you go into the grocery store.

You can add a location when you create or edit a reminder under the details section. Just turn on Location and then configure the details of the location. If you didn’t turn on Location when creating the reminder, you can do it after the fact by clicking the “i” next to the task in your list. Then enable Location and configure the details.

Customize with Tags and Lists

In order to help improve your productivity, you can also use Tags and Lists with Apple reminders. These features allow you to easily sort and find tasks and are extremely powerful!

Tags were released in iOS 15. In order to use tags and Smart Lists you must first Update the Reminders App. This enables the new functionality. To make sure they are updated to the latest version:

  • Open Settings > Tap on your Apple ID > Select iCloud > Tap Show All
  • Verify that Reminders is enabled
Image of the Apple Reminders toggle switch on the Apps using iCloud screen.
  • Open the Reminders App
  • On the home screen select Update Now to begin the update process

Remember that for any lists you share with other people, they need to be running Updated Reminders to use the latest features.

There are 2 ways you can assign Tags to reminders on an iPhone. The first way to do this is in the details section of the reminder.

Image showing first way how to assign tags to an Apple reminder on iphone

The second way is to tap on the reminder and then tap the hashtag button ‘#’. You can then type any tag you wish.

Image showing second way to assign tags to an Apple reminder on after we have learned how to setup a reminder on iphone.

If the Tag does not already exist it is automatically created. Tags allow you to automatically arrange reminders based on your own categories.

You can view specific Tags by either selecting them under the Tags section or create Smart Lists to filter the information for you. Smart Lists allow you to automatically update lists of reminders by filtering on a number of criteria including tags, date, time, location, priority and flags.

Image showing how to assign filters to Smart Lists after learning how to setup reminders on iphone.

You can also manually add a Tagged item to a standard list. But remember, this list will not automatically update based on any filters.

Convert Standard List to Smart List

It’s easy to convert a standard list to a Smart List. Just follow these steps:

  • Open the List you want to convert
  • Tap the circle with 3 dots
  • Tap Show List Info
  • Scroll to the bottom and select Convert to Smart List
  • Select the filter criteria you would like for this Smart List

Once the list has been converted it will automatically update based on the criteria you have chosen. Remember, Smart Lists cannot be shared.

Using Siri to Set Reminders

You might be asking yourself how to set a reminder on iPhone using Siri? You can also use Siri to add reminders to your iPhone – but the functionality is limited. Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by pressing the side button on your device, then dictate the task and she’ll add it to the Reminders App.

You can also use Siri to add additional details to the task. For instance you can add Due Dates and times or to get an alert when you are in a specific location. Here are some examples of how you can use Siri with reminders:

  • “Remind me to go to the Post office when I leave here”
  • “Remind me to feed the dog every morning at 7am”
  • “Remind me to call Mom tomorrow at 2pm”

There are some limits to what Siri can do with reminders. For example, Siri cannot edit a reminder after it has been created.

Location-Based Alerts: Stay on Track Everywhere

To use Locations with reminders you need to make sure Location Services is enabled for Reminders on your phone. To check this setting:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap Privacy & Security
  • Tap Location Services
  • Scroll down and select Reminders
  • Tap “While Using the App”

You also need to enable “Precise Location” so that your iPhone knows exactly where you are instead of an approximation. This is important if you want the Reminders App to alert you based on location.

Schedule Recurring Tasks with Ease

Apple also gives you the ability to set custom recurring reminders. You have the option of choosing a regular interval, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. But you are also given the option to choose a non-standard time interval! For example you can choose an interval of every third Sunday of the month.

To set a recurring reminder:

  • Create or edit a reminder
  • Tap Repeat in the details section
  • Set a predefined option or click custom and define your own

It’s that simple!

Prioritizing Your Tasks

Image of Priority setting in Apple Reminder on iPhone

As expected you also have the ability to set the priority of your reminders. A quick tap lets you categorize them as Low, Medium, or High to ensure that the most critical items get addressed first.

To set the priority:

  • Create or edit a reminder
  • In the details select Priority
  • Choose Low, Medium, High priority

When you combine the priority with enabling a flag on a reminder the significance is heightened because it stands out more against all the other reminders.

You can easily sift through your responsibilities according to their importance and focus on the most critical items. Your recurring reminders can also be marked according to priority level, keeping even routine activities neatly organized in the Reminders App.

Adding Media to Reminders

Attaching pictures to reminders on iPhone

The Reminders App allows you to attach photos or scanned documents directly to a reminder. This feature allows you to attach information that is required to complete the task. For instance you could attach a document that you need to review prior to a meeting. Or perhaps, you might attach a picture of a product with the model information you need to purchase. To attach a photo, tap the Add Image button at the bottom of the Reminder Details Screen:

  • Create or Edit a reminder
  • Tap Details
  • Scroll to the bottom
  • Select Add Image
  • Choose whether to Take Photo, Scan Document, or choose a photo from your Photo Library

After setting your details click done to return to the reminders list.

Managing and Modifying Existing Reminders

Life is always changing, and the Reminders App understands that flexibility is key. It simplifies the process of updating your tasks so you can keep your reminders list up-to-date and practical. With minimal effort—a few taps here and there—you have the power to adjust schedules or transfer items between lists as needed. Once you’ve achieved success in completing a task, just one tap on the circle next to the item will mark it complete. These items are then moved to your completed list.

If an error occurs along the way, no worries — reversing actions in this app is hassle-free. You can revisit all completed tasks whenever desired to make sure you are focused on your top priorities or to bring attention towards a task that may have slipped through unnoticed.

Collaborating with Shared Reminders

Now let’s discuss how the Reminders App can be used to improve productivity for your team. Yes, we understand how to set a reminder on iPhone, but the true power comes when we amp up the productivity by sharing your Reminders or to do lists with others! Your iPhone has all the functionality to keep your team focused on the highest priorities. One thing to remember, you cannot share a Smart List. You can only share standard lists in the Reminders App.

To share a reminder list:

  • Open the Reminders App
  • Open the list you want to share
  • Click Share button
  • Select who you want to share the list with

Everyone with access can create, edit, and complete tasks and see what everyone else is doing in the list. You also have the option to designate tasks directly by mentioning someone or tapping on their name so responsibilities are clear cut amongst participants in the project—though this clarity only extends across regular lists since Smart Lists remain non-shareable entities exclusive to themselves.

Integrating Reminders with Messages

To continue to help organize your reminders and tasks Apple allows you to enable Messaging on reminders. This means that when you are texting with someone, you will receive a reminder about any tasks that you have linked to them. Just turn on “When Messaging” in the details when you are creating or editing a reminder.

During subsequent messaging exchanges with that person, expect a subtle nudge from your reminder about any relevant task you’ve set. This ensures all important points are addressed without them slipping through your busy conversation threads.

Leveraging Smart Lists for Enhanced Organization

Dive into the realm of Smart Lists, where reminders transform into powerful, structured assets that are sorted and ranked with precision. With a single tap, you can initiate a Smart List. Thereafter, your reminders will seamlessly align themselves by selected filters such as tags, due dates or priority levels.

The Reminders App comes equipped with several pre-defined Smart Lists to get you started. It’s within the custom settings that your organizational experience becomes truly personalized. Embracing Smart Lists means embracing effortless organization—why revert to old methods when everything arranges itself so intuitively?

Examples of customizable Smart Lists at your fingertips include:

  • Tasks related to work
  • Personal errands and tasks
  • Your grocery shopping list
  • Various other runabouts
  • Home improvement projects

These specialized categories enable you not only to maintain an organized front, but also ensure thorough management of all looming activities and required items on your agenda.

Streamlining Tasks with Third-Party Apps

Imagine taking your task management to the next level. Delve into the realm of third-party applications, offering an array of features and integrations at your disposal. When these apps are linked with tools such as Microsoft To Do, your reminders transcend beyond merely being on your iPhone—they become ubiquitous, orchestrating automation across various platforms, devices and applications.

This integration makes streamlining incredibly smooth, significantly enhancing your productivity in the process.

Summary

We’ve explored everything from setting up quick reminders to personalizing them with dates, times, and locations. We have also shown you how to use Siri to assist you with managing your reminders. Hopefully this article has answered all your questions about the Reminders App and how to use it to increase your productivity. Some of the powerful features including Tags and Smart Lists really elevate the functionality of the Reminders App.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a reminder alarm on my iPhone?

To configure an alarm for a reminder on your iPhone, launch the Clock App, select the Alarm section by tapping on it, and then press the plus sign to determine when you want to be reminded.

Can I set a reminder to alert me at a specific location?

Yes, to receive location based reminders, you need to setup a new reminder and turn on the ‘Location’ option. This is located in the details section of the reminder. Then input your chosen location and indicate whether you wish for the alert at the time of arrival or departure.

How do I share a Reminders list with someone else?

Open the Reminders App and select the list you want to share, then tap on the ‘Share’ icon to send an invite via contacts.