Think the Reminders app is just for simple to-do lists? Join us for this hands-on session and discover how powerful it really is. You’ll learn how to create reminders, organize your lists, and explore features like Tags, Smart Lists, Folders, and even a built-in Grocery List that sorts items for you. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get more from the app, this class will help you stay on top of your tasks with ease. Join me to learn more about reminders on the iPhone!
Log in to view the meeting. If you are a past member, renew your membership.
Exploring the Reminders App on iPhone
The Reminders app on the iPhone has often been overlooked. It may appear too simple at first, but with a little setup, it becomes a helpful and capable tool for staying organized. This article follows a hands-on walkthrough that focuses entirely on using the Reminders app on the iPhone, showing what it can really do.
First Impressions and Why It Was Reconsidered
At first, the Reminders app didn’t seem appealing. Other apps like GoodTask, Things, and OmniFocus offered more features and looked more professional. The Reminders app seemed too basic or even gimmicky. But after spending some time with it—setting it up and using it every day—it started to show its value. It became a reliable tool, and eventually replaced the need for other apps.
How to Create a Simple Reminder
Creating a reminder is easy. Open the app, tap “New Reminder,” and type in the task. For example, typing “Pick up dry cleaning” adds the task to the list. The iPhone keyboard offers suggestions as you type, helping you fill in your reminder faster. Once done, just tap “Done,” and the reminder is saved.
Adding Details to Your Tasks
After adding a reminder, tapping on it brings up more options. This is where you can add a due date, time, or even a location. These extra details help make reminders more useful by making sure they appear exactly when needed—whether at a certain time or upon arriving at a specific place.
Keeping Tasks Organized with Lists
Lists help group reminders by category. A person might have one list for errands and another for home projects. Each list can have a name and color to help keep things easy to recognize. This structure makes it simpler to separate different parts of daily life while staying on track.
Grouping with Folders and Sections
For those with multiple lists, folders can be used to group them together. Inside each list, sections can be added to break things down further. These sections can be created manually or appear automatically based on dates and times. This helps keep things organized and easy to scroll through.
Using Tags and Smart Lists for Better Organization
Tags are short labels that can be added to any reminder, such as “urgent” or “home.” These tags make it easier to find related tasks, even if they are in different lists. After using tags, a smart list can be created. A smart list automatically shows reminders that match specific rules, like those with a certain tag or due within a certain time.
Sharing Lists with Others
The Reminders app also supports shared lists. This is useful for families, friends, or coworkers who need to work together. Once shared, everyone can add or complete tasks. The list updates for all users, helping keep everyone on the same page.
Grocery List Features
When a list is set to act as a grocery list, items are automatically sorted into categories like Produce or Dairy. This makes shopping more organized and efficient. Users can also reuse the list later, which works well for repeat tasks like packing or planning regular shopping trips.
Viewing Reminders in the Calendar App
With iOS 18, reminders can appear in the Calendar app. Once this feature is turned on, any reminder with a set date will show up in the calendar view. Reminders can also be added directly from the Calendar app. Users can turn this display on or off at any time.
Creating Reminders from Emails and with Siri
Reminders can be created from emails by dragging a message into the Reminders app. Siri can also be used to turn an email or note into a task. These quick methods help ensure that important tasks are captured as soon as they come up.
Final Setup and Summary
Throughout the walkthrough, a complete setup was shared, showing how smart lists, tags, folders, and sections work together. Once organized, the Reminders app becomes much more than a basic task list. It is flexible enough to handle everyday to-dos as well as larger projects, all from the iPhone.