How to Use Your Smartwatch to Create Reminders and To Do Lists

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated December 21, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Use Reminders on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Set up iCloud to keep your reminders updated across all your devices. Open the Settings app, then tap [your name] > iCloud and turn on Reminders. Inside the Reminders app, you'll see all of your reminders on all of your Apple devices that are signed in to the same Apple ID.
Learn more about upgrading your iCloud reminders after you update to iOS 13 or later and iPadOS.

Open the Reminders app.
Tap + New Reminder, then type your reminder.

You can also add reminders to your most important to-do lists from the Reminders widget on your Home Screen.

Tap the Date and Time button to set a due date for the reminder. Choose from Today, Tomorrow, This Weekend, or tap Date & Time to set your own day and time.

If you set a due date for a reminder but don't assign a time, the notification appears by default at 9:00 AM. To change when all-day reminder notifications appear, open the Settings app, then tap Reminders. Tap the time below All-Day Reminders, then choose a different time.

Tap the Location button to assign a notification based on where you are. Select one of the options provided, or tap Custom to add your own location, choose whether you want to be notified when arriving or leaving, and set the perimeter of your reminder area.

To receive location-based reminders, make sure that Location Services is turned on. Open the Settings app, then tap Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn on Location Services.

Tap the Tag button to add a tag. Tags let you quickly and automatically organize reminders based on keywords. Learn more about using tags to organize your reminders.

Tap the Flag button to mark a reminder as extra important and make it appear in the Flagged smart list on the Reminders app main screen.

Tap the Photos button to add an attachment to the reminder. You can take a new photo, choose an image from your photo library, or scan a document.

Tap the Edit Details button to add even more details and customizations to your reminder, such as notes, a URL, and a priority. You can also modify the reminder's notification settings and change the list that it belongs to.

Tap a reminder, then tap the Edit Details button.
Turn on When Messaging.
Tap Choose Person, then tap a name in your contacts.

The next time you chat with this person in Messages, a Reminders notification appears.

Every reminder that you create can have subtasks. For example, a reminder to pack for a trip can include a list of things that you don't want to forget.

You can create subtasks in a few different ways:

Tap and hold a reminder, then drag it onto another reminder. The reminder that you dragged becomes a subtask of the other.
Swipe right on a reminder, then tap Indent. The reminder becomes a subtask of the one above it. To undo this, swipe right again on the subtask and tap Outdent.
Tap a reminder, then tap the Edit Details button. Tap Subtasks > Add Reminder, then type your subtask. Repeat for as many subtasks as you'd like to create.
If you can't create subtasks, make sure you are using iCloud Reminders.

To mark a reminder as completed, tap the empty circle next to it. To see your completed reminders, tap the More button, then tap Show Completed.

To delete a reminder without marking it as completed, swipe left on it, then tap Delete.

If you get a reminder notification on your Lock Screen, swipe left over the reminder. Tap View, then tap Mark as Completed.

You can ask Siri to schedule a reminder for you on your iOS device or your Apple Watch.* Here are a few examples:

"Remind me to feed the dog every day at 7:30 a.m."
"Remind me when I get home to check the mail."
"Remind me when I leave here to stop by the grocery store."
"Remind me tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. to call Tara."

Add your home and work addresses to your card in Contacts to allow Siri to help you set location-based reminders. Open the Contacts app, then tap My Card. Tap Edit, add your work or home address, then tap Done.

To remind yourself to go back to another appfor example, to revisit a website or a map locationadd a link in your reminder to where you left off. Open the app that you want to come back to, and look for the Share button. Then tap the Reminders icon.

Published Date:January 04, 2024

10 Best Reminder Apps to Stay on Top of Tasks in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Ah, reminders. Where would we be without them?

Between your to-do lists, multitasking, and carving out precious moments for yourself, your brain cant keep up with all the information it processes in a day alone. This is why reminder apps are essential.

But how do you find a reminder app that helps instead of hinders? Thats where I come in! Ive done the research and found the top 10 best reminder apps on the market, complete with pricing, reviews, pros, and cons.

Lets get rolling.

10 Best Free Reminder Apps to Stay on Top of Tasks in 2024

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The 10 Best Reminder Apps in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Its time to get your brain a virtual assistant in the form of an awesome reminder app. Whether youre looking for the best reminder apps or something paid, I have you covered.

Yep, ClickUp took the top spot. Sure, you probably expected it, but I put it here because it keeps our entire team on task! ClickUp has won several awards and topped multiple lists, but I wont bore you with the details while youre trying to get organized.

Instead, I want to tell you about the functionality of ClickUps Reminders and to-do list. You can create notifications for yourself and your team members in seconds and add files and attachments as reminders to make life easier. Theyre easy to change, organize, comment on, update, and (best of all) customize.

ClickUp is a fantastic free reminder app with tons of features on the Free Forever plan. And with flexible goal tracking, flexible due dates, to-do-list templates, and time-blocking templates, its a perfect solution for teams of any size.

Create clear, multi-functional to-do lists to easily manage your ideas and work from anywhere so you never forget anything again

Speaking of teams, ClickUp has over 1,000 integrations and works on any device you could ask for, so its excellent for cross-platform teams. So ClickUp has you covered whether you want an iOS or Android app, browser functionality, or desktop download.

Did I mention that ClickUp has hundreds of other functional features to simplify life? Yep, its more than a to-do list appits a personal assistant that can streamline every aspect of your workday. And its an excellent alternative to project management outsourcing.

ClickUp features

ClickUp Reminders are packed with personalization settings, color-coding, and other features to help you meet your deadlines and stay organized every day
Inbox functions as a calendar app and task manager to make it easier to keep track of your reminders
Next, Done, and Unscheduled tabs let you keep track of whats coming up, what youve completed, and reminders that have no due dates
Set reminders using attachments and files like photos, voice memos, or map locations to keep you and your team on track
Sync reminders and due dates with your calendar apps thanks to 1,000+ integrations with tools like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Zoom, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Teams, and Zendesk
Set reminders, notifications, and recurring reminders for your team using the delegated reminders option and keep it all organized with team profiles

ClickUp pros

Many reviews mention successful time and task management using ClickUps free version
Time blocking and notification features make it easy to visualize your workday and stay on top of tasks
Simplifies employee monitoring using delegated reminders and team profiles

ClickUp cons

Some user reviews report superfluous available features
May need to refresh tasks while co-editing reminders

ClickUp pricing

Free Forever (ClickUp Reminders available in the free plan!)
Unlimited: $7/month per user
Business: $12/month per user
Enterprise: Contact us for pricing

ClickUp ratings and reviews

G2: 4.7/5 (6,000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,000+ reviews)

2. nTask

nTask is another option for anyone looking for a free reminder app. Itll help you figure out how to prioritize your work with task lists, reminders, notifications, due dates, and collaboration functions. You can also view task statuses to track where your team is on any project.

As a handy reminder app, nTask also has good cross-platform functionality, providing to-do reminders for your team on almost any device. Its also designed to help organize personal tasks, so whether you need to create reminders to get more milk or finish a project, itll help you get it done.

nTask features

Make collaboration easier with cross-platform functionality for web, iOS, and Android devices
View tasks lists and statuses based on planned and actual due dates
Use task assignment and project management features to stay on top of your teams progress
Multiple project and meeting management tools to help manage other areas of your workflow
Integration with popular tools like Google Calendar, Outlook, Slack, Zoon, and Zapier

nTask pros

Reviews report better project management thanks to the ability to create teams
Easy to create and organize each task to stay on track
Successful time tracking is easy with helpful notifications

nTask cons

Some users report a need for more features
Lack of customization options may make the calendar difficult to organize

nTask pricing

Premium: $4/month per user
Business: $12/month per user
Enterprise: Contact nTask for pricing

nTask ratings and reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (15+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.2/5 (100+ reviews)

Check out these daily checklist apps!

3. Todoist

Todoist is one of this lists most widely used daily reminder apps thanks to its extensive features, quick add options, and sleek interface. Its a simple to-do list organizer designed to help you complete your tasks at work and in your personal life.

One of the most popular features of Todoist is the streak system, which gamifies your to-do list and helps motivate you to get stuff done. And since its optimized for delegation, its also useful for project managers trying to keep their teams on task.

Todoist features

Quick add tasks to keep your to-do list updated regardless of how busy you are
Cross-platform functionality reminder apps for Android and iOS devices
Sleek user interface makes task view easy to understand
Prioritize tasks, leave project comments, create reminders, and change due dates with ease
Delegate tasks to team members to keep everyone on the same page

Todoist pros

Year-end report shows your overall progress on to-do list tasks
Easy to create and prioritize tasks with due dates and delegation
Some reviews mention positive responses from their team about the Kudos feature

Todoist cons

Reviews mention unwanted daily reminders about all unfinished tasks, regardless of priority
May create collaboration issues if all members dont have the same plan
Free version lacks several features

Todoist pricing

Free version
Pro: $5/month per user
Business: $8/month per user

Todoist ratings and reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (700+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)

Check out these Todoist alternatives!

4. Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a simple to-do list app that manages professional and personal tasks on one easy dashboard. It lets you view a snapshot of everything you need to do in a day or zoom in on particular lists as needed. And the best part? Its completely free!

Microsoft To Do allows you to set due dates and reminders for each task and star your most important tasks to keep them visible. You can also use steps (aka subtasks) to break down larger tasks and add notes to each one as needed.

Microsoft To Do features

Task creation allows you to set assignees, create due dates, drag and drop between lists, and implement mass updates
Task prioritization allows you to order your to-do lists by the most pressing tasks
Set reminders or task dependencies to help you determine which order tasks need to be performed
Recurring tasks make your days easier, eliminating unnecessary extra work, especially when you assign tasks

Microsoft To Do pros

Microsoft To Do tasks automatically sync with Outlook tasks so you can see your lists in both places
Outlook and Microsoft user reviews reported a simple, easy-to-use interface
Free to use for all users with an existing Microsoft account

Microsoft To Do cons

On the best reminder apps in this list, To Do lacks in integrations with other apps
Recent customer reviews report a lack of updates and new features
User interface doesnt have many customization features, and some find it unattractive

Microsoft To Do pricing

Microsoft To Do ratings and Reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)

Check out these Microsoft To Do alternatives!

5. TickTick

TickTick is another reminder app that makes a free version available to all users. And since finding the best reminder app can be challenging, its nice to have options you can take for a spin free of charge.

Its designed for individuals and businesses of all sizes, with work scheduling features to help you manage tasks, deadlines, files, and correspondence from one dashboard. And since it creates automatic reminders, itll help you and your team members avoid forgotten tasks so you can all stay on track.

TickTick features

Communication features enable collaboration with team members and people in your personal life
Create habits for professional and personal use and keep track of your streaks to increase productivity and success
Organize your tasks and processes to a past or future date, and set reminders or timers so you never miss a deadline
Annoying Alert feature and multiple reminders for one task help bypass the temptation to dismiss alerts without looking at them
Pomodoro timer is a great reminder app feature that alerts you when its time to take a break

TickTick pros

Users report success with the smart suggestion feature and lists and recurring reminders
Reviews mention that the minimal features make the app easy to learn
Recurring tasks or suggest recurring tasks features

TickTick cons

Some reviews mention poor experiences with customer service
May present issues with syncing, resulting in lost data

TickTick pricing

Free version
Premium: $2.79/month per user

TickTick ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)

Compare Todoist Vs TickTick!

6. ProofHub

ProofHub is a reminder and project management app designed for businesses and large teams, and its loaded with collaboration features. From time tracking to chats and announcements, it has everything a project manager needs to keep team members moving forward with tasks.

ProofHub is designed for a minimal learning curve, making integration with team members more efficient. And since its available in multiple languages, its a popular option with multinational companies managing remote workers.

ProofHub features

Option for unlimited users on both plans makes collaboration easier for large teams
Plan, schedule, and execute projects easily thanks to collaboration features
Optimized to work with remote team members
Online tool works on any iOS or Android device
Collaboration features include things like chat, discussions, file transfers, and announcements
Available in 10 languages

ProofHub pros

Reviews mention success with team-specific task boards and workflows
Seamless syncing for most devices

ProofHub cons

Some users report that their teams became uncomfortable using the app after a few months
Price may be too high for smaller teams and businesses

ProofHub pricing

Essential: $50/month
Ultimate Control: $99/month

ProofHub ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)

7. Twobird

Twobird is arguably one of the best free reminder apps on this list because its 100% free. While they plan to add premium plans with extra features down the road, all of the apps tools are currently available free of charge.

Instead of functioning like a separate tool, Twobird transforms your inbox into a multitasking to-do list, note-taking hotspot, and communication platform. Itll send your shopping lists, team notes, and more to your inbox for quick and easy access.

Twobird features

Integrates with Gmail and Outlook to help manage your tasks from your inbox instead of using multiple tools
Set reminders and notes from your inbox and keep them organized in a straightforward calendar
Uses existing email account to manage to-do lists, shopping lists, tasks, chores, and reminders
Identify your most important to-do tasks with the help of Twobirds intelligent task identification

Twobird pros

Entire app is free to use, making it ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and personal use
Share notes with people who dont use TwoBird and allow them to edit the notes from their browser

Twobird cons

Lacks customer feedback on popular review sites
Limited features available, and no paid plans to unlock more tools
Only supports Gmail and Outlook email accounts compared to other to-do list apps

Twobird pricing

Twobird ratings and reviews

8. Any.do

Any.do is a web-based task management app designed with simple features to make learning easier for team members. It can help with project management for teams of any size while keeping your personal life in order.

With to-do lists, tasks, daily planners, and a calendar, Any.do focuses on the key features of a reminder app without adding a bunch of clutter. And it has a free version, so you can give it a try before committing, which is always a bonus.

Any.do features

Project management features make it easy to create to-do lists and tasks for you and your team
Daily planner helps you plan each day to stay on top of what you need to get done and when
Calendar gives you a top-down view of your work schedule and personal tasks
Reminders and notifications help keep you on track
Chat and collaboration features help teamwork go smoothly
Works with any iOS or Android device

Any.do pros

Syncs with Google Calendar for easy task management
Prioritizes daily tasks to make them easier to complete
Simple features make the app easy to learn

Any.do cons

Lacks many features present with similar apps
Some reviews mention issues with customer service response times
Some users struggle to connect Any.do to their calendars and report issues with syncing

Any.do pricing

Personal: Free
Premium: $3/month per user
Team: $5/month per user

Any.do ratings and reviews

G2: 4.1/5 (150+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)

9. Capsicum

Capsicum is a to-do list and day planner app designed exclusively for iOS users. Its optimized for personal use over professional use, with features designed to plan your days, track healthy habits, and encourage journal entries.

Capsicum also helps professionals check the forecast for upcoming tasks, take notes on projects, and plan workdays to stay organized. The design is inspired by physical day planners and may help professionals who are switching to digital task management.

Capsicum features

Use Siri Shortcuts to track and add habits on the go; they also enable location-based habit reminders
Create multiple notebooks to manage different aspects of your life
Use monthly, weekly, and daily to-do lists to organize your tasks
Sync events and tasks with Apple calendar
Notes pages encourage journal entries and casual notes not linked to any task

Capsicum pros

Streamlined for iOS users
The 14-day free trial counts each individual day the app is used, not 14 consecutive days

Capsicum cons

Lacks customer feedback on popular review sites
Only available for iOS users

Capsicum pricing

Monthly: $1.99/month per user

Capsicum ratings and reviews

10. Google Keep

Google Keep is a note-taking and reminder app thats free for anyone with a Gmail account. It lets you make lists, reminders, and to-do list tasks quickly and easily. You can also save images and integrate Keep with your Google Calendar.

Google Keep is useful for freelancers and small businesses that need to track multiple projects, but its also functional for personal use. And since you can edit tasks and lists whenever youd like, its easy to create a short on-the-go note and expand it later.

Google Keep features

Organize, filter, and find your notes based on color and category
Use images and audio files as tasks and reminders
Works on almost any phone, tablet, or computer
Ability to share lists with other people for simple collaboration and real-time syncing

Google Keep pros

Simple software is easy to use and intuitive for existing Gmail users
Users report more productivity and enjoyment thanks to the personalization features

Google Keep cons

Reviews report limited features for word processing
May lag on some iOS devices

Google Keep pricing

Free version
Unlimited: $5/month per user
Business: $12/month per user
Business Plus: $19/month per user
Enterprise: Contact Google for pricing

Google Keep ratings and reviews

G2: N/A
Capterra: 4.7/5 (150+ reviews)

What Should You Look for in a Reminder App?

A reminder app should help your brain keep track of everything, from essential tasks at work to daily to-do lists for personal use. The human brain forgets a lotresearch shows that people forget 50% of new information within an hour of receiving it. After 24 hours, youve forgotten 70% of it; after a week, that figure jumps to 90%!

Reminder apps can help fill those gaps. Here are some key points to look for when choosing the best app for your daily tasks:

Cross-platform compatibility: The best daily reminder app for you andyour team should support iOS and Android devices to work for everyone. You never know; your team members might want it on their iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Android, Android Wear, Outlook, Gmail, browser, Windows or Mac desktop, or something else
Intuitive user interface: A to-do app thats difficult to use doesnt help anyone. So find one thats user-friendly, has a minimalist interface, and offers plenty of tutorial options
Effective notifications: If you dont notice when your app notifies you, you wont benefit from it. Look for apps with location-based reminder features, text message reminders, pop-up task reminders, snooze options, and widgets to ensure theyre visible
Quick-add tasks: Its easy to forget to add a task if your app makes it a chore. So the best reminder apps have quick-add features like voice commands and smart suggestions
Extra features: The more your task reminder app can do, the better. Look for additional features like subtasks, recurring tasks, and note-taking

Its OK to have high standards here! When you find an excellent reminder app, you dont have to worry about forgetting anything, and you can get things done more efficiently.

Never Miss a Deadline with Reminder Apps

Its time to pick a reminder app and kiss those missed deadlines goodbye. These trusty helpers will keep you on top of your game to get you closer to a perfect track record in your personal and work life. You might even free up some time for happy hourcheers to staying on top of things!

Try ClickUp today!