How to set phone reminders for anything

This article has been updated. Originally published June 24, 2017.

In today's fast-paced world, remembering everything is a challenge. Fortunately, your smartphone offers a powerful solution. Beyond its multimedia capabilities, your phone can function as a sophisticated reminder system, far surpassing the limitations of traditional notepads or sticky notes.

Setting Reminders on Android

Stock Android phones integrate Google Assistant. Simply type "set a reminder" into the Google search bar or say "OK Google" followed by your request. Google Assistant will prompt you to add a time or location. Time-based reminders can be scheduled for specific times or general periods (morning, afternoon, evening, or all day). Uniquely, location-based reminders trigger when your phone detects your presence at a specified location (e.g., a reminder about your grocery list when you enter the supermarket). Reminders can also be set to repeat daily, weekly, monthly, or annually.

[Related: Mastering 20 Essential Google Home Commands]

Alternatively, embed details directly into your initial command: "Remind me to wash the car tomorrow at 2 p.m."

Reminders without specified times or locations remain in your list until deleted. To view your reminders, say "OK, Google, show me my reminders," or manually access them through the Google app (tap the G in the search bar, then your avatar, scroll to Reminders).

Beyond Google Assistant, the Google Keep app (available on iOS) provides another option. Access the app menu, tap Reminders, and create a new note with a reminder. Time, location, and repetition settings are available. Note that Google doesn't currently sync reminders across all its apps.

Setting Reminders on iOS

iOS and Android share a similar reminder-setting process. On an iPhone, activate Siri by pressing and holding the Home button, then say "Set a reminder." Siri will prompt you for details and save the note.

Basic "set a reminder" commands lack time/location association, but these can be included in your initial instruction: "Remind me to wash the car tomorrow at 2 PM," or "Remind me to buy flowers when I get home." Siri allows review and deletion of reminders if necessary.

[Related: Streamline Your Life with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant Routines]

Siri utilizes iOS's native Reminders app. Alternatively, open the Reminders app and create a reminder using the plus button (bottom left). Time, location, priority level, and repetition settings are available. Apple's system, unlike Google's, integrates seamlessly across iCloud and macOS. Both operating systems offer robust reminder functionality with time/location tagging and repetition options.

Third-Party Reminder Apps

Prefer alternatives to built-in options? Numerous third-party apps exist. Here are a few top contenders:

Todoist (free for Android and iOS) offers extensive customization options for reminders, including timings, priorities, locations, labels, and notifications. Its clean interface excels at managing multiple tasks across various devices.

Remember The Milk (Android and iOS) is another popular choice. While less comprehensive than Todoist, it offers time/location tagging, labels, and flexible notification methods (text, email, mobile alert, Twitter). It integrates with Evernote and Google Drive.

[Related: Unlocking the Power of Google Drive: 20 Pro Tips]

While previously available, Microsoft's Cortana is no longer offered on Android and iOS app stores. Microsoft To Do (free for Android and iOS), however, provides a suitable replacement, integrating with Office 365 and offering cross-device access to reminders and to-do lists.

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