Reminders is Apple’s built-in task manager for lists, due dates, alerts, priorities, notes, tags, location reminders, Smart Lists, and shared lists. It can sync with iPhone and iPad through iCloud.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions.
Does This Affect You?
Use Reminders if you want a simple task system with more structure than a plain checklist but without installing another task app.
Create Lists and Reminders
- Open Reminders.
- Click Add List, name it, choose a color and icon, and save.
- Select the list and type a reminder in the empty area.
- Press Return to add more items.
- Open the reminder details with the info button.
- Turn on Date and Time for due dates and alerts.
- Set a priority or add notes if useful.
- Click the empty circle beside a reminder to mark it complete.
Share a List
- Select the list in the sidebar.
- Click the sharing button or right-click the list and choose Share List.
- Invite someone through Messages, Mail, or a copied link.
- After they accept, additions and completed items update for everyone.
- Use the same sharing control to review or remove participants.
Reminders Extras
Location Alerts
Open reminder details, turn on Location, and choose an address plus arriving or leaving. This works best with an iPhone signed in to the same iCloud account.
Tags
Type tags such as #urgent or #house in the reminder title or notes, then use the Tags section to view matching reminders across lists.
Smart Lists
Create a Smart List and set filters such as due today or tagged with #work. Matching reminders appear automatically.
Today and Scheduled
Built-in Today and Scheduled views collect reminders with due dates so you do not need to open every list.
iCloud Sync
Confirm Reminders is enabled in iCloud settings on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Offline devices may take time to receive updates.
Sources
- Apple Support: Get started with Reminders on Mac
- Apple Support: Use tags and Smart Lists in Reminders on Mac
- Apple Support: Share a list in Reminders on Mac