Best Home-Screen Reminder Widgets for iPhone and Android
Reviewed by the YouGot Editorial Team — Updated Sep 4, 2026
Apple Reminders is the best native iPhone reminder widget because it displays a chosen list and supports completing items from the Home or Lock Screen. Google Tasks is the clearest Android option, with list and new-task widgets. Use message delivery as a backup for reminders a widget alone cannot safely carry.
Feature review: September 4, 2026.
Quick picks
Choose Apple Reminders for an iPhone-only workflow and Google Tasks for a straightforward Android widget. Choose a third-party widget only after checking its current free limits and interactive controls on your device.
iPhone setup
Touch and hold an empty Home Screen area, tap Edit, choose Add Widget, select Reminders, choose a size, and add it. Touch and hold the widget and choose Edit Widget to select the list it displays.
Android setup
Touch and hold the Home Screen, choose Widgets, select Tasks, then choose the list widget or new-task shortcut. Device manufacturers may label these controls differently.
Lock-screen options
Apple supports Reminders widgets on the Lock Screen and allows completing items from supported interactive widgets. Android lock-screen widget behavior varies by device; do not promise it without testing the exact phone.
Recurring reminders and free limits
A widget displays tasks; the reminder app controls recurrence and notifications. Apple Reminders and Google Tasks provide free native recurrence. Third-party apps may reserve advanced widgets or reminder controls for paid tiers.
When message delivery is more reliable
A widget is passive: it only works if you look at the screen. For a deadline that needs an active interruption, add a scheduled SMS, WhatsApp, email, or push reminder after confirming current delivery limits.
Remind me by SMS tomorrow at 8 AM to review the tasks on my home-screen widget.
Sources
- Apple: Add and interact with widgets
- Apple: Complete reminders from a widget
- Google Tasks Android widget
- Android At a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reminder widget for iPhone?
Apple Reminders is the best native choice because it can show a selected list and complete items from supported Home or Lock Screen widgets.
What is the best reminder widget for Android?
Google Tasks is the clearest documented Android choice because it offers a list widget and a new-task shortcut.
Will a widget notify me?
The widget displays information; the underlying reminder app controls scheduled notifications. Add an active message reminder when simply seeing the widget is not enough.
Never Forget What Matters
Set reminders in plain English (or any language). Get notified via push, SMS, WhatsApp, or email.
Create a reminder that still reaches you when the widget is missed →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reminder widget for iPhone?▾
Apple Reminders is the best native choice because it can show a selected list and complete items from supported Home or Lock Screen widgets.
What is the best reminder widget for Android?▾
Google Tasks is the clearest documented Android choice because it offers a list widget and a new-task shortcut.
Will a widget notify me?▾
The widget displays information; the underlying reminder app controls scheduled notifications. Add an active message reminder when simply seeing the widget is not enough.