Complete guide to Siri commands for Reminders, tasks, and to-do lists

Siri is meant to be your virtual assistant, and part of that job description is creating and updating your to-dos and lists of to-dos in the Reminders app. If you need to be prodded to pick up milk on the way home, order that present in time for the big party, or set up that lunch meeting before the end of the day, Siri's there to help.

How to create a time-based reminder with Siri
How to create a location-based reminder with Siri
How to create a Reminder in a specific List with Siri
How to maintain a shopping list with Siri

1.How to create a time-based reminder with Siri

One of the easiest things to do with Siri is have it set up a quick Reminder. Siri is so quick, in fact, it's almost always faster to use Siri than to tap your way through the Reminders app to set them up manually.

1.Hold down the Home button to activate Siri.

2.Tell Siri what you want to be reminded about, and when. For example: "Remind me to call [person's name] at 9pm."
3.Wait for Siri to show you the Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.

The Reminder will go into the default Reminders list. This is usually Reminders for iCloud users and Tasks for Exchange users, or whatever you set up as the default list in Settings.

If you tap the Reminders widget, you can mark the Reminder as completed.

2.How to create a location-based reminder with Siri

Because your iPhone knows where you are, you can set up Reminders based on location as well. Again, it's much faster to do this with Siri than manually through the Reminders app.

1.Hold down the Home button to activate Siri

2.Tell Sir what you want to be reminded about, and where. For example: "Remind me to [do something] when I get to [some place]."
3.Wait for Siri to show you the Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.

Just like with standard Reminders, the location Reminder will go into the default Reminders list. This is usually Reminders for iCloud users and Tasks for Exchange users, or whatever you set up as the default list in Settings.

If you tap the Reminders widget, you can mark the Reminder as completed.

3.How to create a Reminder in a specific List with Siri

If you have multiple lists in Reminders, for example, a shopping list, a packing list, a party list, etc. you can tell Siri to create a to-do item specifically for one of those lists.

1.Hold down the Home button to activate Siri.

2.Tell Siri what you want to be reminded about, and in which List you want it to go. For example: "Add [item name] to [list name]."

3.Wait for Siri to show you the Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.
Now the Reminder will be placed in the List you specified.

If you forget to specify a list when you create your Reminder, you can still move it before you confirm the Reminder.

1.Hold down the Home button to activate Siri.

2.Tell Siri to create a reminder. (See above.)
3.Wait for Siri to show you the Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.
Immediately tell Siri which list you'd like the Reminder to be placed in. For example: "Move it to my iMore list."
Wait for Siri to show you the updayed Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.

The Reminder will then be placed in the List you specified.

How to maintain a shopping list with Siri

Siri in conjunction with the default Reminders app is a great way to maintain all sorts of special lists, whether that's for party planning, packing for a trip, or most conveniently -- regular shopping.

You can have one general shopping list, or even specific shopping lists, like a grocery list.

Before you can use Siri to add items to a grocery or any other list, you first have to create them in the Reminders app.

How to create and organize lists in your Reminders app
Once you have the list setup, just add items to it like you would any list.

1.Hold down the Home button to activate Siri.

2.Tell Siri what you want to add and to which shopping list. For example: "Add [item name] to [list name]."

Wait for Siri to show you the Reminder widget and ask for confirmation.
If you share a Reminders list with a friend or family member using iCloud.com, you can both add items whenever you think of something, and both see them next time you're out shopping.

How to share a Reminders list using iCloud.com
Unfortunately, you can't delete tasks or mark items as completed using Siri (at least not yet), so you still have to launch the Reminders app for that.

How to get more help with Siri

If you still need help with setting up or using Siri with your iPhone Contacts, or any other Siri feature, head on over to our Siri Forum and ask away!

How to set up, configure, secure, and start using Siri
How to establish relationships and call, message, email, and find your contacts using Siri
How to set alarms and timers using Siri