How to Set Up Location-Based Reminders That Actually Work

We’ve all had that moment: you walk past the grocery store and suddenly remember you needed milk. Or you arrive at the office and realize you forgot to send that email. Traditional time-based reminders are helpful, but they don’t always align with where you are — and that’s where location-based reminders come in.

Location-based reminders are smarter, context-aware alerts triggered when you arrive at or leave a specific location. Whether it’s picking up dry cleaning when you pass the cleaners or remembering to ask your boss something when you get to work, these reminders fire at exactly the right place, not just the right time.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How location-based reminders work
• The best apps to use (iOS and Android)
• Step-by-step setup instructions
• Real-life use cases
• How to ensure reminders are reliable and actually go off when they should

What Are Location-Based Reminders?

Location-based reminders use your device’s GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to detect your position and trigger a notification based on geographic context rather than time.

Examples:

• “Remind me to water the plants when I get home”
• “Remind me to buy lightbulbs when I’m near the hardware store”
• “Remind me to text Mom when I leave the gym”

They can be arrival-based (when you get somewhere) or departure-based (when you leave a place).

Why Use Location-Based Reminders?

Here’s why location-aware reminders are a productivity superpower:

Best Apps for Location-Based Reminders

Here are the most reliable and popular apps that support geo-based reminders:

1. Apple Reminders (iOS only)

• Built into iPhone and iPad
• Simple UI, integrates with Siri and Calendar
• Works with “when I arrive/leave [place]” commands

2. Google Keep (Android & iOS)

• Clean, minimalist app with voice input
• Easy location tagging for any note
• Syncs across all Google-connected devices

3. Google Assistant

• Works across Android and iOS
• Use voice: “Remind me to grab coffee when I get to work”
• Syncs reminders with Google Calendar and Google app

4. Microsoft To Do

• Cross-platform with robust task management
• Location-based alerts available via Cortana on supported devices

5. Todoist (Premium only)

• Advanced features for power users
• Attach tasks to custom locations
• Integrates with smart home apps and wearables

How to Set Up a Location-Based Reminder (Step-by-Step)

On iPhone (Apple Reminders)

1. Open the Reminders app
2. Tap New Reminder
3. Enter your task (e.g., “Call James”)
4. Tap the info icon (i) to edit details
5. Enable “Remind me at a location”
6. Choose location:
   • Use current location
   • Search for address
   • Select from contact address (e.g., Home, Work)
7. Choose arriving or leaving
8. Save

You can also just ask Siri:

“Hey Siri, remind me to pay the rent when I get home.”

On Android (Google Keep or Google Assistant)

Using Google Keep:

1. Create a new note or list
2. Tap the reminder icon
3. Select “Place”
4. Enter address or select from map
5. Choose arrive or depart
6. Save

Using Google Assistant:
Say:

“Hey Google, remind me to take out the trash when I get home.”

The reminder will be added to your Assistant or Keep reminders.

Real-Life Use Cases That Actually Work

At Home

• “Remind me to charge my tablet when I get home.”
• “Turn on laundry when I arrive.”

At Work

• “Bring up the budget spreadsheet when I get to the office.”
• “Follow up with HR before leaving.”

On Errands

• “Buy pet food when I pass the supermarket.”
• “Pick up package at the post office.”

For Fitness or Health

• “Stretch when I arrive at the gym.”
• “Remind me to hydrate when I leave the park.”

Travel and Transit

• “Remind me to grab my bag when I arrive at the airport.”
• “Send arrival text when I reach the hotel.”

Tips to Make Location Reminders More Reliable

While powerful, location-based reminders can fail if misconfigured. Here’s how to make sure they work when you need them:

1. Enable Location Services

Your device must have GPS/location services enabled for the app you’re using. Check:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• Android: Settings > Location > App Permissions

Ensure the reminder app has “Always” or “While using” access.

2. Use Precise Addresses

Avoid vague entries like “grocery store.” Instead, use:

• Full addresses
• Saved map pins
• Places from your contacts

This helps apps identify the exact geo-coordinates for reliable triggering.

3. Set Radius Carefully

Some apps allow you to adjust how close you need to be before the reminder fires. A small radius (50–100 meters) is usually best for urban areas, while rural settings might need larger zones.

4. Don’t Force Close Reminder Apps

If the app is force-closed, the background tracking may be disabled, preventing the reminder from working.

5. Avoid Battery Saver Mode

Battery optimization modes can disable background services like location polling. Disable these for your reminder app if needed.

6. Stay Connected

Location reminders work best with Wi-Fi and cellular data active. GPS alone can be slow or inaccurate in some locations.

Can I Use Location-Based Reminders with Smart Devices?

Yes! Some apps integrate with smart home systems to trigger tasks when you enter or leave zones:

• Turn on lights when you arrive home
• Get a reminder on your smartwatch or smart speaker
• Use IFTTT (If This Then That) to link actions to arrival/departure events

Example:

“If I leave work, then send a text to my spouse.”

Final Thoughts: Smarter Reminders for a Smarter Life

Location-based reminders are more than just a gimmick — they’re one of the most contextually intelligent tools you can use in your digital life. By syncing reminders to places instead of just times, you align your tasks with real-world behavior, ensuring they surface when they’re most actionable.

To recap:

• Use native tools like Apple Reminders or Google Assistant
• Customize your triggers carefully (address, radius, direction)
• Combine with smart devices for automation

Once you set it up properly, you’ll never forget the milk — or anything else — again.