IOS 26 Introduces Hidden Way to Set Reminders
Adding things to Reminders on iPhone requires several steps. You need to open the app, then find the relevant list, then type the task. Sure, you can use Siri, but in my experience Siri makes mistakes, and I prefer to type everything by hand. In the past, I’ve used and recommended the RemindMeFaster app , which reduces the necessary work to a single tap. Now, Apple has integrated this concept directly into iOS 26, resulting in a superior (and faster) experience for adding tasks to the Reminders app.
The new iOS 26 reminder control can be added to Control Center, the Lock screen, or the Action button. No matter where you activate it, it opens a quick entry system that floats above everything else, allowing you to add reminders with a due date, location, and list of your choosing.
Set up a new keyboard shortcut for quick reminders
As mentioned above, you can add the New Reminder control to one of three new locations. For faster entry, you can choose the Lock Screen or Control Center option.
Open Control Center, long-press an empty area, then tap Add control . Now find and add the New reminder control . You can then place it anywhere in Control Center, and you can also increase its size.
Likewise, go to the lock screen, long-press the wallpaper, select Customize , and then select one of the two controls at the bottom. Switch it to the New reminder control , and you’re good to go.
To add it to an action button, go to Settings > Action Button > Controls > Choose Control > New Reminder .
Personally, I have the New Reminder toggle in Control Center, right at the bottom. I don’t use any action button actions, and I like to keep the Flashlight and Camera icons on the lock screen, so Control Center is the best option for me.
Using the new keyboard shortcut for quick reminders
Now that the New Reminder control is in the foreground, it’s time to test it.
Tapping it will open a new floating window at the top of your iPhone screen (this will also work on iPad and Mac).
Here, you can click the drop-down icon to select a list – it will remember the list you last used, so you don’t have to change it every time. Then type in your reminder, and you can even add notes here (inserting notes works as expected). You can then use natural language to add a due date (for example, typing “tomorrow at 9am” and then choosing a time from the suggestion bar). You can add a location or mark it as an important task. Then click the checkmark icon to save the reminder.