Why you need reminders on your smartphone and how to use them correctly
The modern rhythm of life dictates its rules: dozens of things to do, meetings, important events are easy to forget without a reliable reminder system. Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI shell offer several built-in ways to create a notification so that nothing is missed. But how to choose the best option among standard tools and third-party applications?
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden functions. MIUI, You'll learn how to set up one-time and repeat reminders, sync them with the calendar, and what applications will help automate the process. MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, so that the instruction is suitable for most models: Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T others.
Method 1: Standard Watch app is a simple and reliable option
The most obvious, but often underrated, tool is the built-in Watch app, which is on all Xiaomi smartphones and does not require any additional software installation, the main advantage is that reminders work even without the Internet and do not depend on Google services.
To create a notice:
- Open the Clock app (icon with dial).
- Go to the Alarm tab (in the lower menu).
- Press + in the lower right corner.
- Choose a reminder (not to be confused with an alarm clock).
- Please indicate the time, reminder text and frequency of repetition (if necessary).
- Save the changes with the Ready button.
Important: MIUI 14 has a slightly different interface, with reminders hidden behind the Add (+) button in the upper right corner of the alarm screen, and the ability to attach a melody from the gallery, click on the bell icon to create a reminder.
The correct time is indicated (AM/PM!)
The text of the reminder is informative (not just "Make", but "Buy milk on the way home").
Selected the desired frequency (single/daily/weekly)
The sound is on and the volume is sufficient.-->
Method 2: Google Assistant – Voice Reminders in 10 Seconds
If you use Google, the voice assistant will be your best friend, and it can create reminders by voice, sync them to your calendar, and even send notifications to other devices (like Google Nest or laptop).
Algorithm of action:
- Activate Google Assistant with a long press on the Home button or a voice command, OK, Google.
- Say a phrase like, Remind me to take out the trash at 20:00 or add to the reminder: call my mom tomorrow at 12:00.
- The assistant will offer to confirm the time and text – agree with the voice or click Yes on the screen.
Advantages of the method:
- ⏱️ Speed: Created in seconds without clicking on the menu.
- 🔄 Sync: Reminders automatically appear in Google Calendar and on other devices.
- 🗣️ Flexibility: You can specify the location (for example, remind me to buy bread when I am in the store – it will work by geolocation).
Standard annex "Clock"
Google Assistant (voice)
Third-party applications (e.g. Todoist)
Google Calendar
I don't use reminders.-->
Limitations:
- 🚫 Requires an internet connection to create (but the notification will work offline too).
- 🔕 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A With lightweight firmware, Google Assistant can be disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications → Google and activate permissions.
💡
If Google Assistant doesn't recognize your voice, try retraining your voice model, and say, "OK, Google, learn to recognize my voice," and follow the instructions.
Method 3: Calendar Appendix – for planning days and weeks ahead
Xiaomi’s built-in Calendar (or Google Calendar if you use it) is suitable for long-term reminders, where you can create an event with an hour, day, or even a week’s notice before the start.
Instructions for MIUI Calendar:
- Open the Calendar app (Date Icon).
- Press + in the lower right corner.
- Select Event or Task (depending on the version of MIUI).
- Fill in the fields: 📅 Date and time (you can choose a range, for example, from 14:00 to 15:00). 🔔 Reminder (how many minutes/hours to notify). 📝 Description (event details). 🔄 Repeat (daily, weekly, etc.).
Save the event.
The difference from the Watch app is that you can set up multiple notifications for one event, like the first one the day before an event, the second one an hour before, and it's convenient for important meetings or travel.
| Function | Annex "Clock" | Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| One-time reminders | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Repeated events | ✅ Yes (daily/weekly) | ✅ Yes (flexible settings) |
| Multiple notifications | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (day, hour, etc.) |
| Synchronization with Google | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (if you use Google Calendar) |
| Working without the Internet | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (local events - yes, synchronized - no) |
Method 4: Third-party applications – advanced capabilities
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools aren’t enough, look out for third-party services that offer:
- 📌 Task categories (work, home, health).
- 📊 Implementation statistics (how many cases are done per week).
- 🤝 Common lists (for example, for family or team).
- 🌐 Cross-platform (access from PC, tablet).
Top.-3 apps:
- Todoist is a minimalist design, integration with Google Calendar and Slack. The free version allows you to create up to 5 projects.
- TickTick supports tomato timer, task priorities and voice input. There's a widget for the home screen.
- Microsoft To Do is ideal for users of the Microsoft ecosystem (synchronization with Outlook).
How do you choose the right one? Focus on your tasks:
- 🏠 Home chores: TickTick (comfortable repetitive tasks).
- 💼 To do: Todoist (Integration with Enterprise Instruments).
- 📱 For Minimalists: Standard Watch or Calendar.
How to transfer reminders from one application to another?
Method 5: Home screen widgets – Reminders are always in sight
If you often forget to look at notifications, place the task widget directly on the home screen, which is a visual trigger that will keep important things from missing.
How to add a widget:
- Press and hold your finger in the free place of the main screen.
- Select the widgets in the menu that appears.
- Scroll through the list to the Clock or Calendar section.
- Drag the Reminders or Upcoming Events widget to the screen.
- Customize the size and appearance (click on the widget after placing).
Advice for setting up:
- 🎨 Choose a transparent background so that the widget does not take up much space.
- 🔔 Turn off duplication of notifications in the widget settings (to avoid receiving the same message twice).
- 📱 For MIUI 14 dynamic widgets available that change color depending on wallpaper.
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Widgets consume additional power as they update data in the background. If you notice that the battery is going down faster, reduce the refresh rate in the widget settings or delete it.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with simple tools, Xiaomi users are facing problems, and here are the common mistakes and solutions:
⚠️ Note: If the reminder does not work at the appointed time, check the settings. → Annexes → Permits → Autorun. The Clock or Calendar must be on autorun, otherwise the system may fall asleep and miss the notification.
Problem 1: Reminders are duplicated.
- 🔍 Reason: Synchronization is included in both Google Calendar and Google Calendar MIUI calendar.
- ⚙️ Solution: Open Settings → Accounts and disable calendar synchronization for one of the services.
Problem 2: The reminder sound is too quiet or absent.
- 🔍 Reason: Do Not Disturb Mode or individual audio settings for the app.
- ⚙️ Solution: Check the Settings → Sound. → Don't disturb. Go to the settings. → Annexes → The clock → Notifications and Prioritize High.
Problem 3: Reminders are late.
- 🔍 Reason: Battery optimization limits background activity.
- ⚙️ Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, Find the Watch App and Select Without Limits.
There is no such option in the Watch – only fixed intervals (daily, weekly, etc.) are available.