How to Use Your iPhone to Remember Special Events and Stay Connected

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let important dates slip through the cracks—birthdays, anniversaries, and those little but meaningful moments like checking in with a friend before a big job interview. That’s where my iPhone has become such a helpful tool. I’ve started using it not just for appointments or meetings, but to set reminders for things that truly matter to me: checking in with loved ones, sending a quick prayer text, or remembering a friend’s sobriety anniversary.

If you’re looking for ways to use your phone to help you be more intentional, I want to share how I do it, along with a simple tutorial on how to use your iPhone calendar for reminders.

How I Use My iPhone to Stay Connected

Whenever someone shares something significant with me—whether it’s a loved one’s birthday, the anniversary of a death, a surgery, or a big event like a job interview—I immediately put it in my iPhone calendar. I’ll schedule a reminder to pop up the day before, so I have time to send a text, offer a prayer, or simply let them know I’m thinking of them.

For example, if a friend mentions they have an upcoming surgery, I’ll add it to my calendar right away. The day before the surgery, my phone will remind me to say a prayer and send them a message of encouragement. I do this for all sorts of occasions—big and small—because I believe these little check-ins can make a big difference in someone’s day.

How to Add Reminders on Your iPhone Calendar (A Quick Tutorial)

Want to try this yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up reminders in your iPhone calendar:

1. Open the Calendar App -Start by opening the Calendar app on your iPhone. This app comes pre-installed, so no need to download anything.

2. Add a New Event -In the top-right corner, tap the "+" button to add a new event. This will open a screen where you can enter all the details.

3. Enter the Event Details -Type in the title of your event, such as "Pray for Sarah’s Job Interview" or "Check in with John - Surgery Tomorrow." Add the date and time when you want the reminder.

4. Set the Alert (Reminder) -Scroll down to find the "Alert" option. This is where you can set when your iPhone will remind you. You have a few options:

   • At the time of the event

   • 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes before

   • 1 or 2 hours before

   • 1 or 2 days before

     
     

     Personally, I like to set the reminder one day before for check-ins so I have time to send a thoughtful message or prayer. But you can choose whatever works best for you.

5. Add Notes (Optional) -You can also use the "Notes" section to jot down any extra details you don’t want to forget, such as specifics about the prayer or encouragement you want to offer.

6. Save Your Event -Once you’ve entered all the details and set your reminder, hit "Add" in the top-right corner. Your event will now appear on your calendar, and your iPhone will remind you at the scheduled time.

Making These Moments Personal

Using technology to remind us of these personal connections might sound a little impersonal at first, but I’ve found it to be such a helpful way to stay on top of important dates and milestones. Life moves fast, and we can easily forget even the things that mean the most to us. But with a little help from your iPhone, you can ensure you don’t miss the chance to reach out, offer a prayer, or simply let someone know you care.

Remember, it’s not just about the reminder; it’s about taking action once that reminder pops up. That quick message or prayer might be exactly what your loved one needs in that moment.

Do you use your phone to stay connected in other ways? Let me know in the comments how you’re using technology to make life a little more meaningful!