Frequently asked questions about the app are answered below. If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, you might like to try asking in the forum or contacting us.
Installation
Which version of the iOS software do I need?
You'll need iOS 4 or later (learn how to upgrade). The app won't work on previous versions of the iPhone software, sorry.
How do I install the app?
From your computer:
- Just click on this link to launch iTunes and download the app.
- Once the download is complete, sync your iPad with iTunes.
- Go to the Home Screen on your device and tap the 'RTM' icon.
From your iPad:
- Tap the App Store icon.
- Search for Remember The Milk.
- Download the app.
- Go to the Home Screen on your device and tap the 'RTM' icon.
Can I install the app on multiple devices?
Yes, if you happen to own more than one device (e.g., an iPad as well as an iPhone), you're welcome to install the app on both devices. If you've upgraded to Pro, both devices access the one Pro account. Push syncing helps to keep the tasks on each device in sync; changes that you make to your Remember The Milk tasks on one device will sync up with the other devices so you're up-to-date.
How do I uninstall or reinstall the app?
Please see the instructions available from Apple if you need to uninstall or reinstall the app.
Basics
Does the app work in landscape mode?
Yes! All screens work in landscape mode too. Just flip your device to landscape to try it out.
Does the app support multitasking in iOS 4?
Yes! The app supports fast app switching, the iOS 4 feature that allows you to quickly switch between recently used apps.
How do I navigate within the app?
The app is divided into "cards". When viewing a list, then a task, then a note, there is a card for each; these will stack atop one another. It's then possible to slide these cards left and right to continue navigating.
Just try it out by tapping and sliding around the app!
How do I get rid of some cards?
If you're finished viewing a task and/or note, you can "discard" them by sliding the list card to the right. You'll see a graphic behind the list card showing the cards "falling off" to the right.
Accessibility
Does the app have VoiceOver support?
Yes! The app has full support for VoiceOver, iOS's gesture-based screen reader. Accessibility features require iOS 4.2 and above.
Synchronization
How do I change my sync settings?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Schedule or Sync fields and select your preference.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How often do tasks synchronize with the auto sync setting?
With the app set to auto sync, the app will:
- Automatically sync with Remember The Milk when it launches or becomes active (for instance, after the device has been in sleep mode).
- Wait several seconds after you've made a change, then automatically begin syncing with Remember The Milk.
- Receive changes from Remember The Milk (e.g. in the web app or other services) after several seconds.
- Periodically sync around every 5 minutes while the app is open.
When the app syncs, any changes you've made back to Remember The Milk, and checks for any changes from Remember The Milk too. If you don't want to wait for the auto sync, you can manually sync by tapping the sync icon at any time.
What happens when I lose my Internet connection?
No problem! You can continue using the app, just as you normally would. If you have the app set to 'auto' sync, once the Internet connection is available again, the app will attempt its auto sync as scheduled.
How long will the initial sync take?
That depends on how many tasks you have in your Remember The Milk account! If you're using an iPad with 3G connectivity and have a lot of tasks in Remember The Milk already, you might wish to set up the app using a Wi-Fi connection (rather than its mobile connection) to speed things up.
The initial sync needs to transfer all your tasks and notes from Remember The Milk to your device. To make things a little faster, by default it will only transfer completed tasks going one month back. If you'd like to change this setting, once you're set up you can find this option on the Settings screen.
Does the app sync in the background?
Third-party apps currently can't run in the background on the iPad, so the app isn't able to sync once it's closed.
However, we have a bunch of features that ensure your tasks are always up-to-date when you're using the app. When set to 'auto' sync, the app will:
- Automatically sync with Remember The Milk when it launches or becomes active (for instance, after the device has been in sleep mode).
- Wait several seconds after you've made a change, then automatically begin syncing with Remember The Milk.
- Receive changes from Remember The Milk (e.g. in the web app or other services) after several seconds.
- Periodically sync around every 5 minutes while the app is open.
When the app syncs, any changes you've made back to Remember The Milk, and checks for any changes from Remember The Milk too. If you don't want to wait for the auto sync, you can manually sync by tapping the sync icon at any time.
Tasks
How do I add a new task?
There are two ways to add tasks, and you can quickly add a task from most screens in the app.
(a) Add from the '+' icon:
- Tap the + icon in the bottom left.
- Tap the Task Name field and enter the name, then tap Save.
- Tap any other fields you wish to include for this task. If a field isn't show, you can tap Add Field.
- Tap Done to add the new task.
(b) Add from the 'Add Task' bar:
- Tap the 'Add Task' bar near the top of the screen.
- Enter your task name. You can use Smart Add shortcuts to include extra details about the task.
- Tap Done to add the new task.
With Smart Add, you can include many task details at once, e.g.:
Pick up the milk tomorrow
Take out the Trash on Tuesday *weekly #errand
If you don't remember the shortcuts, don't worry! When adding your task, just tap on one of the icons (due date, priority, etc) below the 'Add Task' bar. You'll then see a list of quick options you can tap, such as common due dates or tags you've created. You can also start typing to filter the options (e.g., find your tags that start with "p"), or enter something that's not in the list.
To save you time, tasks will add fields by context. If you choose to add a task while on your Today list, the task will automatically be due today. The same applies to tasks added on any day, list, Smart List, tag, or location screen.
How do I rename a task?
- In your task list, tap on the task you wish to rename to view its details.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the task name field and edit the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done to leave the editing mode.
How do I edit a task's properties?
- In your task list, tap on the task you wish to edit to view its details.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the desired field (such as priority) and make your edit, then tap Save.
- Tap Done to leave the editing mode.
How do I delete a task?
- On your task list, tap on the task you wish to delete to view its details.
- Tap the Delete icon in the upper right and then confirm the deletion.
How do I complete a task?
There are three ways to complete tasks. To complete a task by swiping (the fastest method):
- On your task list, swipe two fingers downward across the name of the task you wish to complete.
- Tap the Complete button that appears.
To complete an individual task from the task details screen:
- On your task list, tap on the task you wish to complete to view its details.
- Tap the Complete icon at the top right.
To complete multiple tasks at once from the task list screen:
- On your task list, tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap to select the task(s) you wish to complete.
- Tap the Complete button.
How do I postpone a task?
There are three ways to postpone tasks. To postpone a task by swiping (the fastest method):
- On your task list, swipe two fingers upward across the name of the task you wish to postpone.
- Tap the Postpone button that appears.
To postpone an individual task from the task details screen:
- On your task list, tap on the task you wish to postpone to view its details.
- Tap the Postpone icon at the top right.
To postpone multiple tasks at once from the task list screen:
- On your task list, tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap to select the task(s) you wish to postpone.
- Tap the Postpone button.
How do I edit multiple tasks?
- On your task list, tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap to select the task(s) you wish to edit.
- Tap the More button at the bottom to select the property you'd like to change.
- Edit the property and then press Done to perform this action.
How do I change the default due date?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Default Due Date field and select the due date.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
Note: The default due date doesn't apply to the day views (Today, Tomorrow, etc.) or to Smart Lists based on a due date; tasks added to those views will be set to those due dates unless specified otherwise. Read more about this behavior of Smart Lists.
How do I change the default fields shown when adding/editing tasks?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap Default Fields and select the fields you'd like.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How do I view completed tasks?
By default, your incomplete tasks are shown for each list. To see the tasks you have already completed, simply tap on the Completed text in the switcher shown at the bottom of the list.
Notes
How do I add a note to a task?
- In your task list, tap on the task you wish to add a note for.
- In the Notes section under the task details, tap the + icon on the right.
- Enter your note then tap Done.
How do I edit a note attached to a task?
- In your task list, tap on the task with the note you wish to edit.
- Tap the note you wish to edit.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode (or simply hold your finger on the note until the keyboard appears).
- Edit your note then tap Done.
How do I delete a note from a task?
- In your task list, tap on the task with the note you wish to delete.
- In the Notes section under the task details, tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the delete icon on the note you wish to delete.
- Tap Delete.
- Tap Done to leave the editing mode.
Push Notifications
What are Push Notifications?
The Apple Push Notification service, made available in iOS 3.2, allows Remember The Milk to send instant task reminder alerts to your device.
Which version of the iOS software do I need?
You'll need iOS 3.2 or later. We recommend iOS 4.3 and above for an optimal experience. Learn how to upgrade.
How do I enable Push Notifications for the app?
When you open the app for the first time, you'll be prompted with a message: "RTM Would Like to Send You Push Notifications". If you select OK, you'll start to receive reminder alerts on your device according to your reminder settings.
You can also change your Push Notification preferences at a later date:
- Exit the RTM app.
- Tap Settings on your device's Home Screen.
- Tap Notifications.
- Tap RTM and modify your preferences for Sounds, Alerts, and Badges.
How do I change my Push Notification settings?
To change your Push Notification settings:
- Exit the RTM app.
- Tap Settings on your device's Home Screen.
- Tap Notifications.
- Tap RTM and modify your preferences for Sounds, Alerts, and Badges.
How do I customize the Push Notification sound?
The options available for the Push Notification alert sound are:
- Nothing
- Default (your device's default alert sound)
- Moo
- Cow Bell
To change your preference:
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Alert Sound field and select your preference.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How do I set my reminder preferences?
You can set your preferences via this website. Please see the reminders guide for instructions on setting your preferences. Note: If you set up reminders, we recommend using the 'auto sync' setting in the app. This will ensure that Remember The Milk has the latest additions and changes to your tasks, so your reminders are up-to-date.
Will the app badge number be updated via Push Notifications?
Yes! Updates to the app badge number are available via Push Notification. This means that if you add or change your tasks via another Remember The Milk interface (e.g., the web app), we'll update the badge number on your device to reflect these changes.
Are there any limitations to Push Notifications working on Wi-Fi?
For iPad devices running iOS version 3.2, when the screen is on and has a Wi-Fi connection, Push Notifications are received at any time; however, if the screen is asleep, the iPad will check every 15 minutes for a notification.
iPad devices running iOS version 4 or with a 3G connection will receive Push Notifications instantly, at any time.
Local Notifications
Does the app support Local Notifications?
The app doesn't currently support Local Notifications, sorry. This is a feature that we'll consider as we work to improve the app in the future. To suggest a new feature for the app, please contact us.
Reminders
How do I set my reminder preferences?
You can set your preferences via this website. Please see the reminders guide for instructions on setting up email, IM, or SMS reminders for your Remember The Milk account. Please see the Push Notifications section of the FAQ for more information on pop-up reminders. Note: If you set up reminders, we recommend using the 'auto sync' setting in the app. This will ensure that Remember The Milk has the latest additions and changes to your tasks, so your reminders are up-to-date.
Can the app pop up with reminder alerts?
Yes, please see the Push Notifications section. Note: If you set up reminders, we recommend using the 'auto sync' setting in the app. This will ensure that Remember The Milk has the latest additions and changes to your tasks, so your reminders are up-to-date.
Lists
How do I add a new list?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the + icon.
- Tap the List Name field and enter the name, then tap Save.
- Tap the Sort Order field and change the sort order, if desired.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I rename a list?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the list name field and edit the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I delete a list?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the Delete List button and then confirm the deletion.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
Note: When a list is removed, tasks from this list are not deleted but rather moved to the Inbox list.
How do I change a list's sort order?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the Sort Order field and select the sort order, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I change my default sort order?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Default Sort Order field and select the sort order.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How do I change my default list?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Default List field and select the list.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
What is the Inbox list?
The Inbox starts as your default list (you may change your default list on the Settings screen). The Inbox is just like your email inbox -- except that instead of emails, you'll receive tasks. More details on sending tasks are available here.
What is the Sent list?
The Sent list stores the tasks that you've sent to other Remember The Milk users. As these tasks have already been sent, you cannot change them. It's not currently possible to send tasks with the app, but you can do this via the website. More details on sending tasks are available here.
Can I share lists with other Remember The Milk users?
While the app doesn't currently support setting up sharing with other users, if you have already shared a list via the website, the list will continue to be shared when accessed with the app. So, once you make changes to shared tasks on your device and sync them with Remember The Milk, the person who you're sharing with on Remember The Milk will get your changes too.
Smart Lists
What are Smart Lists?
Smart Lists are special lists that are created based on criteria that you define, and are automatically updated as your tasks change.
For example, you can create Smart Lists that only show:
- Tasks due in the upcoming month
- Tasks with no due date
- Tasks that are more than one week overdue
- Tasks that have been completed in the past week
- Tasks with high priority
- Tasks with time estimates less than 1 hour
- Tasks that have been postponed 3 times already
- Tasks that are shared with anyone
- Tasks that are shared with Bob T. Monkey
- Tasks that are tagged with 'mall'
- Tasks that contain the word 'phone'
Smart Lists can also be based on multiple criteria, for example:
- Tasks in my 'Work' list with high priority
- Tasks that are high priority and due in the upcoming week
- Tasks that are high priority or medium priority
- Tasks that are shared with anyone due in the upcoming week
- Tasks that are tagged with both 'mall' and 'gift'
You can learn more about the advanced search operators available here.
What happens when I add a task to a Smart List?
Tasks added in Smart Lists will use that list's criteria -- so if your Smart List contains all your tasks tagged with 'phone', any tasks you add will be automatically tagged with that too. You can learn more about how tasks are added to Smart Lists here.
How do I create a Smart List?
Start by performing a search with your desired criteria:
- Navigate to the Search screen (by tapping its icon on the left ).
- Tap the Search field and enter a word (or multiple words) that appears in the name of the task you want to locate. (You can also use advanced search operators.)
- Tap Search to see the results.
Once you've tested the search and are happy with the criteria, you're ready to create the Smart List.
- On the search results screen, tap the Save Smart List button at the top right.
- Tap the List Name field and enter the name, then tap Save.
- Tap the Sort Order field and change the sort order, if desired.
- Tap Done.
Your Smart List has now been created; you can access it via the Lists screen.
How do I rename a Smart List?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the list name field and edit the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I delete a Smart List?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the Delete List button and then confirm the deletion.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I change a Smart List's criteria?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the criteria field and edit the criteria, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I change a Smart List's sort order?
- Tap on the Lists icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a list.
- Tap the Sort Order field and select the sort order, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
Why does my Smart List task count just say 'smart' sometimes?
When you make changes to tasks in the app, each Smart List needs to be re-checked to see if the task has to be added or removed from that Smart List. For example, if your Smart List shows high priority tasks, if you change a task from high priority to medium priority, the Smart List has to re-check and figure out that the task doesn't belong in the list anymore.
While a Smart List is re-checking (which happens in the background as you use the app), it won't be able to show an accurate count of tasks in the list. It will show 'smart' until it figures out an accurate task count.
Tags
What are tags?
Tags are like keywords or labels that you can add to a task to make it easier to find and organize later. For example, you can tag a task with 'phone', and then later when you're looking for tasks that require phone calls, you can just click on that tag and see all the tasks that have been tagged that way.
How do I add a tag?
- Tap on the Tags icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the + icon.
- Tap the Tag Name field and enter the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
Alternatively, you can create a new tag simply by adding it to the Tags field when adding or editing a task.
How do I rename a tag?
- Tap on the Tags icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a tag.
- Tap the tag name field and edit the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I delete a tag?
- Tap on the Tags icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a tag.
- Tap the Delete Tag button and then confirm the deletion.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
Note: When a tag is removed, tasks with this tag will not be deleted.
Locations
How do I add a location?
- Tap on the Locations icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the + icon.
- Tap the nearby icon to find your current location, or enter an address into the search field and tap Search.
- If a result is found, tap the desired location.
- Edit the location name if desired, then tap Save.
- Tap Done to leave the editing mode.
How do I rename a location?
- Tap on the Locations icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a location.
- Tap the location name field and edit the name, then tap Save.
- Tap Done.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
How do I delete a location?
- Tap on the Locations icon on the left.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the right arrow to see the details for a location.
- Tap the Delete Location button and then confirm the deletion.
- Tap Done again to leave the editing mode.
Note: When a location is removed, tasks with this location will not be deleted.
How do I change the distance considered 'nearby'?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Nearby Radius field and select the distance.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How do I change distances from metric to imperial (or vice versa)?
The app will use your device's region format to determine whether to show distances in metric or imperial format. To change this setting:
- Exit the RTM app.
- Tap Settings on your device's Home Screen.
- Tap General.
- Tap International.
- Tap Region Format.
- Tap to select your region, then tap International to go back.
- Launch the RTM app again.
I don't want the app to know my current location.
That's no problem; the app cannot know your current location without your permission. When you access a location feature in the app, you'll be shown a pop-up that says: "RTM would like to use your current location". Just tap "Don't Allow" and your device won't give the app your location.
Can the app monitor my location and pop up an alert when I have tasks located nearby?
No, third-party apps currently cannot run in the background on iOS devices. To monitor your location and tell you when tasks are nearby, the app would need to constantly run on your device and check your location and tasks to know when to pop up an alert (right now once you exit the app, it stops running altogether). While we're waiting on Apple to offer a solution that may make this possible, you can use the Nearby feature of the app to see tasks located nearby.
Search
How do I search for tasks?
- Navigate to the Search screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the Search field and enter a word (or multiple words) that appears in the name of the task you want to locate.
- Tap Search to see the results.
What advanced search operators are available?
You can view a list of the available advanced search operators.
Where can I find example advanced searches?
Please see the blog post, 21 useful searches for your tasks, or check out the Useful searches topic on the Tips & Tricks forum.
Security
I often use public Wi-Fi networks. How does my device communicate with your servers?
Your device communicates with our servers using a secure HTTPS connection to transfer both login details and tasks data. HTTPS is a secure protocol that provides authenticated and encrypted communication.
Languages
How do I change the app's language?
The app will display in your device's language. To change this setting:
- Exit the RTM app.
- Tap Settings on your device's Home Screen.
- Tap General.
- Tap International.
- Tap Language.
- Tap to select your language, then tap Done.
- You may also like to tap Region Format and verify that this setting is correct.
- Launch the RTM app again.
I found a mistake in the app in my language.
If you've discovered a mistake in Remember The Milk in your language, please let us know so that we can correct it. Please try to include as much information as possible, including where in the app you found the issue.
You're also welcome to submit a correction directly via our online translation program.
Settings
How do I change the handwritten font used in the app?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap Font and select Helvetica to change the font throughout the app.
How do I customize the app badge?
You can choose to have the app badge (the round red icon show on the app's icon) show:
- Nothing (this is the default)
- Number of tasks due today
- Number of incomplete tasks
To change your preference:
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap the App Badge field and select your preference.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
If you have Push Notifications enabled for the app, the badge number will update via this service.
How do I reset the application?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the icons on the left).
- Tap Reset at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings and confirm your choice. This will erase the application's content from your device and restore settings to defaults.
Other Software
Can I view my tasks in my device's Calendar?
Sure, you can subscribe to your Remember The Milk tasks to see them in your device's Calendar app. Full instructions are available here.
Note: This feature allows you to view your tasks in your device's Calendar, but you won't be able to edit your tasks in this app or sync changes with Remember The Milk. It's a read-only view of your tasks.
Can I view my tasks in Apple iCal?
Sure, you can subscribe to your Remember The Milk tasks to see them in iCal. Full instructions are available here.
Note: This feature allows you to view your tasks in iCal, but you won't be able to edit your tasks in this software or sync changes with Remember The Milk. It's a read-only view of your tasks.
Can I view my tasks in Google Calendar?
Sure, you can subscribe to your Remember The Milk tasks to see them in Google Calendar. Full instructions are available here.
Note: This feature allows you to view your tasks in Google Calendar, but you won't be able to edit your tasks in this software or sync changes with Remember The Milk. It's a read-only view of your tasks.
If you'd like to edit your tasks within Google Calendar, we have a feature that lets you add a Remember The Milk gadget to Google Calendar.
How do I backup/export my data?
The iCalendar service provides a total export of all your tasks and notes in a standard calendar format that's readable by a number of applications (we don't currently support exports in formats other than iCalendar, sorry).
To export your tasks:
- Login to this website with the same username/password you set up for the app.
- Click on Settings at the top of the page.
- Click on the Info tab.
- Click on iCalendar Service (All Lists).
If the browser does not prompt you to download the file (or attempts to open it with an application), you may need to change the link from webcal:// to https://
- Save the file to your desired location.
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