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 iPhone/iPod touch software do I need?
You'll need the iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update. The latest version of the app won't work on previous versions of the iPhone software.
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 iPhone or iPod touch with iTunes.
- Go to the Home Screen on your device and tap the 'RTM' icon.
From your iPhone or iPod touch:
- 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 iPod touch as well as an iPhone), you're welcome to install the app on both devices. Both devices access the one Pro account, so you can keep the tasks on each device in sync; changes that you make to your RTM 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.
Accounts & Pricing
How much does it cost?
The app is a free download for those with a Remember The Milk Pro account. Pro accounts are $25 for a year, and give you access to the iPhone app and some other cool features. You can learn more about Pro accounts and upgrade on this site.
Note: To use the app and sync via a mobile or wireless network, you'll need a data plan from your mobile provider. Please check your provider plan for details.
I don't have a Pro account yet. Is a trial available?
Yes! You can try the app free for 15 days without a Pro account. To begin your free trial, just download the app. If you have an RTM account already, just login with the app to begin your trial. If you don't have an account yet, you can sign up for one in the app then start your trial. After the trial ends, you can upgrade to Pro if you'd like to continue using the app. (You can export your data at any time should you decide not to continue with RTM, so there's no pressure.)
How do I start the 15 day free trial?
If you have an RTM account already:
- Download the app.
- Login in the first screen. Once logged in, your 15 day free trial will start automatically.
If you don't have an RTM account yet:
- Download the app.
- Choose to sign up on the first screen. Once signed up and logged in, your 15 day free trial will start automatically.
You can upgrade to a Pro account at any time via the Settings screen in the app or through this website.
My trial expired. Can I extend it?
Sorry, it's not possible to extend a trial for an account once the trial has expired.
Can I buy the app once instead of needing a Pro account?
No, sorry. Remember The Milk for iPhone and iPod touch is a syncing app; similar to Apple's MobileMe service, we run the servers that allow you to sync the app on an ongoing basis. If you don't have a Pro account yet, a free 15 day trial is available to help you determine if the app is right for you.
Basics
Does the app work in landscape mode?
Yes! Most screens work in landscape mode too. Just flip your device to landscape to try it out.
How do I navigate back to the top level?
Once you've drilled down your tasks further (for example, by going to More then Locations then Supermarket), to get back to the top level:
- Tap on the icon in the bottom bar (e.g. More).
- Tap on the same icon again to go back to the top level for that icon. You'll be back where you started!
Just try it out by tapping around the app!
Synchronization
How do I change my sync settings?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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, your tasks will automatically be synchronized with RTM when the app launches or becomes active (for instance, after the device has been in sleep mode). After this, the app will periodically sync around every 5 minutes while the app is open. This sends any changes you've made back to RTM, and checks for any changes from RTM too. If you don't want to wait for the auto sync, you can manually sync by tapping the refresh 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 RTM account! If you're using an iPhone and have a lot of tasks in RTM already, you might wish to set up the app using a Wi-Fi connection (rather than your phone's mobile connection) to speed things up.
The initial sync needs to transfer all your tasks and notes from RTM 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?
No, third-party apps currently cannot run in the background on the iPhone or iPod touch, so the app cannot sync once it's closed. To ensure that your tasks are always up-to-date when you're using the app, by default the app is set to 'auto' sync. This means that the app will automatically sync with RTM when it launches or becomes active (for instance, after the device has been in sleep mode), and periodically sync around every 5 minutes while the app is open. This sends any changes you've made back to RTM, and checks for any changes from RTM too. If you don't want to wait for the auto sync, you can manually sync by tapping the refresh icon at any time.
Tasks
How do I add a new task?
You can quickly add a task from most screens in the app.
- Tap the + icon in the bottom right.
- 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 create the new task.
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 Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the Delete Task button 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 your finger 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 Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the Complete Task button.
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 two ways to postpone tasks. 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 Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap the Postpone Task button.
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 complete or postpone multiple tasks?
- On your task list, tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap to select the task(s) you wish to complete or postpone.
- Tap the Complete or Postpone button to perform these actions respectively.
How do I change the default due date?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- Tap the Default Due Date field and select the due date.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
How do I change the default fields shown when adding/editing tasks?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 Complete button 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.
- Tap Notes in the switcher at the bottom of the task details.
- Tap the + icon in the bottom 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 Notes in the switcher at the bottom of the task details.
- 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.
- Tap Notes in the switcher at the bottom of 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, available in iPhone OS 3.0, allows RTM to send instant task reminder alerts to your device.
Which version of the iPhone/iPod touch software do I need?
You'll need the iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update. The Push Notification service is not available on earlier versions of the iPhone software.
How do I enable Push Notifications for the app?
First, make sure that you have the latest version of the app available:
- Go to the Home Screen on your device and tap the App Store icon.
- Tap Updates.
- If Remember The Milk is listed, tap the listing.
- Tap FREE to install the update.
Once up-to-date, you're ready to enable Push Notifications in the app:
- Go to the Home Screen on your device and tap the 'RTM' icon.
- You'll be prompted with a message, "RTM Would Like to Send You Push Notifications".
- Tap OK.
You'll start to receive reminder alerts on your device according to your reminder settings.
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 RTM 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?
At this time, only reminders are available via the Push Notification service. We'll be looking into the possibility of providing updates to the app badge number via Push Notifications in the future.
Do Push Notifications work on the iPod touch?
Yes, Push Notifications are available on the iPod touch with a Wi-Fi connection. To receive notifications via Wi-Fi, the device's display must be on (that is, it cannot be sleeping) or it must be plugged in.
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 RTM 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 RTM 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 RTM has the latest additions and changes to your tasks, so your reminders are up-to-date.
Lists
How do I add a new list?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 iPhone app, but you can do this via the website. More details on sending tasks are available here.
Can I share lists with other RTM users?
While the iPhone 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 iPhone app. So, once you make changes to shared tasks on your device and sync them with RTM, the person who you're sharing with on RTM 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 in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 + icon in the top left corner.
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Lists screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Tags screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Tags screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Tags screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Locations screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Locations screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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?
- Navigate to the Locations screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 the iPhone or iPod touch. 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 bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 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 bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- Tap the App Badge field and select your preference.
- Tap Settings to return to the previous screen.
Important note! The app badge can only be updated after launching the app; please do not rely on the task number in the badge being always up-to-date for this reason.
How do I customize the icons shown in the tab bar at the bottom?
- Navigate to the More screen by tapping its icon in the bottom bar.
- Tap Edit to enter the editing mode.
- Tap an icon and drag it to its new location. You can drag icons to the bottom bar, too (try it!).
- When you're happy with the icon positions, tap Done to leave the editing mode.
How do I reset the application?
- Navigate to the Settings screen (by tapping its icon in the bottom bar, or its item underneath More).
- 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 Apple iCal?
Sure, you can subscribe to your RTM 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 RTM. It's a read-only view of your tasks.
Can I view my tasks in Google Calendar?
Sure, you can subscribe to your RTM 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 RTM. 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 an RTM 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.