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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to get started with Reminders on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

The Reminders app helps you remember anything you need to track. You can set reminders, make grocery lists, create checklists for projects, and organize tasks in to-do lists.

You can type, dictate, ask Siri, or even scribble with Apple Pencil when you need to remember something. A grocery list automatically sorts items into categories, and you can invite people to work on a list, categorize with tags, and manage your reminders with Smart Lists.

The Reminders app, showing a new task being added to the Reminders list.

Set a reminder

When you need to remember something, type it, dictate it, ask Siri, or scribble it with Apple Pencil.

The Reminders app, showing a grocery list with items in categories such as Produce and Seafood.

Create a grocery list

Make your shopping easier with a grocery list that automatically sorts items into categories. To convert a regular list into a grocery list, tap the More button (at the top-right corner), tap Show List Info, tap List Type, then choose Groceries.

The Reminders app, showing a grocery list with options for sharing on the right.

Collaborate on a list

To invite people to work on a list, tap the Share button, then choose a sharing option.

The Reminders app, showing multiple lists and the Tag Browser on the left. On the right is a list of all items with tags.

Organize your reminders

Create new lists that suit your needs, use tags to categorize, and manage your reminders with Smart Lists.

Note: To use all the Reminders features described in this guide, you need updated reminders in iCloud. With other accounts, some features aren’t available.

For more help with Reminders, these guides are worth a look:

Tag: Reminders
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How to use Smart Lists in Reminders on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

In the Reminders app, you can easily filter your items across lists using Smart Lists. You can create custom Smart Lists to automatically include items filtered by tags, dates, times, locations, flags, and priority. You can choose more than one tag (such as #gardening and #errands) and combine them with other filters.

There are default Smart Lists, like Today, Scheduled, and Flagged, and you can convert a list to a Smart List, though not a shared list.

A Reminders screen showing a Smart List that contains all flagged items.

Note: When you use updated reminders, all Reminders features described in this guide are available, but other accounts don’t support some of them.

Automatically organize items using the default Smart Lists

  1. Open the Reminders app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the More button and then tap Edit Lists.
  3. Turn on or off the following Smart Lists:
    • Today: Items scheduled for today and overdue items
    • Scheduled: Items scheduled by date or time
    • All: All items across all your lists
    • Flagged: Items with a flag
    • Completed: Items with a checkmark
    • Assigned to Me: Items assigned to you in shared lists
    • Groceries: Grocery items
    • Siri Suggestions: Suggested items detected in Mail

Make a custom Smart List

  1. Open the Reminders app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Add List button.
  3. Enter a name, tap List Type, and then choose Smart List.
  4. Tap Edit Filters, choose one or more filters, and then choose to include items matching any or all of the selected filters. You can filter by tags, dates, locations, and more.
  5. Choose a color and symbol for the list (optional).
  6. Tap the Done button.

Convert a list to a Smart List

Converting a list sends its items to the top level of the default list, where they’re tagged with the name of the Smart List.

Note: You can’t convert a shared list.

  1. Open the Reminders app on your iPad.
  2. View the list you want to convert.
  3. Tap the More button, tap Show List Info and scroll to the bottom. Tap Convert to Smart List.

See also

Tag: Reminders
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How to add or remove accounts in Reminders on iPad

by Emily Long

In the Reminders app, you can use multiple accounts—such as iCloud, enterprise-managed iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, and Yahoo—and keep all your to-do lists in one place. Your reminders stay up to date on all your devices that use the same accounts.

They appear on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac when you’re signed in to the same Apple Account. Reminders from iOS 12 or earlier may need an update in iCloud before you get features like attachments and flags.

Note: Other accounts are missing some features. For all the Reminders features described in this guide, use updated reminders in iCloud.

Keep your reminders up to date on all your devices with iCloud

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap iCloud, tap See All, and turn on Reminders.

Reminders you store in iCloud, along with any changes you make to them, show up on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac when they’re signed in to the same Apple Account.

Update your reminders stored in iCloud

Coming from Reminders on iOS 12 or earlier? To use features like attachments, flags, list colors and icons, and more, you may need to update your reminders stored in iCloud.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap iCloud, tap See All, and make sure Reminders is turned on.
  4. Start the Reminders app.
  5. On the Welcome to Reminders screen, choose one of the following options:
    • Update Now: Begin the update process.
    • Update Later: A blue Update button appears above your lists; tap it when you’re ready to update your reminders.

Note: Updated reminders aren’t backward compatible. The Reminders app in earlier versions of iOS and macOS can’t use them.

Add other accounts

The Reminders app can handle your to-do lists in other accounts, too, like Yahoo and Microsoft Exchange.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and tap Reminders.
  3. Tap Reminders Accounts and tap Add Account.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Choose an account provider, then enter your account information.
    • If your account provider isn’t listed, tap Other, tap Add CalDAV Account, enter your account information, then turn on Reminders for that account.

Remove an account

Remove or delete an account, and its reminders no longer appear on your iPad. You’ll still find them in your internet account (for example, Microsoft Exchange or iCloud.com) and on any other devices you’d already set up.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and tap Reminders.
  3. Tap Reminders Accounts. Then tap the account you want to remove.
  4. Do one of the following:

    • Stop using Reminders on the account: Turn off Reminders.

      You can continue to use the account for other services, such as Calendar.

    • Stop using all services on the account: Tap Sign Out (for an iCloud account) or Delete Account (for other accounts).

      If you don’t see Sign Out or Delete Account, your account may be managed by your organization. See an administrator for removal instructions.

See also

Tags: iCloud, Reminders
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How to keep track of events in Calendar on iPad

by Chris Smith

You can customize the notifications that let you know about upcoming calendar events, invitations, and more. You can also make sure your events and other calendar information are kept up to date on all your devices.

You can choose whether notifications appear for specific occasions, like upcoming events, and turn on customized notifications for specific calendars. iCloud keeps your calendar current on all your devices. If you don’t want to use iCloud for your calendar, you’ll sync your calendar information between your iPad and your computer instead.

Customize Calendar notifications

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Notifications and tap Calendar.
  3. Turn on Allow Notifications.
  4. Choose how and where you want the notifications to appear—for example, on the Lock Screen, in Notification Center, as banners at the top of the screen, with an alert sound, and so on.

Turn on customized notifications for specific calendar events

After customizing Calendar notifications, you choose the specific occasions they appear for, like upcoming events or invitee responses.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Notifications and tap Calendar.
  3. Tap Customize Notifications, turn the specific customized notifications on or off.

Keep your calendar up to date across your devices

When you’re signed in to the same Apple Account on every device, iCloud can keep your calendar information up to date on each.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your name, then tap iCloud.
  3. Tap See All next to Saved to iCloud.
  4. Tap iCloud Calendar and turn on Use on this iPad.

You don’t have to use iCloud for your calendar. Instead, you can sync calendar information between your iPad and your computer. Check out our guide, Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.

See also

Tags: Calendar, iCloud
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How to insert sketches, photos, and scans from your iPad on Mac

by Tyler Stephen

With the Continuity Camera and Continuity Sketch features, you can draw a sketch, take a photo, or scan a document using your nearby iPad and have it appear instantly on your Mac, exactly where you want it—like in an email, note, or folder. You can also mark up a file on your Mac with your iPad using Continuity Markup.

Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® turned on and the same Apple Account. Depending on where it’s inserted, you can mark up a photo or scan, crop it, or apply a filter.

An iPad showing a sketch, next to a Mac where the sketch appears in a note.

Before you begin

Before you start, check that everything on this list is in place:

  • Both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® turned on.
  • You’re signed in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
  • Both devices meet minimum system requirements for Continuity Camera, Continuity Sketch, and Continuity Markup.

If you’re running a VPN, its configuration shouldn’t prevent local networking, because that may interfere with some Continuity features.

Where the photo or scan is inserted determines whether you can mark it up or adjust other aspects, like cropping it or applying a filter.

Insert a sketch, photo, or scan from your iPad

Draw a sketch on your iPad, and Continuity Sketch makes it appear on your Mac. Continuity Camera does the same on your Mac for photos you take or documents you scan on your iPad.

  1. On your Mac, Control-click where you want to insert the sketch or photo—for example, in an open window, like a note or email message.

    You can also Control-click the desktop or a folder in a Finder window.

  2. Choose an option from the pop-up menu.

    You may need to click “Insert from iPhone or iPad” before seeing the options.

  3. Do any of the following:

    • Add a sketch: On your iPad, draw a sketch using your finger.

      On iPad, you can also use Apple Pencil.

    • Take a photo: On your iPad, take a photo. Then tap Use Photo or Retake.
    • Scan a document: On your iPad, scan a document. Your iPad detects the edges of the document and autocorrects any skewing of the image. If you want to adjust the area included in the scan, drag the frame or its edges. When you’re ready, tap Keep Scan or Retake. You can continue to scan documents until you’re done and tap Save.

You might be able to mark up the photo or scan, or crop it, apply a filter, and adjust other aspects, depending on where it’s inserted.

Note: If you take scans on your iPad, they aren’t saved on the device.

Use your iPad to mark up a file on your Mac

With Continuity Markup, your iPad can add text, make drawings, and crop and rotate images, PDF documents, and more on your Mac.

  1. On your Mac, click the desktop to open the Finder.
  2. Control-click the file you want to mark up and choose Quick Actions. Choose Markup.

    The file opens.

  3. In the toolbar, click the iPad button or click the Markup button (the button may have an arrow next to it) and then choose your device.
  4. Use the Markup tools to draw, add text or shapes, and more.

    On iPad, you can also use Apple Pencil.

  5. When you’re done, tap Done on your iPad.
  6. To save your changes, click Done on your Mac.

If Continuity Camera, Continuity Sketch, or Continuity Markup aren’t working

  • Make sure you’re signed in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
  • Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
  • Make sure your device meets minimum system requirements for Continuity Camera.
Tag: Continuity
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iPad setup basics: what to set up first on a new iPad

by Kevin Hollington

iPad has an easy setup process to help you get going when you first turn on your device. Whether you’re just getting started or want to make sure you have the basics set up, you’re in the right place.

When you begin, you can wirelessly transfer many of your apps, settings, and content to your new iPad. You can also connect to Wi-Fi, set up cellular service, and sign in to your Apple Account to access Apple services such as the App Store, Apple Music, FaceTime, and iCloud.

The Quick Start screen, with options to set up your iPad by bringing it close to another iPhone or iPad, or setting it up without another device.

Transfer your apps and info onto your new iPad

When you first turn on your new iPad and begin the setup process, many of your apps, settings, and content can transfer wirelessly from your previous iPad straight to this iPad. Just bring the two devices close together and follow the onscreen instructions.

The Settings screen showing available Wi-Fi networks.

Connect to Wi-Fi and set up cellular service

To connect your iPad to your home Wi-Fi network, go to the Settings app, tap Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi, then choose your network. iPad automatically connects to your Wi-Fi network whenever you’re home.

To use an eSIM to connect your iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular to your cellular network, go to the Settings app, then tap Cellular Data. Or on supported iPad models, install a nano-SIM provided by your carrier.

The Settings app, with the Apple Account sign-in dialog in the middle of the screen.

Sign in to your Apple Account

Your Apple Account gives you access to Apple services like iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage, the App Store, the iTunes Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, and more.

To sign in to your Apple Account, go to the Settings app, then tap Apple Account.

With a signed-in iPhone running iOS 17 or later or another iPad running iPadOS 17 or later, you can simply bring your iPad near your other device. If not, you’ll sign in manually.

To verify that you’re signed in, go to the Settings app, then tap your name. Your Apple Account appears below your name.

A screen showing settings for Touch ID & Passcode, with options to add a fingerprint and turn passcode on.

Set up Face ID or Touch ID

Face ID, which uses face recognition, or Touch ID, which uses your fingerprint, lets you securely unlock your iPad, make purchases, and sign in to many apps. Face ID and Touch ID data never leaves your device, for your security, and it isn’t saved anywhere else.

Do one of the following, based on your iPad model:

  • Set up Face ID: Go to the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode, tap Set up Face ID, then follow the onscreen instructions.
  • Set up Touch ID: Go to the Settings app, tap Touch ID & Passcode, tap Add a Fingerprint, then follow the onscreen instructions.

A screen showing settings for the Find My app, with options to turn on notifications.

Turn on Find My iPad

Turning on Find My iPad means you can locate your iPad if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Go to the Settings app, tap your name, tap Find My, tap Find My iPad, then turn on Find My iPad.

To be notified when you leave your iPad behind, go to the Find My app, tap the name of your iPad, then tap When Left Behind. You can also see the location of your devices on the Find Devices website.

The iCloud settings screen showing the iCloud storage meter and a list of apps and features, including Photos, iCloud Drive, and iCloud Mail that can be used with iCloud.

Store your data in iCloud

Your photos, videos, and more remain secure in iCloud if your iPad is ever replaced, lost, damaged, or stolen, since iCloud keeps your important info safe and synced across your devices.

To turn on or change the features you want to use with iCloud, go to the Settings app, tap your name, then tap iCloud.

For more help getting set up, see these guides:

The availability of features, Apple says, may vary depending on your iPad model and country or region.

Tags: iCloud, Setup
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How to set up multiple calendars on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

In the Calendar app, you can set up multiple calendars to keep track of different kinds of events. You can keep everything in one calendar, but additional calendars are easy to set up and a great way to stay organized.

You’ll create an iCloud calendar with a name and color. You can also subscribe to an external read-only calendar or a holiday calendar, see multiple calendars at once, and unsubscribe from a calendar later.

The Calendars list, with checkmarks indicating which calendars are active. The Done button for closing the list is in the top-right corner. The Add Calendar button is in the bottom-left corner.

Set up a calendar

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Calendars button at the top left and then tap Add Calendar at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Do one of the following:

    • Create an iCloud calendar: Tap Add Calendar and enter a name for the calendar. Choose a color for it.
    • Subscribe to an external read-only calendar: Tap Add Subscription Calendar, enter the URL of the .ics file you want to subscribe to (and any other required server information), and then tap Find.
    • Add a Holiday calendar: Tap Add Holiday Calendar, then tap the holiday calendar you want to subscribe to.

      See Use the Holidays calendar.

You can also subscribe to an iCalendar (.ics) calendar by tapping a link to it.

Unsubscribe from a calendar

You can unsubscribe from a calendar you’re subscribed to and also report the calendar as junk.

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Calendars button at the top left and tap the Info button next to the calendar you want to remove.
  3. Tap Unsubscribe and tap Unsubscribe or Unsubscribe and Report Junk.

    Note: When you tap Unsubscribe and Report Junk, the calendar is reported to Apple as a suspected junk subscription.

See multiple calendars at once

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. To view multiple calendars, tap the Calendars button. Do any of the following:
    • Select the calendars you want to view.
    • Tap US Holidays to include national holidays with your events.
    • Tap Birthdays to include birthdays from Contacts with your events.

Turn on calendar event alerts

For calendars you create or subscribe to, event notifications are something you can turn on.

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Calendars button at the top left.
  3. Tap the Info button next to a calendar.
  4. Turn Event Alerts on or off.
  5. Tap the Done button.

Change a calendar’s color

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Calendars button at the top left.
  3. Tap the Info button next to the calendar, then choose a color.
  4. Tap the Done button.

The server sets the color for some calendar accounts, such as Google.

Move an event to another calendar

  1. Open the Calendar app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the event and tap Calendar. Select a calendar to move the event to.

See also

Tag: Calendar
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How to use iCloud on iPad

by Stacey Butler

iCloud securely stores your photos, videos, documents, backups, and more—and keeps them updated across all your devices—automatically. With iCloud, you can also share photos, calendars, notes, folders, and files with friends and family.

iCloud provides you with an email account and 5 GB of free storage for your data, and for more storage and additional features, like Apple Invites, Private Relay, or Hide My Email, you can subscribe to iCloud+. You choose the apps and features you’d like to sync with iCloud, too.

Note: Some iCloud features have minimum system requirements. The availability of iCloud and its features varies by country or region.

Set up iCloud

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your name.

    If you don’t see your name, tap Apple Account, then sign in to your Apple Account.

  3. Tap iCloud, tap See All, and turn on the apps and features you want to sync with iCloud.

    For example, turn on iCloud Drive to make your files in iCloud Drive available to your other devices.

    The iCloud settings screen showing the storage meter and a list of features—including Photos, iCloud Drive, and iCloud Backup—that can be used with iCloud.

Use iCloud with apps on iPad

You can also store the following information in iCloud, where it stays up to date across your iPad and other Apple devices:

  • iCloud Backup

    iCloud can keep your iPad backed up automatically.

    Back up iPad

  • Photos

    Store your full-resolution photo library in iCloud and keep it in sync across all your devices. You can also share photos and videos with shared albums or an iCloud Shared Photo Library.

  • iCloud Drive

    Keep your files in iCloud Drive, access them from any device, and share folders and documents with others.

    Set up iCloud Drive

  • Messages

    Keep your conversations up to date and available across all your devices.

    Set up Messages

  • Mail

    Get an iCloud email address and access iCloud Mail across all your Apple devices.

  • Passwords

    Sync your passwords and passkeys securely across all your devices with iCloud Keychain.

    Use passwords

  • Find My

    Locate a missing device and share locations with friends and family.

    Locate a missing device

  • And more…

    iCloud also keeps apps like Contacts, Calendars, Notes, and Reminders in sync, along with data from compatible third-party apps and games.

If you subscribe to iCloud+, you get access to Apple Invites, HomeKit Secure Video support, iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and more, along with additional storage.

You can get to your iCloud data on iPad, too, along with Apple Vision Pro, Mac, Windows devices, Apple TV 4K, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com.

See also

Tag: iCloud
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How to set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts on iPad

by Dave Johnson

In addition to the apps that come with iPad and that you use with iCloud, iPad works with Microsoft Exchange and many of the most popular internet-based mail, contacts, and calendar services. You can set up accounts for these services.

You can choose your email service from a list, or add another account if yours isn’t listed. You can set up a contacts account and a calendar account with a provider like iCloud or Microsoft Exchange, too.

Here’s how to set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts on iPad.

Set up a mail account

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and then tap Mail.
  3. Tap Mail Accounts, then tap Add Account.
  4. Enter your email address, tap Next, and enter your email account information.

    You can also tap “choose from a list” under the email address field to select the email service you want to use—for example, iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, or Gmail (Google).

    If your email service isn’t listed, tap Add Other Account, tap Mail Account, then enter your email account information.

For the steps, read our guide, Add and remove email accounts.

Set up a contacts account

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps, then tap Contacts.
  3. Tap Contact Accounts and then tap Add Account.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Tap a provider—for example, iCloud or Microsoft Exchange—then enter your account information.
    • Tap Other, tap Add LDAP Account or Add CardDAV Account (if your organization supports it), then enter the server and account information.

To manage Contacts accounts, see our article, Add or remove accounts in Contacts.

Set up a calendar account

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and then tap Calendar.
  3. Tap Calendar Accounts, then Add Account.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Choose a provider: Tap a provider—for example, iCloud or Microsoft Exchange—then enter your account information.
    • Add a CalDAV, CardDav, or LDAP account: Tap Add Other Account, choose an option, and then enter your server and account information.
    • Subscribe to iCal (.ics) calendars: Tap Other, tap Add Subscribed Calendar, and then enter the URL of the .ics file to subscribe to; or import an .ics file from Mail.

If you also use calendars, see our guide, Set up multiple calendars.

Turn on iCloud Keychain on your iPad, and your accounts stay up to date on every device that has iCloud Keychain turned on.

See also

Tags: Calendar, Mail
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How to use Continuity to work across Apple devices on iPad

by Dave Johnson

When you use your iPad with another Apple device—like your Mac, iPhone, or Apple Watch—you can take advantage of Continuity features that let you use your devices in unique ways. You can work across your devices, hand off tasks, share files and photos, and stream video and audio. With Sidecar, your iPad even becomes a second display for your Mac.

Your iPad can extend your Mac desktop, or show one app on both screens while you control different aspects of it. And AirDrop makes sharing between iPhone, iPad, and Mac as easy as dragging and dropping.

Note: There are minimum system requirements for Continuity features, and some of these features need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®.

Extend your workspace with an iPad

A MacBook Air and an iPad sitting side by side. Both screens show the Mac desktop with a purple Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar.

Sidecar turns your iPad into a second display for your Mac. You can extend your Mac desktop, or you can show the same app on both screens and control different aspects of it. For more, see our article, Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

Quickly share content between devices

A Mac is next to an iPad. The AirDrop dialog is open on the Mac desktop, ready to share a document with the iPad. The iPad screen has a notification about receiving the document.

With AirDrop, you can share photos, videos, contacts, and more with anyone near you who has an Apple device. Sharing between iPhone, iPad, and Mac is as simple as dragging and dropping. Check out our guide, Use AirDrop on iPad to send items to nearby Apple devices.

Sharing content between your devices is easy, from handing off tasks between devices to copying text on an iPad and pasting it on your Mac or sending a file from your iPhone to your iPad.

AirDrop lets you quickly share photos, videos, contacts, and anything else, wirelessly, with anyone near you. Sending to iPhone, iPad, and Mac takes nothing more than dragging and dropping. See our article, Use AirDrop on iPad to send items to nearby Apple devices.

With Universal Clipboard, you’re able to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device, then paste the content on another. Let’s say you copy a recipe from Safari on your iPad: You can then paste it into Notes on your nearby Mac. Read our guide, Copy and paste between iPad and other Apple devices.

With Handoff, you’re able to start a document, an email, or a message on one device, then pick up where you left off on another. Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are among the apps that support it. See our guide, Hand off tasks between iPad and your other devices.

Insert sketches, photos, and scans

An iPad showing a sketch, next to a Mac where the sketch appears in a note.

With Continuity Sketch, a sketch you draw on your iPad appears on your Mac. And with Continuity Camera, you can take a photo or scan a document on your iPad, then have it show up on your Mac. See our article, Insert sketches, photos, and scans from your iPad on Mac.

Even more Continuity features

Other ways to use your devices together

Continuity features aren’t the only way to use your Mac with your other Apple devices, and you can also:

Tag: Continuity
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