Choose a list or a count
Choose a list design to read what needs doing, or a count design for a quick reminder of how much remains. A widget with one number will not turn into a readable list simply because you add tasks.
For example, a Travel prep list might contain three unfinished tasks: book tickets, pack a bag and confirm accommodation. Its count can be 3 while a design with room for two rows shows only two items. Check the field and item limit before expecting the visible row count to match the total.
Create a recognizable list
- Open Profile → My Content → To-do lists and create a work, study or shopping list if needed.
- Add a task, choose its list and describe a concrete action, such as confirming Friday’s tickets.
- Set a date when needed, then configure a reminder or recurrence. A due date does not automatically enable a notification.
- Save and check the task text, list and status in the app.
You can save a task without a custom list, but it will not automatically join an existing one. See Manage tasks and lists for the controls. Use a countdown or anniversary for a date without individual actions to complete, or a daily goal for quantities such as pages read.
Connect the same content to the home screen
Choose the list through the content control offered in the widget preview. For a saved design, check the relevant layer’s data source. Confirm that the heading and task text refer to the same list before changing fonts or layout. Available choices depend on the design.
Save and prepare the design, then follow the iPhone setup guide or Android home screen steps. Check download availability for supported releases. If a placeholder or another design appears, confirm the system widget uses the design you just saved.
Copying a widget design does not copy its tasks. Two designs using the same list will both read its updated completion state. Select different lists to separate work from personal tasks; see Designs and personal content.
Check missing tasks and mismatched counts
- Confirm the task still exists in the app and check its assigned list.
- Check completion and date filters, followed by sorting.
- Check the widget’s list, item limit and available rows. Do not assume the app’s list filters were applied to every design.
- If the app and design preview are correct but the home screen is behind, follow Refresh troubleshooting.
Today in the app also includes earlier unfinished tasks. Seeing yesterday’s item does not necessarily mean its date is wrong. A completed task may disappear because of an unfinished-only filter. Check its status before creating another copy.
Verify completion, recurrence and taps separately
First complete an item in the app and check its state. If the design offers a home screen completion action, confirm which task it targets. Plain text or a decorative checkmark does not establish that an area is interactive. See the Widget tap actions guide.
Completing a recurring task creates its next occurrence. Putting “daily” in a title does not configure recurrence. Before relying on an important schedule, try a recognizable test task and check the next date, then configure reminders. See Reminder troubleshooting for notification issues.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the count differ from the number of visible rows?
The count field, filters and row limit are separate settings. Check the list and completion state, then the design’s capacity. Three remaining items do not guarantee three visible rows in a small widget.
Why is there another task with the same name after completion?
Check whether recurrence is enabled. Completing the current item may create the next occurrence. Compare dates and status before treating it as an accidental duplicate.
Does deleting a list also delete its tasks?
The tasks remain in All tasks without their previous list assignment. Deleting a task is a separate action. Widgets that used the removed list need their data source checked.
Can I put my to-do list on the Lock Screen?
Check whether the app offers a suitable Lock Screen size and design. A Home Screen list does not establish Lock Screen availability, identical row counts or the same tap behavior.
Official references
Sources checked: 2026-10-18. After a system update, follow the official instructions and device interface for your version.