Managing Custom Tags in iOS 15 Reminders

Apple's iOS 15 update transformed the Reminders app by introducing custom tags, giving users a flexible way to categorize and organize tasks across different lists. This article outlines the specific features introduced for managing tags, including tag creation methods, the dedicated Tag Browser, multi-tag filtering, tag-based Smart Lists, and batch-editing capabilities.

Adding Custom Tags to Tasks

With iOS 15, you can add tags anywhere within a reminder's title or notes field simply by typing the # symbol followed by a word (for example, #groceries or #work). Alternatively, you can tap the new # (Tag) icon located in the quick toolbar above the keyboard or access the Tags field directly within the reminder's details menu. As you type, the app automatically suggests previously created tags to prevent duplicates.

The Tag Browser

All created tags automatically populate the new Tag Browser located at the bottom of the Reminders main screen. The Tag Browser displays a comprehensive list of every active tag in your database alongside a task counter. Tapping any tag immediately displays all tasks assigned to that specific label, regardless of which list they belong to.

Multi-Tag Filtering

The Tag Browser supports multi-selection, allowing you to filter tasks using more than one tag at a time. Tapping multiple tags displays only the tasks that include all selected tags, making it easy to drill down into specific contexts, such as viewing items tagged with both #urgent and #work.

Custom Smart Lists Based on Tags

iOS 15 introduced the ability to build custom Smart Lists powered by tags. When creating a new list, you can designate it as a Smart List and select one or more tags as the inclusion criteria. You can configure the list to include reminders matching "All Selected Tags" or "Any Selected Tags," allowing tasks to be sorted automatically the moment a tag is applied.

Batch Tagging

To manage multiple reminders at once, iOS 15 added bulk-tagging support. By tapping the More button (three dots) in any list and choosing Select Reminders, you can select several items simultaneously and tap the Tags option at the bottom of the screen to apply or remove tags in bulk.

Renaming and Deleting Tags

Tags can be modified or permanently removed directly from the Tag Browser. Touching and holding a tag reveals a contextual menu with options to Rename Tag or Delete Tag. Renaming a tag updates it across every reminder where it is currently used, while deleting a tag removes the label from all associated reminders without deleting the tasks themselves.