Use the Notes App on Your Smartphone

October 2025 — Tip of the Month

It has come to my attention that a lot of people don't use the Notes app on their smartphone. That's too bad because, IMO, it's one of the most useful apps on your phone. I don't use it to "take notes," but it's my go-to app for jotting down quick things that I don't want to forget.

Examples of notes that I've created and use regularly:

1. People I've met (but don't get their contact information) - For example, I sometimes note the name, date, and place of a salesperson I meet while shopping, so I can remember them next time I visit.
2. Recommendations people give me - If someone says I should try a specific restaurant or visit a certain place, I often jot it down, since I'll most likely forget if I don't.
3. Funny quotes - Sometimes, someone says something so funny, it's worth writing down. It often makes the person laugh when I bring it up months or years later.
4. Funny ideas - If if I think of a funny joke or situation, I try to write it down before I forget about it.
5. Movies I've watched on planes - I travel a lot, so this helps me remember which movies I've watched. I also keep a list of movies I'd like to watch, so I don't have to scroll through all 400 movies Delta offers each time.
6. Books to read - Whether they are recommendations from others or books I'm interested in reading, the Notes app is an easly place to keep track of my list.

These are just a few of the many notes I have on my iPhone. They automatically sync with the Notes app on my Mac, so I can add and edit notes using whatever device is more convenient. If you use an Android device, you can usually sync your notes with your PC as well (like Samsung Notes).

If you're already using the Notes app on your phone, hopefully the list above gives you some new ideas for how to use it. If you don't use the Notes app, I recommend trying it out. You'll be surprised at how many things it can help you remember.

- Per Christensson