How to Set a "Remind Me When I Get to the Store" Location Reminder

To set a location-based "remind me when I get to the store" alert, use iPhone's Reminders app (tap 'Remind me at a location') or Google Assistant ('remind me when I get to [store name]'). Both use GPS geofencing to trigger the alert when you arrive. If location reminders are unreliable on your phone, a timed reminder set for your usual shopping window works just as well.

How to Set a Location Reminder on iPhone

iPhone's built-in Reminders app has full location-based reminder support:

1. Open Reminders app
2. Tap the + button to create a new reminder
3. Type your reminder (e.g., "Buy milk, eggs, and bread")
4. Tap the info icon (i) to the right of the reminder
5. Toggle on "Remind me at a location"
6. Tap Location and type your grocery store's name or address
7. Choose "When I Arrive" or "When I Leave"
8. Tap Done

The next time you arrive within roughly 200 meters of that location, your phone fires the reminder. This works even if your phone is locked.

Requirements: Location Services must be enabled for Reminders (Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Reminders → "Always"). Battery-saving modes can delay or prevent location triggers.

How to Set a Location Reminder on Android with Google Assistant

Google Assistant supports location-based reminders via voice or text:

Voice: Say "Hey Google, remind me to buy dog food when I get to Walmart."

Google app: In the Google app, tap the Reminders section (or search 'remind me when I get to [place]'). Set the location and the reminder text.

Google Maps: Search for a business in Google Maps → tap 'Remind me about this place' → set the trigger.

Requirements: Background location access for the Google app (Settings → Apps → Google → Permissions → Location → Allow all the time).

Location Reminder Apps That Go Beyond the Built-Ins

Todoist (Pro)

Todoist's Pro and Business plans include location-based triggers. When you're near a tagged location (like "grocery store" or "office"), Todoist can surface tasks associated with that location.

Any.do

Any.do supports location-based reminders and integrates with Google Maps for address search. Available on both iPhone and Android.

Google Maps — "Remind me about this place"

When viewing a business in Google Maps, tap the three-dot menu → "Remind me about this place." You can set a time-based reminder (e.g., "Friday at 5pm") that includes a direct link to the location. Not a true location trigger, but useful for planning.

When Location Reminders Don't Work Reliably

Location-based reminders can fail in several situations:

• Battery saver mode: Most phones disable background location scanning to save battery, which prevents location triggers from firing
• Dense urban areas: GPS signal is weaker between tall buildings
• Shopping centers: Your phone may think you're near the store when you're in a different store in the same mall
• Older phones: GPS accuracy degrades on older hardware

If you've tried location reminders and they're inconsistent, a timed reminder based on your typical routine is more reliable.

The Timed Alternative: Remind Me Before I Usually Shop

Most people shop at roughly the same time each week. A scheduled reminder just before your usual shopping window achieves nearly the same effect as a location trigger:

Text me every Sunday at 11am to look at my shopping list before I leave the house.

Ping me every Thursday evening at 5pm to add items to my grocery list for the weekend run.

Set this in YouGot and you'll get an SMS at the right time — no GPS required, works on any phone.

Shared Grocery Reminders for Families

One of the most common family friction points: someone goes to the store without the full shopping list because not everyone added their items. YouGot supports sending a reminder to multiple phone numbers simultaneously:

Or remind each family member separately:

Text my spouse at [number] every Friday at 5pm to add items to the grocery list.

See yougot.ai/parents for more family reminder setups.

Setting a One-Time Store Reminder

For a specific one-time trip:

iPhone vs. Android vs. Timed: Quick Comparison

Method	GPS Required	Works Without App Open	Reliable	Best For
Apple Reminders (location)	Yes	Yes	Medium	iPhone users at specific stores
Google Reminders (location)	Yes	Yes	Medium	Android users
YouGot (timed SMS)	No	N/A (SMS)	High	Any phone, recurring shopping routine
Todoist location triggers	Yes	Yes	Medium	Pro task management users

"Drive-by store syndrome — where you pass the grocery store and only remember you needed something after you're home — is fixed by a reminder that arrives 30 minutes before your usual commute route."

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a reminder when I arrive at a specific location?

On iPhone, open the Reminders app, create a reminder, tap the info icon (i), enable 'Remind me at a location,' and type the address or choose a saved location. On Android, Google Reminders in the Google app supports location-based triggers via 'Remind me at a place.' Google Maps also lets you set reminders tied to a business location.

Can I set a reminder when I get to the grocery store?

Yes, using location-based reminders on iPhone or Android. Open Apple Reminders, create a note (like 'pick up milk and eggs'), then set the location trigger to your grocery store's address. On Android, Google Reminders supports 'remind me when I get to [place].' Both use your phone's GPS to trigger the alert when you arrive.

What apps support location-based reminders?

Apps that support location-based reminders include: Apple Reminders (iPhone, using GPS geofencing), Google Reminders / Google Maps (Android and iPhone, tied to Google Maps locations), Todoist (Pro tier, location triggers), and Any.do (location-based reminders). Most require background location access for accurate triggering.

Does Google Reminders have a location trigger?

Yes. In Google Reminders (accessible via the Google app or Google Assistant), you can set a reminder to trigger 'when I get to' or 'when I leave' a specific place. Say 'remind me when I get to Walmart to buy dog food' to Google Assistant, or set it manually in the Google Reminders interface.

What if I can't use location reminders? Are there alternatives?

If location reminders aren't reliable (weak GPS, battery-saving modes block them), a timed SMS reminder is a practical alternative. Set a reminder for your usual shopping time — 'remind me every Saturday at 11am to check my grocery list before leaving home.' This doesn't require GPS and is more reliable in areas with weak location signals.