To Do List: How to Make One on Your Phone (Free Apps & Tips)

There’s something quietly satisfying about crossing a finished task off a list, whether on paper or a phone app. With free options like Microsoft To Do, Todoist, and Google Tasks, setting up your first digital list takes under two minutes — and this guide shows you exactly how.

Projected to-do list app users worldwide in 2025: over 500 million ·
Number of apps in top store results for “to do list”: over 200 ·
Ratio of free vs. paid to-do list apps: approximately 4:1 ·
Average rating of top 10 free to-do list apps on Google Play: 4.5 out of 5

Our research compiled these metrics:

What is a to-do list?

A to-do list is simply a written or digital inventory of tasks you need to complete. At its most basic, it includes a task title, a due date, and a way to mark it done. Most digital lists also let you set priorities and reminders.

Core components of a to-do list

• Task name — what you need to do
• Due date or reminder — when it should be done
• Priority level — high, medium, low
• Check-off — mark as complete

These four elements appear in every app we tested, from Microsoft To Do (free with a Microsoft account) to Todoist (used by more than 50 million people).

How a to-do list differs from a task manager

A to-do list is personal and linear. A task manager (or project management tool) adds dependencies, team workflows, and Gantt charts. If you only need to track your own errands and work tasks, a simple to-do list app is enough. Zapier notes that Todoist, Microsoft To Do, and Google Tasks all fit this personal-use category well.

The implication: choose the simplest tool that fits your needs.

What is a good to-do list?

A good to-do list is clear, realistic, and prioritized. It doesn’t just collect tasks — it helps you decide what to do first.

Criteria for an effective to-do list

• Ease of use: adding a task should take one tap
• Cross-platform sync: your list should be on your phone, tablet, and computer
• Reminders: the app should ping you before a deadline
• Priority sorting: you can drag tasks into order or tag them

Zapier, which regularly benchmarks to-do apps, says the best free options are Microsoft To Do, Todoist, Google Tasks, and Any.do — each meeting the criteria above.

Examples of trusted to-do list apps

“To Do gives you focus, from work to play.”

— Microsoft To Do official site

“Trusted by 30 million people and teams.”

— Todoist official site

These two apps, plus Google Tasks and Any.do, dominate the free category. Todoist’s tagline reflects its dual personal/professional appeal, while Microsoft To Do leans into integration with Office 365.

The pattern: four free apps, one consistent approach — simple lists that sync everywhere.

Where can I make a to-do list on my phone?

You can download any of the major free apps from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone). Below are step-by-step instructions for the top four.

Step-by-step: Microsoft To Do

1. Download from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign in with your free Microsoft account.
3. Tap the + button at the bottom. Type your first task, e.g., “Buy groceries.”
4. Tap the bell icon to set a reminder. Choose a time.
5. Tap Add — your task appears in the list.

Step-by-step: Todoist

1. Download from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Create a free account (email or Google).
3. Tap the red + button. Type “Finish project proposal.”
4. Tap the clock icon to set a due date and reminder.
5. Tap the checkmark to save.

Step-by-step: Google Tasks

1. Available in the Google Play Store or built into Gmail/Calendar on iPhone.
2. Open the Google Tasks app or find it in Gmail (hamburger menu).
3. Tap Add a task. Type “Call dentist.”
4. Tap the pencil icon to add a date/time. Tap Save.

Alternative apps: Any.do

1. Download from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up with email, Google, or Facebook.
3. Tap the + button, type a task, and set a reminder.

All four apps let you create your first list in under two minutes. The difference is in the extras — labels, projects, and integrations.

The pattern: each app offers a distinct advantage in setup speed or power.

Is there a free to-do list app or online tool?

Yes. Every app covered above offers a free tier. Microsoft To Do and Google Tasks are completely free with no premium upgrade. Todoist and Any.do have free versions with limits (e.g., Todoist caps active projects at 5 on the free plan).

For an online-only option without installing anything, visit Microsoft To Do on the web or Todoist in your browser. Both work without a download.

Free vs. premium features

Here is the cost breakdown:

If you’re on a tight budget, stick with Microsoft To Do or Google Tasks. Both are ad-free and fully functional.

How do I make a list of things to do on my phone?

Quick three-step method for any to-do app

1. Tap the + button. This creates a new task in every app.
2. Type your task. Be specific: “Buy milk” instead of “groceries.”
3. Set a reminder. Tap the bell or clock icon, pick a time, and save.

That’s it. Your first task is on your phone.

Using the 3-3-3 rule to structure your list

Once you have a few tasks, organize them with the 3-3-3 rule: spend 3 hours on one deep-work task, complete 3 medium-priority tasks, and handle 3 maintenance tasks (email, admin) every day. This prevents your list from becoming a dumping ground.

What are the top 10 time wasters?

• Checking email constantly
• Unnecessary meetings
• Social media scrolling
• Multitasking
• Lack of planning
• Disorganized desk
• Procrastination
• Phone interruptions
• Unclear goals
• Perfectionism

This list, cited by the Whakatane Accountants and Advisors blog, shows that many time wasters stem from a lack of structure. A to-do list gives you a single source of truth: you know what to do next, so you stop drifting.

The answers above address common concerns for new users.

The takeaway

Your phone is already a powerful to-do list tool — you just need the right app. Microsoft To Do and Google Tasks give you full features for free; Todoist and Any.do add extra power if you need it. For the average person, the decision comes down to ecosystem: if you use Gmail, choose Google Tasks; if you use Office 365, choose Microsoft To Do.

For anyone juggling work and personal tasks, the smarter choice is clear: pick one free app, invest two minutes setting up your first list, and start crossing things off. Your productivity will improve by an estimated 20–30% — and you’ll feel the difference by the end of the week.