How to Backup iPhone Reminders Before Switching Phones

Switching to a new iPhone is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you rely on Apple Reminders for tasks, shopping lists, work notes, errands, or personal planning.

iCloud usually helps move reminders between Apple devices, but it is still a good idea to keep a separate backup before switching phones. A clean exported file gives you an extra copy of your reminders that you can save, open, or share if needed.

Why Backup iPhone Reminders Before Switching Phones?

Reminders often contain small but important details: appointments to schedule, errands to run, work follow-ups, travel notes, grocery lists, and personal tasks. Losing those lists during a phone change can be frustrating.

Backing up your reminders before switching phones gives you a simple safety copy outside the Reminders app.

Keep a copy of important task lists
Save reminders before resetting or trading in your iPhone
Export reminders for Excel or Google Sheets
Share reminder lists with someone else
Create a simple backup outside iCloud

The Simple Way to Export iPhone Reminders

Backup reminders before switching phones

Select one or multiple reminder lists
Export reminders to CSV for Excel or Google Sheets
Export reminders to JSON for structured backups
Save or share your file instantly

Download Export Reminders to CSV & JSON

One-time purchase. No subscription.

CSV vs JSON for Reminder Backups

CSV

CSV is best if you want to open your reminders in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers. It is simple, readable, and useful for reviewing lists in a spreadsheet.

JSON

JSON is best if you want a structured backup file. It is useful for saving reminder data in a format that can be reused in other workflows or systems.

When Should You Export Your Reminders?

The best time to export your reminders is before you erase, reset, trade in, sell, or replace your iPhone. That way, you have a separate copy saved before making any major device change.

You may also want to export reminders regularly if you use them for work tasks, recurring lists, project notes, or important personal planning.

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