When I worked at a family practice, one of the most common questions I heard was, “How do I remember to take all of these?” A medication reminder app can help, but it’s only a reminder. It can’t tell you what to take or when to change a dose. Here are two free options that cover the basics: Medisafe and MyTherapy. Here’s what each app can do, what it can’t do, and what to share with your doctor.
Best medication reminder apps at a glance
I compared each app’s App Store and Google Play listing. Prices and ratings are as of October 2026 and can change.
| App | Price | iPhone / Android | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medisafe | Free; Premium plans in the app | Both | 4.71 on App Store (101K ratings); 4.45 on Google Play (250K ratings) | Managing several medicines |
| MyTherapy | Free; ad-free and Plus options in the app | Both | 4.77 on App Store (8.6K ratings); 4.51 on Google Play (242K ratings) | Simple reminders and a health record |
Here’s what the app can — and can’t — do
A reminder app can ping you at the right time and keep a record of what you took. It can’t check for drug interactions the way your pharmacist can, and it can’t tell you what to do if you miss a dose. The National Institute on Aging says to follow your medicine label, take medicine on time, and ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do if you forget. It also mentions that medication reminder apps for smartphones are becoming more popular and can help you remember when and how to take your medications each day.
Medisafe: best for managing several medicines
Medisafe is made by MediSafe Inc. You enter each medicine, the dose, and the times, and the app sends reminders. The App Store lists optional Premium upgrades in the app, so read the price before you tap.
- Pros: Lots of ratings, works on both iPhone and Android, and good for people who take more than one medicine.
- Cons: The App Store lists Premium plans from $2.99 to $9.99 a month and annual plans from $27.99 to $39.99, so check which one you’re being offered. Google Play says the app contains ads.
- Privacy (App Store label): The label lists health and fitness, contact info, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics as not linked to you.
- Price: Free with in-app purchases.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
MyTherapy: best for simple reminders
MyTherapy is made by smartpatient GmbH. It reminds you to take your medicines and includes tools to keep a record of how you’re doing, which you can bring to your doctor.
- Pros: Simple layout, a built-in record of how you’re doing, and strong ratings.
- Cons: The App Store lists an ad-free subscription ($0.99 and $9.99 options) and a lifetime upgrade at $49.99. Google Play says the app contains ads.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data used to track you: identifiers. Data not linked to you: health and fitness, contact info, user content, search history, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics.
- Price: Free with in-app purchases.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
A quick word on privacy
Your medicines say a lot about your health. Before you install, open the App Privacy section on the App Store or Data safety on Google Play. These labels are filled in by the developers, and Apple doesn’t verify them. If you’d rather not share, you can leave out optional details, use a separate email address, and delete your account when you stop using the app.
How to set up a reminder app
- Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the app’s name.
- Check the developer name, then tap Get or Install.
- Open the app and allow notifications, so it can remind you.
- Add each medicine, the dose, and the time you take it. Copy the details from the label or your list.
- Test the reminder once, and turn the volume up.
- Bring your list to your next appointment.
The NIA also suggests keeping a written list of your medicines and showing it to every health care provider. For more health apps, browse our health and fitness app guides and our guides for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best free medication reminder app?
Both Medisafe and MyTherapy are free to download. Medisafe is a good fit if you manage several medicines. MyTherapy is simpler. Try one for a week and see which feels easier.
Do I need a smartphone to remember my medicine?
No. A weekly pill box, a calendar, or an alarm on your phone’s clock also work. The NIA lists charts, calendars, and weekly pill boxes as options.
Can the app tell me if two medicines interact?
Don’t rely on an app for that. Ask your pharmacist or doctor, and keep your list up to date with them.
Is my medicine data private?
It depends on the app. Read the privacy label and policy, share only what you need, and delete your account if you stop using it.
Bottom line
- Best for several medicines: Medisafe.
- Best for simple reminders and a health record: MyTherapy.
- Best backup: A pill box and a written list from your pharmacist.
Pick one app, set up your reminders today, and bring your list to your next appointment. Prices change, so check each store listing before you buy a plan, and remember that an app is a helper, not a doctor.
