Keeping track of medications and medical history can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re caring for yourself and a spouse. Olaf from Valley Stream, New York, put it way:
“I’m 86, just switched to iPhone. Have trouble finding a system to keep mine and my wife’s medications and medical histories. It seems we need these for each wellness visit. Appreciate your easy suggestions.”
Olaf’s experience is common. Many people struggle to keep their health details organized, especially when doctor visits pile up. The good news? Both iPhone and Android phones come with simple, secure tools that make it easier than ever to track prescriptions, reminders and important health information.
iPhone already has a Health app installed, and it gives you two ways to manage important health details:
Medical ID (for emergency info only)
This section is designed so that first responders and doctors can see your critical health details from the lock screen if needed. Adding medications here does not create reminders. It’s best for storing:
How to set up Medical ID:
Everything you add stays private and encrypted, but you can choose to share details with your doctor or family.
If you want your iPhone to remind you to take your meds and let you log each dose, you’ll need to use the dedicated Medications feature (introduced in iOS 16):
Now, you’ll get notifications on your iPhone and can track whether you’ve taken your meds. The alert will give the option to click, “Taken” or “Skipped.” If you have more than one medication listed you can tap “Log All as Taken.” Once you click your selection go ahead and click “Done.”
Samsung Health comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. It works as a standalone tracker for fitness, sleep and even medication, no extra apps required.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Steps to set up the Samsung Health app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
To track meds, non-Samsung Android users usually need a third-party app like:
For a focused tool just for meds, these 3 apps work on both iPhone and Android:
Add medications, dosages and schedules. Get reminders when it’s time to take them. You can even manage more than one family member in the app.
With these steps, you’ll never miss a dose, and you can even track medications for your spouse in the same account.
Both apps are free to start, simple to use and highly rated, making them great choices for organizing medications and health records.
Even with phone apps and reminders, some people prefer a hands-off solution. That’s where smart pill dispensers come in. These devices automatically release the right dose at the right time, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting or double-dosing.
For older adults, this can reduce dizziness or grogginess from medication mistakes, issues that often raise fall risks. Dispensers also provide peace of mind for caregivers who want to be sure their loved one is staying on track.
Smart dispensers cost more than apps, but they add an extra layer of safety and independence for anyone juggling multiple prescriptions.
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Staying on top of medications can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to manage it alone. With the built-in tools on iPhone and Android, plus easy-to-use apps, you can take control of your health with just a few taps. These features give you peace of mind, help you stay consistent and make doctor visits less stressful. For those who need extra support, smart pill dispensers add another layer of safety. They take the guesswork out of managing multiple prescriptions and provide reassurance for both you and your loved ones. By combining apps, reminders, and devices, you can create a system that fits your lifestyle and keeps your health details organized.