Google Sheets Can’t Send Reminders — But These 3 Tricks Can

+Free No-App Habit Tracker Kit (Sheets + Printable)

 

Why You Keep Forgetting to Open Your Habit Tracker

Let’s get one thing straight: forgetting to open your habit tracker isn’t a sign of laziness or lack of commitment. It’s just missing a cue. Habits live or die by their triggers — and a Google Sheet doesn’t exactly shout your name at 8:00 AM.

Even the most beautiful tracker won’t help if it just sits there, waiting. And that’s exactly the problem. Google Sheets is passive. It doesn’t interrupt you. It doesn’t tap you on the shoulder. Unless you remember to open it, it stays closed.

Here’s the truth: motivation fades. Structure sticks. And what most people need isn’t more willpower — it’s a gentle reminder that arrives at the right time, in the right place, with zero friction.

GoToBetter says it like this: “Your habits don’t need hype. They need a cue you’ll actually notice.”

If you’re trying to rebuild routines or show up more consistently, don’t blame yourself for forgetting. Blame the system for not reminding you. The good news? You don’t need a new app or complicated setup. You just need one good nudge — and we’re about to show you exactly how to set that up.

Want a simple tracker you can actually use — without setting up a whole system?

The Free Google Sheets Habit Tracker Kit includes a ready-made digital tracker plus two printable PDFs. You can use it as-is, or combine it with the reminder ideas in this article to make it show up when it matters.

Get the Free Kit here:

 

Can Google Sheets Send Push Notifications?

No — not on its own.

There’s a common assumption that because Google Sheets is part of Google Workspace, it should be able to send reminders like Calendar or Tasks. But Google Sheets is a spreadsheet, not a notification tool. It has no built-in system for mobile push notifications, timed alerts, or daily nudges.

If you’re hoping to set up something like: “At 7:30 AM, my phone buzzes and says ‘Check your habit tracker’” — Google Sheets won’t do that. At least, not directly.

Here’s what it can do, technically:

Process	Details
Email alerts	Via add-ons or Apps Script (requires setup)
External triggers	Automation via Make.com or Zapier
Paired tools	Works well with Calendar/Tasks for reminders

So the real answer is: Google Sheets doesn’t send habit reminders by itself, but it plays very nicely with other tools that do.

That’s why the methods we’ll show you don’t require any coding, integrations, or third-party apps. You’ll use tools you already have — Calendar, Google Tasks, or a mobile shortcut — to build a daily reminder system around your tracker.

Think of Google Sheets as the “what” (your habits) and these tools as the “when” (your reminder to open it).

What About Apps Script or Automation Tools?

If you’ve done some Googling, you may have seen guides using Google Apps Script or Make.com to send emails, push reminders through integrations, or trigger Slack messages when certain conditions in your sheet are met.

These setups work — and we use them ourselves for advanced automation — but they’re not beginner-friendly. They often require authentication tokens, custom scripting, or paid tiers of automation tools. For the purpose of tracking your habits with gentle daily reminders, they’re simply too much.

Instead, this article focuses on low-friction, zero-cost methods that anyone can set up in 5 minutes, without needing a tutorial just to use the tutorial.

What Kind of Reminder Are We Actually Talking About?

Let’s define the goal clearly: You want a repeatable daily nudge — something that reminds you to open your tracker, reflect for 15 seconds, and move on with your day. That reminder could be:

Reminder Type	Description
Phone notification	At a specific time each day
Direct sheet opener	Launches the tracker link with one tap
Calendar task	Shows up as a to-do or event
Home screen shortcut	App-like icon that opens the sheet

GoToBetter says it like this: “Don’t add another app. Just build one good nudge into your day.”

Can’t I Just Bookmark the Sheet?

You can — and you should. But bookmarks don’t remind you. They wait for you to remember them. That’s why this article is about building a system that takes initiative on your behalf. No guilt. No remembering. Just structure that quietly works in the background.

Let’s look at the first method — and why Calendar is still the most underrated reminder tool for habit tracking.

Method 1: Add Calendar Reminders to Open Your Tracker

If you want a reliable daily nudge — one that just shows up on your phone — Google Calendar is your best friend. It doesn’t just track meetings. It can trigger repeatable reminders that tell you: “Hey, check your habits now.”

And the best part? You don’t need to code anything, install new apps, or change your system. Just one repeating calendar event, and you’re set.

What It Does

This method creates a scheduled alert in your Google Calendar. It fires every day (or only on certain days), and shows a phone notification at your chosen time — with a direct link to your Google Sheets habit tracker.

You can set multiple alerts per day if needed. You can also color-code it, hide it from view, or make it as loud or silent as you like.

How to Set It Up

1. Open Google Calendar on your computer or phone.
2. Create a new event at the time you want the reminder (e.g. 8:00 AM).
3. Title it something like: “Open Habit Tracker” or “3-Minute Check-In”.
4. Click “Does not repeat” and change it to “Daily” (or weekdays only).
5. In the description box, paste the full link to your Google Sheet.
6. Click “Add notification” and set it to alert you at the right time — you can use email, pop-up, or both.
7. Save it.

That’s it. Now every morning (or night, or both), you’ll get a phone buzz that reminds you to check in. One tap, and you’re in the sheet.

Pro Tip: Use a Date Chip Inside Sheets

If you’re working in Google Sheets and want to turn a cell into a Calendar event, try this:

• Click into a cell and type @, then choose “Date” or a specific day from the smart chips menu.
• Once added, hover over it and click “Add to Calendar.”
• It will auto-populate an event based on that cell’s data.

This works great if you’re tracking a habit streak and want to mark future check-ins directly from the sheet.

Pros

Strength	Details
Free	Uses your existing Google account
Cross-device	Works on both Android and iOS
Customizable	Set daily, weekly, or workday alerts
Direct link	Goes straight to your tracker
No new tools	Works within Calendar

Cons

• Manual setup required initially
• May clutter your calendar if overused
• Easy to ignore if you’re used to dismissing alerts

GoToBetter says it like this:“You don’t need more motivation. You need a calendar event that quietly taps you on the shoulder.”

Still not sure if Calendar is the best fit for your brain? No problem — in the next section, we’ll explore how Google Tasks can create checklist-style habit nudges with just as much power — and even less visual noise.

Method 2: Use Google Tasks for Daily Reminder Nudges

If you like checklists, or you want a more subtle reminder system that doesn’t flood your calendar, Google Tasks is a surprisingly powerful tool — and most people don’t even know they’re already using it.

Google Tasks works inside your Gmail and Google Calendar. You can create repeatable tasks, attach times, and get mobile notifications — all without installing anything new.

What It Does

This method lets you create a to-do item that repeats daily (or weekly), shows up in your Google Calendar, and sends you a subtle push notification when it’s time to check in with your habits. It feels more like a gentle nudge than a full event.

You can mark it done, let it roll to the next day, or just use it as a quiet reminder that lives alongside your schedule — not inside it.

How to Set It Up

1. Open Google Calendar or Gmail on your desktop.
2. Find the Google Tasks panel — it’s the small blue checkmark icon on the right-hand side.
3. Create a new task called: “Check Habit Tracker”.
4. Click the pencil icon to edit → set a date and time.
5. Under “Repeat,” choose Daily or customize as needed.
6. Optional: paste the link to your Google Sheets tracker in the task notes.
7. Make sure your phone has notifications enabled for Google Tasks or Google Calendar.

Done. The task will now appear in your Google Calendar and send a notification at the scheduled time. You can swipe it done or leave it unchecked — totally up to you.

How It Works on Your Phone

Once set up on desktop, Google Tasks syncs to your phone through the Calendar app. No need for a separate Tasks app unless you prefer one. As long as Calendar notifications are on, your task will buzz as scheduled — without cluttering your calendar layout.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lightweight, less visual clutter	No direct sheet-launching button
To-do style feels satisfying to complete	Harder to configure fully on mobile
Works across Gmail and Calendar	Requires Calendar notifications to be enabled

GoToBetter says it like this: “If you love checking boxes, don’t fight it. Turn your habit reminder into a task you can actually complete.”

If Calendar feels too rigid, and you want reminders that feel less like meetings and more like gentle check-ins, Google Tasks may be your best fit. Up next: the most direct solution of all — one that opens your habit tracker instantly.

Method 3: Create Phone Shortcuts That Open Your Habit Tracker

If you want a reminder that not only nudges you — but actually opens your habit tracker — then shortcuts are your best option. Both iPhones and Androids let you create simple automations or icons that open a Google Sheet with one tap or even trigger automatically.

Think of this as building your own “app” that does exactly one thing: opens your habit tracker at the time you need it. No new downloads. No friction. Just action.

What It Does

This method uses your phone’s native automation tools to send you a notification, run an alert, or open your Google Sheets tracker on a schedule. You can also create a home screen icon that opens directly to your habit sheet — no menus, no searching.

On iOS, it’s done through the Shortcuts app. On Android, you can use Google Assistant routines, widgets, or optional third-party apps.

How to Set It Up (iOS – Apple Shortcuts)

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Go to “Automation” → tap “Create Personal Automation.”
3. Choose a trigger (e.g. Time of Day → 8:00 AM daily).
4. Tap “Next” → Add Action → search for “Open URL.”
5. Paste your Google Sheets link into the URL field.
6. Optional: add a second action → “Show Notification.”
7. Tap Next → turn off “Ask Before Running.”
8. Tap Done. Your iPhone will now open your tracker at the scheduled time.

How to Set It Up (Android – Assistant or Widget)

• Option A: Use Google Assistant Routine
  • Open Google Assistant settings.
  • Create a routine triggered at a specific time.
  • Add action: “Open website” → paste your tracker link.
• Option B: Add a Chrome shortcut to your home screen
  • Open your Google Sheet in Chrome.
  • Tap the 3-dot menu → “Add to Home screen.”
  • Name it something like “Habit Tracker.”
• Option C: Use an automation app (optional)
  • Install Do It Later or MacroDroid.
  • Set a scheduled task to open your Google Sheets link.

Why This Works

Unlike Calendar or Tasks, shortcuts take action. They don’t just notify you — they launch the tracker. That’s one less step between reminder and behavior.

You can set the timing, message, and icon. Some phones let you stack triggers (e.g. open sheet and show message), and it all runs without needing a new app.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fastest way to open your tracker	Setup takes a few steps
Fully customizable: timing, sound, icon	Android behavior varies by device
Feels like a dedicated app	Notifications can be missed if turned off

GoToBetter says it like this: “If motivation fades by morning, build a shortcut that skips the part where you have to remember.”

Shortcuts are ideal for action-first people who want fewer steps, less friction, and a way to start tracking without opening an app menu or calendar. Once it’s set up, your phone does the remembering for you.

Which Reminder Style Works Best for Me?

Before you pick a method and set it up, ask yourself this: What kind of reminder actually works on me when I’m tired, distracted, or in motion?

Because the best system isn’t the fanciest — it’s the one your brain will respond to without resistance. Below is a quick self-check to help you choose the right reminder style based on how you naturally react to nudges.

GoToBetter says it like this: “The best reminder system is the one you’ll actually notice — not the one that looks the most organized.”

Once you’ve chosen your style, go back and follow the setup steps for that method. Give it a test run for three days. Don’t tweak. Just observe. Most of the time, consistency isn’t about finding the perfect system — it’s about removing the decision fatigue around when to show up.

And if your needs change later? You’ve now got three flexible tools ready to adapt with you.

What If I Want Weekly, Conditional, or Advanced Reminders?

If you’ve tested the three main methods and feel like you need something more flexible — like reminders that only trigger on certain days, or alerts based on data inside your sheet — there are upgrade paths that don’t require full-on coding.

Here are a few options to explore if you want to take things further, without switching tools or installing a dozen apps.

Option 1: Use Weekly or Custom Repeats in Calendar or Tasks

You can already adjust timing without any extra tools. In both Google Calendar and Tasks, change your repeat settings to:

• Weekly (e.g. every Monday and Thursday)
• Every X days (e.g. every 3 days)
• Specific days only (e.g. weekdays, weekends)

This lets you pace your habit tracking based on energy, cycle, or work rhythm — not just a strict daily pattern.

Option 2: Use Make.com (No-Code Automation)

Make.com is a drag-and-drop automation tool that connects Google Sheets to other apps. You can build a simple scenario like this:

• Trigger: A row in your habit tracker matches a certain value (e.g. “missed 3 days”)
• Action: Send an email, ping your phone via webhook, or even create a Calendar event

This lets you build conditional reminders — for example, only alerting you when your tracker hasn’t been touched in 48 hours.

It’s more advanced, yes — but still no-code. And it can grow with your system later if you want to automate more behavior patterns.

Option 3: Light Use of Google Apps Script

If you’re comfortable copying a script and pasting it into the Script Editor, you can set up timed email alerts or calendar events directly from Google Sheets. Example:

• A script that checks if your tracker has empty rows
• If true, sends a reminder email to your Gmail account

We won’t go deep here because it’s outside the “no apps, no code” promise of this article — but if you’re curious, it’s a great next step. Just search: “Google Apps Script daily email from sheet” to find copy-paste examples.

GoToBetter says it like this: “Start with simple nudges. If you ever want to build a smarter system — you’ve already built the habit of checking in.”

For 90% of people, Calendar + Tasks + Shortcuts are enough to build real consistency. But it’s good to know that your Google Sheets habit tracker can evolve with you — from gentle reminders to full-on behavior automation, when you’re ready.

GoToBetter says it like this: “Start simple. Add complexity only if you’re solving a real problem — not chasing a perfect system.”

You’ve now seen every reliable method for setting reminders that actually help you use your Google Sheets habit tracker consistently — without switching apps, writing code, or overthinking the tech.

Let’s wrap with one last recap and a shortcut to the free tools you can start using right now.

Final Recap + Free Tools

Three methods. One goal: make your habit tracker show up without needing to remember it.

Method	Tool	Reminder Type
1	Google Calendar	Event notification with direct link
2	Google Tasks	Checklist item that repeats daily
3	Phone Shortcut	One-tap launcher that opens tracker

Use whichever fits your brain best. All three are free, fast to set up, and flexible enough to evolve with you.

Want a system that works right out of the box?

The Free Google Sheets Habit Tracker Kit includes:

• A no-setup Google Sheets habit tracker that lets you track up to 30 habits with one click — complete with visual progress bars
• Two printable habit trackers: a minimalist daily grid and a visual 30-day circle

This is more than just a spreadsheet — it’s a flexible habit system for both digital and paper people. Whether you’re starting small or starting over, it’s made to fit you.

Get the Free Google Sheets Habit Tracker Kit:

 

If you’re setting up your own habit system in Google Sheets, this article is just one part of a bigger picture. We built a full guide to help you create a complete, low-friction habit tracking system — including how to structure your sheet, choose habits that actually stick, and avoid the trap of overcomplication.

You can read the full guide here: The Ultimate Guide to Google Sheets Habit Tracking.

Looking for a more advanced tracker that includes reflection, streak tracking, and built-in growth systems?

Check out the Ultimate Habit Tracker — our most complete Google Sheets tool for serious habit builders. No apps, no subscriptions — just a system that works.

You can also browse the full shop here: GoToBetter Habit Tracker Shop.

GoToBetter says it like this: “There’s no right way to track habits. But there is a way that fits you. Start there — and let the reminders do the rest.”