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Fix Microsoft To Do iPhone Widget Says List No Longer Exists

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where the Microsoft To Do lock-screen widget on their iPhone shows an error indicating the selected list no longer exists, even though the list is still present in the app.

Product: Microsoft To Do
Device & OS: iOS
Scenario: Viewing tasks via the iPhone lock-screen widget
Observed behavior: The widget fails to display tasks and instead shows an error message stating that the selected list no longer exists.

Before you start

Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable internet connection and that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account within the To Do app.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove and Recreate the Widget

Removing the malfunctioning widget and adding it back forces it to re-establish a connection with your task lists.

Widgets can sometimes lose synchronization with the main app due to background refreshing errors. A quick way to resolve this is by setting up the widget from scratch.

Remove the current widget

Long-press the lock screen on your iPhone to enter edit mode, then tap the minus icon on the Microsoft To Do widget to remove it.

Add the widget again

Tap the '+' icon in the top corner to add a new widget, search for Microsoft To Do, and select your preferred widget size.

Select the correct list

Once added, tap the new widget while still in edit mode to choose the specific task list you want it to display.

Solution 2

Verify List Status and Enable Background Refresh

Ensure the list is still active in the app and that iOS is permitted to refresh the widget's data in the background.

Solution 3

Update Apps and Restart Device

Outdated software can cause widget compatibility issues. Updating ensures you have the latest bug fixes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone widget say the list no longer exists?

This error typically occurs when the widget loses sync with the Microsoft To Do app. It can happen if the list was renamed or moved, if background app refresh is disabled, or due to a temporary caching bug in iOS.

Will deleting the Microsoft To Do widget delete my lists?

No. Removing a widget from your iPhone's home screen or lock screen only removes the visual shortcut. Your lists and tasks are safely stored in the app and your Microsoft account.

How do I force Microsoft To Do to sync on my iPhone?

Open the Microsoft To Do app, go to the main screen showing all your lists, and swipe down from the top of the screen until you see a loading spinner. This forces the app to sync its data with the cloud.

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