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How to create IFTTT automations on Android – and why you should
Android is good at helping you get through your daily grind without doing everything manually. You can use Google Assistant or Gemini to set alarms, message people, create calendar events, and more.
But what if you need more automation for your Android device? Maybe you want to design custom automations for specific tasks or connect your phone to various services or smart devices for even more possibilities.
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If that sounds like you, then let me introduce you to an app called IFTTT. With this app, you can create automations for things like muting your phone at bedtime, updating your wallpaper with NASA photos, creating a shared shopping list, sending a notification when the device battery gets low, or whatever else you need help with.
IFTTT works by creating automations that depend on if this then that statements. For example, if it’s 10 PM then mute my phone. The newer versions of IFTTT also allow you to use artificial intelligence (AI) and create a new automation by typing a prompt. So, instead of having to set your if this then that building blocks, you open the AI section and either write out your prompt or tap the mic button and speak.
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Either way, it’s easy to create new automations for specific tasks. And there’s no limit to what you can automate. With creativity, you can get IFTTT to do some cool things.
IFTTT is installed from the Google Play Store and is free to use. The free version allows for two applets, DIY or published apps, unlimited app runs, free mobile app access, and no-code integrations. There’s a Pro version ($35/annually) that gives you 20 applets and faster applet speeds, and a Pro+ version ($150/annually) that gives you unlimited apps. You can compare the different plans in the IFTTT pricing matrix.
Let me show you how to create your first automation with IFTTT.
How to create your first IFTTT automation
What you’ll need: To follow along, you’ll need an Android device with IFTTT installed. You’ll also need to create an IFTTT account (you can use your Google account for this step). However, don’t worry, there’s no need for a credit card (unless you decide to upgrade to the Pro or Pro+ plan). Let’s get to work.
Let’s assume you’ve already installed IFTTT (tap Install in the Google Play Store entry).
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Once you’ve taken care of that step, open the IFTTT app, walk through the welcome, and then log in with your account of choice (Google, Apple, email, etc).
At the bottom of the IFTTT window, tap the Create button in the center.
The possibilities with IFTTT are endless.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
In the Classic tab, tap the Add button associated with the If This block.
You can also jump to the AI section and create your automation from a prompt.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Scroll through the listed services until you find the one that can be used for the If This block. For example, you might want to create an automation that sends someone a message saying you’ve arrived home.
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For that request, tap the Location service. After tapping the service, you’ll then be prompted to specify what triggers the action. For the Location service, you can select from:
- You enter an area
- You exit an area
- You enter or exit an area
You can also suggest a new trigger for the block. Tap “You enter an area”, locate the area to be used, and tap Continue.
You’ll find a large selection of trigger services.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Next, tap the Add button associated with Then That. The service listing will appear again. Tap Gmail and then tap “Send an email”. In the resulting window, add a recipient address, customize the subject and body (if needed), and tap Continue.
You can either send the message to someone in your contacts or to yourself.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You should now see both your If This and Then That blocks are ready. Tap Continue and then tap Finish.
If you pay for the Pro or Pro+ plans, there are other options that can be added.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Your first IFTTT automation is complete and will automatically go into action as soon as your If This is triggered.
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And that’s how you use IFTTT. However, I will give you one warning about this app — it’s such a great tool that you might become dependent on it. In fact, after a while, you might wonder why Google hasn’t baked this app directly into Android.
Yeah, it’s that good.
