How to create IFTTT automations on Android - and why you should

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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.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET 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.