What is IFTTT?
IFTTT stands for “If This Then That”. It is a free web-based service that connects different apps and systems together. For example, you can have an event on a calendar trigger an SMS message to a family member. IFTTT is a very useful website for people who use a lot of online apps and devices to automate their daily tasks. IFTTT works as a decision tree where your devices, apps, and services are the branches, and the outcomes are the leaves. For example, if your coffee machine detects that the grounds are wet, it can send a notification to your smartphone.
How does IFTTT work?
IFTTT works by connecting apps, devices, and websites together by “triggers” and “actions.” For example, you can have a trigger to post a photo to your Instagram account every time you take a new picture with your smartphone. An action could be to send you a reminder when you’re running late for a meeting. There are hundreds of different trigger and action combinations you can use. You can also create your own custom applets by combining different triggers and actions. You can create applets that use services like Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, or even Google Home. You can also create applets with services that allow you to control other devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Nest, or Philips Hue.
Benefits of using IFTTT
- Save time and effort with smart automation.
- Make your life easier with helpful reminders.
- Connect your devices and apps together.
- Create simple custom workflows.
- Keep your life in sync across different devices.
- Create digital shortcuts for repetitive tasks.
- Create a more connected and automated home.
How to create an applet
Creating an IFTTT applet is easy. Simply select the trigger, the action, and any extra details you'd like. IFTTT gives you the option to save your applet as a recipe in case you want to revisit it later.
- Choose a trigger - There are many different triggers you can choose from depending on what you want your applet to do.
- Choose an action - There are tons of different actions you can choose from that vary depending on what you want your applet to actually do.
- Add any extra details - You can add any extra details that you think might help you remember your applet later.
- Save your applet - Once you’re happy with your applet, you can save it by giving it a name, adding a note, and/or saving it as a recipe.
Examples of IFTTT applets
- Automatically save your Instagram highlights to Evernote.
- Get a daily digest of your Google Calendar events.
- Send a text when your flight is delayed.
- Receive a notification when your Nest thermostat detects a change in temperature.
- Get a notification when the weather forecast changes.
- And much more!
IFTTT alternatives
- Zapier - Connects to more than 750 apps and services, including Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, Instagram, and more.
- Stringify - Works with many of the same services as IFTTT and offers a visual interface where you can create applets by dragging and dropping elements.
- If By Mood - Helps you track your mood and creates an automatic "if" statement to help create a happier mood.
- Do Now - Helps you create a to-do list and reminds you to do certain tasks at specific times.
- Wappwolf - Helps you save time by turning your emails into to-do lists, create calendar events from emails, and more.
IFTTT best practices
- Before creating an applet, make sure each trigger and action is compatible.
- Double-check that the services you want to use are compatible.
- Test your applet to make sure it works as expected.
- Keep your applets as simple as possible.
- Keep each applet focused on one action and one trigger.
- Create a system where each trigger leads to one and only one action.
- Create applets that save you time and effort.
- Create applets that are useful and make your life easier.
- Create applets that are easy to understand and use. - Create applets that make you and others more productive.
- Create applets that make your digital life more connected and automated.
