IFTTT—“If This Then That” is a platform where you can automate your routines. You’ll be surprised how the app lets you be hands-free when used to automate file backups, notification delivery, data collection, daily social routines, smart home devices, and much more.
Curious about how IFTTT can boost your productivity and simplify your life? Here’s how it works.
What Is the IFTTT App? How Does It Work?
IFTTT is a no-code online tool for automating the apps and services you use daily. If you’re able to think of a task that you do regularly, there’s a good chance that you can automate it with IFTTT. Some tasks you can automate with the IFTTT app include, but are not limited to:
To automate an app or service, you only need to connect it with an individual workflow called an Applet on the IFTTT app. You can access the IFTTT app via the browser or use the mobile app for iOS or Android. The steps are mostly the same across platforms.
Once connected, you’ll create a Trigger for the connected app or service. A Trigger is an event that causes an Applet to run. You’ll have to back a Trigger with an Action. An Action in IFTTT is the task an Applet executes in response to a Trigger.
IFTTT offers a free plan that allows you to create up to two Applets with limited service coverage. If you need more Applets, you’re able to opt for the $2.5/month subscription that allows you to create up to 20 Applets with extended service coverage.
For more advanced features, you’re able to choose the $5/month subscription that includes AI services, prioritized customer support, and the flexibility to create unlimited Applets.
Download: IFTTT forAndroid|iOS(Free, in-app purchases available)
How to Create Custom Automation Tasks in IFTTT
This example involves automating cross-posting from your Facebook Page to LinkedIn. Apart from a few app or service-specific differences, the following steps work generally for any task you want to automate with IFTTT.
To begin, log in to theIFTTT websitevia the browser on your computer. Create an account if you’ve not already done so. You’ll also be able to replicate the steps on Android or iOS since IFTTT is cross-platform.
Once logged in:
How to Automate a Task Using IFTTT Templates
You can also use IFTTT templates shared by other users to automate your tasks. For example, IFTTT features manypublic Android and iOS Appletsyou can use freely.
Let’s use an existing template that helps youwrite online survey responses to a spreadsheet in real-time. This template updates a Google spreadsheet with Google Forms responses in real-time.
To use this template:
Automate Tasks on the Go
You can explore the versatility of IFTTT to any level your imagination can cover. Besides linking apps in an Applet, you can link IFTTT Applets together creatively. However, while IFTTT is a versatile automation tool, you might still encounter limitations like unsupported services or apps. You might also want to explore other alternatives if IFTTT doesn’t support a service or an app you want to automate.
