So, for instance, if you wanted your smart lights to turn on automatically whenever you arrived home, you could do it by connecting your smart lights app to your mobile device’s GPS via IFTTT. IFTTT stands for “If This Then That,” where “This” represents a primary app and “That” represents a secondary connected app. When an action takes place on the primary app, the secondary connected app is automatically triggered to also take some sort of action. Confused? Don’t worry, it’s easier to understand than you might think when you start using IFTTT for yourself.
How IFTTT Works
You use IFTTT by searching for or creating something called an “applet” (formerly called a recipe). An applet is simply a conditional statement – hence the name, If This Then That. Once added or created, the applet creates a chain reaction between at least two of your apps. IFTTT has a vast library of existing applets created by other users you can use with your own apps. Alternatively, you can create your own applet from scratch. Some of the most popular apps that can work with IFTTT include: You can see the full list of apps IFTTT supports here. In addition to popular web apps, IFTTT can also connect to certain smart appliances from GE, Samsung, LG, and other brands.
Who Uses IFTTT?
IFTTT can be used by anyone who uses several different apps or web services on one or multiple devices, or with one or multiple smart appliances. It’s an ideal service for anyone looking to cut down on manual, technologically-driven tasks by automating them.
How to Get Started With IFTTT
IFTTT is free to use and only requires an email address, a password, and a username to sign up for an account. You can do this from a web browser at IFTTT.com or by downloading IFTTT for iOS or Android devices.
How to Use IFTTT
Using IFTTT is as simple as thinking of all app and gadget tasks you perform on a daily basis and asking yourself which ones would be so much more convenient to automate. Then all you have to do is make sure those apps and/or gadgets are supported by IFTTT by searching for them. Let’s say you don’t always remember to check the weather forecast and want to be better prepared when it rains. You could use IFTTT to automatically send you an email if the weather forecast predicts rain for the next day. You only need an IFTTT-supported weather app and the default email app on your mobile device to set up an applet and receive emails any time rain is expected.
Option 1: Use an Existing IFTTT Applet
There are all sorts of applets that have already been created by other users so you don’t have to go through the hassle of setting them up yourself.
Option 2: Create Your Own IFTTT Applet
If you can’t find a particular applet that’s already been created or you want yours to be private, you can easily make one in as little as a minute.
