Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 7
    How-To Guides
    Intermediate
    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Home Automation with IFTTT and Smart Routines

    Connect your smart devices and apps to work together automatically.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    7
    Topics covered
    automation
    ifttt
    smart-home
    productivity
    technology

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.What is IFTTT?
    2. 2.Get started
    3. 3.Browse pre-made applets
    4. 4.Create your own
    5. 5.Smart home examples
    6. 6.Productivity examples
    7. 7.Native alternatives
    1

    What is IFTTT?

    ~15s
    IFTTT (If This Then That) connects different apps and devices. When something happens (trigger), it automatically does something else (action). Example: "If it starts raining, turn on the porch lights."
    2

    Get started

    ~15s
    Visit ifttt.com or download the app. Create a free account. The free plan allows 2 custom applets plus unlimited pre-made applets from the gallery.
    3

    Browse pre-made applets

    ~15s
    Search the Explore page for ready-to-use automations: "Turn off lights when I leave home." "Save Instagram photos to Google Drive." "Get a daily weather forecast." Enable with one tap.
    4

    Create your own

    ~15s
    Click Create > If This: choose a trigger (location, time, device). Then That: choose an action (send notification, control smart home, post to social media). Name it and enable.
    5

    Smart home examples

    ~15s
    "If I arrive home, turn on the living room lights." "If motion detected at the front door after 10 PM, flash all lights." "If smoke alarm goes off, unlock all doors and turn on lights."
    6

    Productivity examples

    ~15s
    "If I'm tagged in a Facebook photo, save it to Google Drive." "If I add a task in Todoist, create a calendar event." "If it's 8 AM Monday, send me my weekly agenda."
    7

    Native alternatives

    ~15s
    Apple HomeKit automations, Google Home routines, and Amazon Alexa routines are built into their ecosystems and may be simpler. IFTTT is best for connecting devices and apps across different ecosystems.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: Home Automation with IFTTT and Smart Routines

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    automation
    ifttt
    smart-home
    productivity
    technology

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobalHow-To GeekAARP Technology Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Set Up and Use a VPN

    Next →

    Best Podcast Apps Compared

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

    A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

    Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

    3 min read

    How to Record Your Screen

    Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

    3 min read