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    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.

    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.

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    Home Automation with IFTTT and Smart Routines — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure