You may have heard of it, or maybe not: If This Then That. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. We'll explain what it is and what you can do with it!
What is IFTTT?
If This Then That literally translates to If This Then That. This means that when a certain condition (the 'This') is met, something else is triggered (the 'That'). This allows you to automate all kinds of functions. You can connect functions and devices to each other, so that they respond to triggers. You do this by creating Applets, a kind of recipe for the IFTTT. We understand that this still sounds a bit abstract, so we will explain it with an example:
An Applet could be: When the pizza is almost delivered, turn on the outside light. For this you need an app that indicates where your pizza is and smart home lighting. When your device receives the pizza nearby, this will trigger the outside light to turn on.
Another example: If it's going to rain tomorrow, send an email. If your device sees via the Weather app that it's going to rain, it will automatically send an email.
IFTTT has hundreds of existing Applets that you can take over, but you can also set up your own Applets that fit your needs. IFTTT works with apps like Facebook, Twitter, Google Drive, Google Docs, Gmail, Dropbox, Pocket, Instapaper, Trello, Slack, Todoist, Google Calendar, Evernote, Instagram, OneNote, WordPress, YouTube and more.
How do you use IFTTT?
That all sounds pretty handy, right? You can use IFTTT via both the app and the website, both of which are free. On the site, you will need to log in to your accounts for online services, such as Facebook or Gmail. You can then create Applets or browse popular Applets. The IFTTT app works the same way, but offers a few extra features, such as linking your address book, your Photos app, and your GPS location. This allows you to receive messages when you are at a specific location, for example, or save your local photos somewhere else.
Five useful IFTTT tips
Now that you know how IFTTT works, all you need to do is create useful and fun Applets. No idea where to start? We'll give you five tips for inspiration!
- You know how it is: Lost your iPhone , but it's on silent. If calling doesn't help, how are you going to find it quickly? With IFTTT you can set it so that when you send yourself an email (this), the volume of your phone goes up (that). Just call and you'll find it in no time. Too bad you can't call your keys...
- Do you also spend so much time keeping track of your working hours? With IFTTT, this can be done automatically by linking your (shared) calendar to your location. When you arrive at work or leave (this), your device will register this in your calendar (that). This way, you can easily check your hours at the end of the month.
- A beautiful snapshot of yourself as your new profile picture, but don't feel like changing it everywhere? With IFTTT you can change your profile picture on multiple channels with one action. If you change your profile picture on Facebook (this), you can set it to also happen on Instagram and Twitter (that). Let those likes come.
- There’s so much more you can automate when it comes to social media with IFTTT. For example, you can have your new YouTube video post to Facebook or Twitter, save photos you’re tagged in to your camera roll, or forward tweets with a certain hashtag to Facebook. All automatically.
- Are you blessed with a smart home? Then there are many Applets that you can create to connect your devices via IFTTT. For example, you can connect your location to your smart heating or lighting, so that they switch off when you leave and switch on when you are almost home. Would you rather not use your location? You can also send a message. A good tip to save energy. The environment and your wallet will be happy about that.
