If you have a bunch of smart home devices that don't talk to each other, you might feel like you're living in a dumb home instead. But don't worry, there's a solution: IFTTT. IFTTT stands for If This Then That, and it's a free service that lets you create simple rules to automate your devices and apps. In this blog post, I'll show you how to use IFTTT to make your smart home smarter and more fun.
What is IFTTT and how does it work?
IFTTT is a web-based platform that connects different services and devices using applets. Applets are like recipes that tell IFTTT what to do when something happens. For example, you can create an applet that turns on your smart lights when you arrive home, or sends you an email when your security camera detects motion.
To use IFTTT, you need to create an account and link your services and devices. You can choose from hundreds of services and devices that work with IFTTT, such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Philips Hue, Nest, Spotify, Twitter, and more. You can also create your own applets using the IFTTT app or website.
How to use IFTTT to automate your smart home devices
Once you have linked your services and devices, you can start creating applets to automate your smart home devices. Here are some examples of what you can do with IFTTT:
- Turn on your smart lights when the sun sets
- Adjust your thermostat when you leave or arrive home
- Play music on your smart speaker when you wake up
- Get notified when your laundry is done
- Post a tweet when your doorbell rings
- Water your plants when the weather is dry
- And much more!
To create an applet, follow these steps:
- Go to the IFTTT app or website and click on Create.
- Click on +This to choose a trigger service. This is the service that will start the applet when something happens.
- Choose a trigger from the list of options. For example, if you want to turn on your smart lights when the sun sets, choose Weather Underground as the trigger service and Sunset as the trigger.
- Click on +That to choose an action service. This is the service that will perform an action when the trigger happens.
- Choose an action from the list of options. For example, if you want to turn on your smart lights when the sun sets, choose Philips Hue as the action service and Turn on lights as the action.
- Customize the action settings if needed. For example, you can choose which lights to turn on and what color or brightness they should have.
- Click on Finish to save and activate your applet.
You can also browse and use existing applets created by other users or by IFTTT partners. Just go to the Explore tab in the app or website and search for keywords related to your smart home devices.
Tips and tricks for using IFTTT
- Use multiple triggers or actions in one applet. You can do this by using the +And button in the applet editor. For example, you can create an applet that turns on your smart lights and plays music on your smart speaker when you arrive home.
- Use filters to add conditions or logic to your applets. You can do this by using the Filter code button in the applet editor. For example, you can create an applet that only turns on your smart lights if it's after 6 pm.
- Use variables to add dynamic data to your applets. You can do this by using the Add ingredient button in the action settings. For example, you can create an applet that sends you an email with the temperature and humidity when your smart thermostat changes mode.
- Use widgets to run applets with a tap of a button. You can do this by using the Button widget service as a trigger or action in your applets. For example, you can create an applet that runs a scene on your smart lights with a widget on your phone's home screen.
IFTTT is a powerful tool that can help you automate your smart home devices and make them work together seamlessly. With IFTTT, you can create endless possibilities for making your home smarter and more fun. Try it!
