If you own an iPhone, you are walking around with a powerful personal assistant in your pocket—but chances are, you aren’t using it to its full potential. We aren’t talking about Siri just setting a timer. We are talking about iPhone automation.
Most users perform the same repetitive tasks every day: toggling Wi-Fi when leaving the house, sending the same “I’m on my way” text, or fumbling through menus to extend battery life. What if your phone did this for you automatically?
This guide will walk you through the Apple Shortcuts app and the hidden power of iOS automation. By the end of this post, you will have a phone that works for you, not the other way around.
What Is iPhone Automation?
At the heart of iPhone automation is the Shortcuts app. Pre-installed on all modern iOS devices, this app allows you to create “scripts” that perform specific actions.
There are two main types of automation you need to know:
- Standard Shortcuts: These are push-button triggers. You tap a widget or ask Siri, and the phone executes a chain of commands (e.g., “Heading Home” sends your ETA to your spouse and starts a podcast).
- Personal Automations: These run automatically in the background without you touching a thing. They are triggered by events like Time of Day, Location, or Battery Level.
Why Should You Care?
- Focus: Automatically silence notifications when you arrive at the office.
- Battery Life: Squeeze extra hours out of your phone by automating Low Power Mode.
- Safety: Hands-free actions while driving.
Top 3 Beginner Automations to Try Right Now
If you have never opened the Shortcuts app, start here. These are simple, high-impact automations that require zero coding knowledge.
1. The “Battery Saver” Protocol
Stop worrying about your phone dying. You can set your iPhone to automatically enter Low Power Mode before it hits the critical 20% mark.
- Open Shortcuts App > Tap Automation at the bottom.
- Tap New Automation > Scroll down to Battery Level.
- Move the slider to 40% (or your preferred level) and select “Falls Below 40%.”
- Select Run Immediately (important so it doesn’t ask for permission).
- Tap Next > Search for “Set Low Power Mode” > Ensure it says “Turn On.”
- Result: Your phone now automatically conserves energy without nagging you.
2. The “Auto-DJ” for Your Commute
Stop fumbling with apps when you get in the car. This automation detects when your phone connects to your car’s Bluetooth or CarPlay.
- Create a New Automation > Select Bluetooth or CarPlay.
- Choose your car’s device name.
- Action: Open App (Select Spotify/Apple Music) or Play Music.
- Result: Music starts the moment you buckle up.
3. The “Silent Night” Routine
Don’t let notification pings ruin your sleep. While “Sleep Focus” exists, you can customize it further with automation.
- Create a New Automation > Select Time of Day (e.g., 10:30 PM).
- Action 1: Set Volume to 0%.
- Action 2: Set Brightness to 10%.
- Result: Your phone is physically dimmed and silenced, regardless of what app you are using.
Advanced Tricks: Action Button and NFC Tags
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, you have the Action Button. While it defaults to silencing the phone, you can map it to a Shortcut.
Power User Tip: Map the Action Button to a “Menu” Shortcut. When you press the button, a menu pops up asking if you want to:
- Open the Camera
- Turn on the Flashlight
- Start a Voice Memo
- Open your To-Do list
NFC Tags: The Physical Trigger
You can buy cheap NFC stickers online and stick them around your house.
- By the door: Tap your phone to the tag to turn off all smart lights.
- On the washing machine: Tap the tag to set a 60-minute timer.
- On your desk: Tap to enable “Work Focus” mode.
Comparison: Built-in Shortcuts vs. Third-Party Apps
You might have heard of apps like IFTTT (If This Then That) or Zapier. How do they compare to Apple’s native offering?
| Feature | Apple Shortcuts | IFTTT (Third Party) |
| Cost | Free (Built-in) | Freemium (Subscription for advanced features) |
| System Access | Deep (Controls toggle settings, alarms, brightness) | Limited (Cannot change system settings like brightness) |
| Smart Home | Great for HomeKit devices | Excellent for Alexa / Google Home devices |
| Trigger Types | Location, App open, Battery, NFC, Time | Web hooks, RSS feeds, Cross-platform events |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (Drag and drop blocks) | Easy (Simple “If this, then that” logic) |
| Reliability | High (Runs locally on device) | Moderate (Relies on internet connection) |
Verdict: For changing settings on your phone (alarms, battery, apps), use Shortcuts. For connecting web services (e.g., “Save every Instagram photo I like to Dropbox”), use IFTTT.
Pros and Cons of iPhone Automation
Before you spend hours building complex scripts, it is important to know the limitations.
Pros:
- Efficiency: Removes friction from daily tasks.
- Customization: Makes your iPhone feel unique to your workflow.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with Apple Watch and iPad.
- Safety: Reduces screen time and distraction while driving or working.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: The interface can be intimidating for non-tech users.
- Bugs: Occasionally, location-based automations may fail if the GPS signal is weak.
- “Ask to Run”: Some security-sensitive actions (like unlocking a smart door) still require you to tap “Confirm” on the screen, which defeats the purpose of full automation.
Conclusion
iPhone automation is no longer just for tech geeks. With the updates in iOS 18 and beyond, the Shortcuts app has become accessible and essential for anyone looking to save time.
Start small. Set up the Battery Saver automation today. Once you see how nice it is to have your phone handle the small stuff, you’ll be looking for new ways to automate your life. Your iPhone costs a premium price—make sure you are using its premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does using Shortcuts and Automation drain my battery?
Generally, no. In fact, they often save battery if you use them to automate Low Power Mode or turn off Wi-Fi when you leave home. However, complex automations that constantly poll for your GPS location in the background can have a minor impact on battery life.
2. Why do my automations ask me to “Run” instead of doing it automatically?
This is a security feature. However, you can often bypass this. Inside the automation settings, look for a toggle switch labeled “Ask Before Running.” Turn this OFF. If you don’t see this option, it means Apple has restricted that specific trigger (like unlocking a door) for safety reasons.
3. Can I share my Shortcuts with friends?
Yes! If you build a cool Shortcut (like a tip calculator or an image resizer), you can tap the “Share” icon inside the Shortcuts app. This generates an iCloud link that you can text to a friend. When they click it, the Shortcut instantly installs on their phone.
