Apps for Automating Routine Tasks on Android and iOS

Even the smallest tasks can chip away at your time and focus. For instance, stopping your work to turn on your lights is distracting.

Fortunately, automation apps are here to take over such routine tasks so you can focus on what matters. You can use them to schedule messages, control smart home devices, or launch playlists.

And the best part? Most of these apps are free and available on your Android or iOS device. Here are four of the best apps for automating your daily routines.

IFTTT

If This Then That (IFTTT) is the go-to app for beginners looking to automate simple but time-consuming tasks.

It has an intuitive interface and thousands of ready-made “applets.” Applets are small automation scripts that connect two or more services (triggers and actions) to perform a task. They work based on the simple logic: If This Happens, Then Do That. For example:

• If the weather forecast says rain,
• Then, send me a push notification to pack an umbrella.

This way, you can connect your favorite apps and devices to work together seamlessly.

Want to mute your phone when you enter the office? Automatically save Instagram posts to Google Drive?

Or receive a weather forecast every morning at 7 AM? IFTTT makes it happen, and you don’t need to write a single line of code. It supports integrations with platforms like Gmail, Twitter, Alexa, and even smart appliances.

Shortcuts (iOS Only)

This is for iPhone and iPad users. Shortcuts is an in-built app for creating custom routines triggered by time, location, app usage, or voice commands via Siri.

With Shortcuts, you can auto-text your arrival time when you leave work, dim the lights when you start a Netflix binge or combine calendar alerts with music playlists.

It integrates smoothly with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing you to get more out of apps like Safari, Maps, Calendar, Spotify, and Apple Music. You also don’t need coding experience to use it.

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Tasker (Android Only)

If you love to customize every inch of your Android device, Tasker is the app for you.

It’s an automation app that goes beyond simple routines to provide system-level control. However, it is more complex than IFTTT and Shortcuts.

Tasker lets you create custom “profiles” that trigger actions based on specific conditions such as location, time, battery level, or the state of another app.

For example, you could set your phone to go silent when you enter a lecture hall, turn on Wi-Fi when you arrive home, or dim the screen after 10 PM on weekdays.

Unlike many automation apps, Tasker doesn’t rely on cloud services. It works locally on your device. That means it’s not only fast and reliable but also respects your privacy.

While the learning curve is steeper, users who invest the time often find Tasker a powerful Android automation tool. It’s particularly popular among developers and tech enthusiasts.

MacroDroid

If Tasker feels too technical, MacroDroid is the ideal alternative. It brings powerful Android automation to your fingertips using a simple visual interface perfect for beginners.

With MacroDroid, you can create “macros” that consist of a trigger, an action, and optional constraints.

For example, you can set your phone to automatically read incoming texts aloud when you’re driving or toggle silent mode when you place the phone face-down on a table. It also supports automation for battery-saving routines, data backups, and app launching.

The app features pre-built templates for common tasks, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Experienced users can build highly customized macros using logic conditions and multiple triggers.

Comparison Table for the Best Automation Apps

Apps	Platform	Key Features	Pricing
IFTTT	Android/iOS	Applets, cross-platform automation, smart home integration, no coding required	Free basic plan; Premium for advanced features
Shortcuts	iOS (built-in)	Voice-triggered routines, app integrations (Maps, Safari), time/location triggers	Free (included with iOS)
Tasker	Android	Advanced automation, local device control, app launching, custom profiles	Paid app (one-time purchase)
MacroDroid	Android	Visual macro builder, templates, gesture triggers, power-saving routines	Free with an optional premium upgrade

Benefits of Using Automation Apps

Automation apps help users to reclaim time and build smarter routines. They are useful for both personal and work tasks.

Here are some benefits of automation apps:

• Enhance convenience by automating daily tasks like texting, muting your phone, or adjusting settings. If you are a shopper, you can make your life easier by downloading the Dollar Tree Compass mobile app for smartphones. The application helps you find the nearest Dollar Tree store, make a shopping list, and search for special deals.
• Save time by eliminating repetitive manual tasks.
• Boost productivity by creating custom workflows that fit your routine.
• Reduce errors.
• Improve digital well-being by setting limits or reminders automatically.
• Sync your smart home to your lifestyle by automating lights, alarms, and more.
• Customize everything from messages to app launching.

Final Thoughts

Automation through mobile apps is changing how we manage our daily tasks for the better. By embracing it, you offload forgettable jobs to your smart devices.

You can send texts hands-free, change your phone’s settings based on your schedule, or build custom workflows in a few taps.

There’s a tool for every user. So, take your time to find the app that suits your needs.