What Is IFTTT?

IFTTT (If This Then That) is an automation platform that connects hundreds of apps and services — letting them trigger actions in other apps automatically. The basic logic is simple: when something happens in one app (the trigger), automatically do something in another app (the action). No coding required.

Examples of What IFTTT Can Do

  • Save every photo you post on Instagram to Google Drive automatically
  • Get a notification when the weather forecast shows rain tomorrow
  • Add events from Facebook to your Google Calendar
  • Turn smart lights on when you arrive home
  • Post a tweet automatically when you publish a new blog post
  • Log every song you Shazam to a Google Sheets spreadsheet
  • Receive a daily email with the weather forecast

Getting Started

  1. 1

    Create a free account at ifttt.com

    Sign up at ifttt.com (free tier allows 5 Applets; paid plans allow more). Download the IFTTT app on your phone for location-based automations.

  2. 2

    Browse ready-made Applets

    Click Explore and search for services you use (Gmail, Instagram, Spotify, Google Drive, Philips Hue, Slack etc). Thousands of pre-built Applets are available. Click any Applet → Connect → authorise the required services. The Applet runs automatically from that point.

  3. 3

    Create your own Applet

    Click Create. Click “If This” to choose a trigger service and event. Click “Then That” to choose the action service and what it should do. Fill in any required fields. Click Finish. Your automation is now live.

  4. 4

    Connect services

    IFTTT needs permission to access each service you use. When you first use a service, IFTTT walks you through authorisation. Each service is connected once — all Applets using that service then work automatically.

Alternatives to IFTTTMake (formerly Integromat) is more powerful for complex automations. Zapier is popular for business workflow automation. n8n is a free, self-hosted option. Apple Shortcuts (iPhone) handles on-device automations without a third-party service. For simple two-step automations, IFTTT’s free tier is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

IFTTT has a free tier that allows 5 active Applets. The Pro tier (~$3.99/month) removes the Applet limit and adds multi-step Applets, faster execution and filter code. The Pro+ tier (~$12.50/month) adds AI features. For most personal automations, the free tier or Pro is sufficient. The free tier changed significantly in 2020 when IFTTT reduced it from unlimited to 5 Applets.
IFTTT is a well-established, reputable service used by millions. It uses OAuth for service connections — meaning it never sees your passwords, only receives permission tokens. Review what permissions each service connection grants — IFTTT typically requests the minimum needed for the automation. As with any third-party service, there is a degree of trust involved. Review connected services periodically and revoke any you no longer use.