The best automation tools to make your mobile device work for you | Your technology | Country

When I got home, the phone turned off the sound and went into vibration mode or turned off the screen as soon as the phone connected to the car Bluetooth. Did you know that your phone can perform time-saving actions autonomously without complicated settings? These automations have different names depending on the platform: “Applications” on Android or “Shortcuts” on iPhone. The possibilities offered by such a versatile tool are endless. How do you know if you’re getting value from it?

“I recommend separating the ways in which smartphone for example, if you are at home and not at the office or university,” explains Eduardo Marin, editor of Xataka Android. Mobile phones allow, according to Marin, to organize spaces dedicated to context: “if we are at work, we can automate this at certain times, depending on the location or the Wi-Fi network to which we are connected, we only receive notifications from certain applications or give priority to apps related to our work on the home screen,” he says.

For her part, Fran Besora, an Apple expert, suggests that the ideal is to “create them with the needs of each person in mind.” Besora invites the user to make a list of those tasks that he periodically performs in everyday life and automate them. In this way, automation can be perfectly adapted to everyday life, optimizing the use of the device according to personal habits.

There are plenty of automation tools you can implement to make your daily life easier, whether you use an iPhone or Android. Below we summarize some of the most useful ones, along with a brief description of their benefits and how to configure them on both operating systems.

Activate Do Not Disturb mode at specific times

This automation allows you to enjoy moments of peace without interruption, such as during sleep or important meetings. By programming Do Not Disturb mode, you can avoid unwanted calls and notifications, which is especially recommended during work hours when you want to switch off at home.

• iPhone: Use the Shortcuts app to automate actions based on the time of day. Go to Automation > Create Personal Automation > Time of Day and set the time you want. Then select the “Set up Do Not Disturb” action.
• Android: Android devices can use Google Assistant apps. Open Google Assistant, go to Applications and create a new routine based on time. Add the “Enable Do Not Disturb” action.

Optimize your Wi-Fi connection for better performance

It’s important to note that Apple recommends always turning on Wi-Fi to optimize battery life. According to Apple, “When your device is used with Wi-Fi, it uses less power than with a mobile data connection.” So, instead of turning Wi-Fi on or off, you can automate connections to your preferred networks for optimal performance.

• iPhone: Create an automation system that will prioritize connecting to your home Wi-Fi network upon arrival. Go to Automation > Create Personal Automation > Arrival and select an address. Add a Setup Wi-Fi action and make sure your device automatically connects to your preferred network.
• Android: In the Google Assistant Programs section, create a routine that, when you get home, will check and secure your connection to your home Wi-Fi network.

Silence your phone when entering work or class

Avoid awkward situations or unnecessary interruptions by automatically muting your phone in places where silence is required, such as work, school, or the movies.

• iPhone: In Shortcuts, create automations based on your connection to a specific Wi-Fi network, such as your office network. Select the Set up silent mode action and select Activate.
• Android: In Google Assistant apps, create a routine that activates when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network and add a “Switch to Silent” action.

To send a message notifying you that you are leaving work

Keep your loved ones informed without much effort. By automating the sending of a message when you leave work, selected contacts are notified that you are on your way; This shortcut can also be very interesting for keeping your children safe, for example when they are leaving a nightclub.

• iPhone: In the Shortcuts section, create an automation based on Leave Location. Add a Send Message action and customize the text and recipient.
• Android: Use Google Assistant programs or apps like Tasker to send a message when leaving a specific location.

Playing music when headphones are connected

Start enjoying your favorite music immediately without pressing a single button. This automation automatically plays your favorite playlist when you plug in your headphones, without the need to manually search for songs.

• iPhone: In Shortcuts, create an automation based on your device connection and select headphones. Add a Play Music action and select the list.
• Android: Use Google Assistant or apps like Automate to start music playback when you plug in your headphones.

Remove water from speakers

You can protect your device from possible moisture damage. If your phone has been in contact with water, this feature helps remove moisture from the speakers through vibration, thereby avoiding sound problems or corrosion.

• iPhone: There’s a shortcut called “Water Displacement” that generates 165Hz sound, causing the speakers to vibrate and displace water.
• Android: You can use apps like Speaker cleaner or Super speaker cleaner available in the Google Play store.

Convert web pages or documents to PDF

Makes it easier to read and store information. By converting web pages or documents to PDF, they can be easily read offline, archived, or shared while maintaining the original format.

• iPhone: A simple shortcut lets you convert any web page or document to a PDF file.
• Android: In the Chrome browser, you can choose Share > Print > Save as PDF.

Translate text instantly

Ideal for travelers or language learners. With instant translation, you can instantly understand and communicate in different languages, making it easier to interact in a multicultural environment.

• iPhone: Apple has elevated the process of translating entered text and audio into an application category, which can save many from problems in places where the language is not understood.
• Android: Google has a big advantage over its Cupertino counterparts as they have included this feature in their Gboard keyboard a long time ago.

Instant song identification

You’ll never have to wonder what song is playing again. This automation allows you to identify and save songs that can be heard anywhere, expanding your music library.

• iPhone: Shazam Shortcut uses Shazam, a technology acquired by Apple in 2018, to identify and add songs to your library. It’s about executing this shortcut, and the iPhone activates its microphone to identify the author and title of the song, as well as the ability to play it on different platforms.
• Android: Google also plays to its advantage here by integrating this feature into its powerful assistant. All you have to do is call it with “Hey Google, what’s that song” to get the result.

In short, phone automation can change the way you use your device and save a lot of time by simplifying tasks. Any advice for those who want to automate processes on their mobile phone? “Don’t get discouraged or see it as something difficult,” Besora explains.

“It’s important to start with small shortcuts, with a small number of actions, and the same with automation, since the most useful ones are usually those with fewer than five actions,” he says.