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When I first heard about IFTTT, I was connecting my Google Home mini to our WeMo smart plug.
After I installed the WeMo application and completed the set-up process, I was then asked to log in to IFTTT.
At the time of this post, I’ve been out of the tech community for a few years and I was a little confused about this service called IFTTT.
Once I signed up, which only took less than 5 minutes. Our WeMo smart plug, Google Home Mini, and IFTTT were now connected.
Getting started with IFTTT wasn’t challenging, but if you are new to home automation, here is what I learned.
If This Then That (IFTTT), it’s auserfree based-platform that connects applications, devices, and services to trigger one or more automation involving those devices, applications, and services.
IFTTT creates chains of simple conditional statements, which are called applets.
What are Applets?
It is a small application that is designed to run within another application. It also refers to Java applets and small applications written in the Java program language.
Here are a few examples, If this (IFT), then that (TT),
If I post this photo on Instagram, then, that photo will be pinned to a board on Pinterest.
If I add this new to-do list to my iPhone, then that reminder will remind Google Assistant.
If I say “Ok Google,” turn this TV off, then, that TV turn off.
Since 2011, there are pre-made applets that have triggers and action linked which you can choose from.
You will have a better chance of being able to find what you need for free without having to create your own applet.
Can IFTTT work with Google Assistant?
Yes, Google Assistant has some missing functions and they are not equipped as Amazon Echo, but thanks to IFTTT support, I was able to add more services and devices to work with our Google assistant.
IFTTT helps Google Assitant to control unsupported devices, besides streaming music or answering questions.
One of the reasons I purchased Google Home Mini, it was on sale and I interested in the smart home lifestyle.
After setting up Google Home Mini I realized the lack of support it had with other smart home gadgets that are on the market.
A few days later, I end up buying Google Chromecast, and WeMo smart plug for our Television.
I realized the Google Home mini only comes with support for Philips Hue and Smart Things at the time of this post.
However, with the support of IFTTT, you can easily control any smart home devices right out of the box, which can be found on IFTTT with Google Home.
Google Assistant integration with IFTTT makes it easy to control your smart devices with natural phrases.
Can IFTTT work with Alexa?
Absolutely, Amazon Alexa is capable of working with IFTTT. When using Alexa the language changes slightly.
Google Assistant calls it applets. Alexa calls it recipes and you can create recipes that will trigger some kind of action.
Amazon Alexa Channel, you can connect your Echo to If This Then That for some really good applets.
Since the release of Amazon Echo it already has hundreds of oriented recipes, so you may already be set and work done for you.
Is IFTTT Safe?
Unfortunately, in the world we live in nothing is safe that’s online, but from my own research, I found, the security of IFTTT doesn’t store your login credentials for everything.
They are services that it accesses which use tokens to identify you.
If someone breached IFTTT data, they wouldn’t have your logins, just those tokens.
Is IFTTT free to use?
Updated January 24, 2021
Yes, currently the service is free for users, there is no need to provide a credit card.
You will simply visit the website and use your e-mail address, Facebook, or Google account to sign up.
With the popularity of smart speakers and smart home gadgets, it’s possible for IFTTT to start charging for a premium account to users, but, no announcement has been made as of yet. Right now, It’s just rumored.
Using IFTTT services allows our family to make home entertaining much more fun. It can get pretty addictive!
We have used IFTTT to automatically trigger real-life actions throughout our home.
Anytime we leave our home, IFTTT will switch the ecobee to our chosen comfort level.
Or we also use IFTTT to send a weekly email summary of the ecobee thermostat activity logs.
They’re so much more you can do with IFTTT, I can wait to see what else this service has in store for the future.
What is IFTTT Pro?
Updated January 24, 2021
There was a time when IFTTT was completely free for users and creators, but now we have IFTTT Pro, a subscription service for creators and makers to create unlimited Applet and unlock faster execution times.
IFTTT provides two services, a Standard and Pro for creators.
Here is what Standard gives you for free,
3 Applets of your own
Turn on unlimited Applets
For IFTTT Pro, you can go beyond if this then that,
Unlimited Applet creation
Multi-step Applets with queries, conditional logic, and multiple actions
Faster execution for polling and realtime applets
Customer support
IFTTT Pro is a monthly or annual subscription service.
Billed Monthly – $3.99 ($47.88 total yearly)
Billed yearly – $39.99 (yearly save 17%)
If you are ready to go to the next level to build a more connected future, click here to sign-up.
As I continue to learn more about If This Then That I will continue to update this blog.
If This Then That (If This Then That) Video Tutorial
Updated January 24, 2021
We hope you find this blog informative as we are here to educate and provide perspective on what’s going on in the smart home industry that can relate to our everyday lives.
What do you think about If This Then That? Please email me with your opinion.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended gadgets for the best tech for your buck.
For more useful tips and tricks with Home automation, please continue to check out AutomateYourCrib.com.
Please e-mail me (rodney@automateyourcrib.com) your opinion, comment or if you have any ideas for a future post you would like to read, drop me a line or two as I appreciate my audience. Thank you again for reading this post.
It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
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