Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Best apps to automate your Android phone

Access to your Android settings can be achieved more quickly and more easily than ever before on the latest version of the platform. It’s important to be able to turn Wi-Fi or GPS on or off when you want to. There are various apps that allow you to add widgets to your home screen or even a settings panel to your notifications (it comes as standard in Samsung’s TouchWiz overlay now).

You may be able to access your settings more easily than before, but you still have to decide when to turn things on and off, and you still have to manually swipe and tap your way through the process.

Is there an easier way?

There’s always an easier way. That’s one of the great things about Android. You can actually automate your Android settings for different scenarios. By using the right apps or employing NFC tags you can make life run more smoothly.

We’re going to take a look at some of the best apps you can use to automate your Android settings by creating “if this then that” rules to trigger specific profiles. We’ll also discuss what you can do with programmable NFC tags.

Motorola Smart Actions (Free; Google Play)

Sadly, this app is only available on Motorola smartphones. It allows you to set specific phone profiles for different locations and you can create “Smart Actions,” which are essentially the same as “if this then that” rules. For example, you could tell your phone to switch the ringer off at bedtime, automatically play music when you plug in headphones, or turn power-draining features off as soon as your battery dips below a specific level.

There are various triggers you can use to create actions, which makes this app quite versatile. Other potential actions you could set up include switching to vibrate instead of the ringer when you connect to your work Wi-Fi, to avoid those meeting disruptions. You could also trigger maps, GPS and a specific playlist for music when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth. It’s a real time saver.

Tasker ($6.50)

You may have heard about Tasker before. It’s basically the most comprehensive automation app for the Android platform. It provides you with lots of potential triggers, over 200 possible actions, and the ability to create extremely complicated rules. If you want to unleash the potential power of Android automation, and you don’t mind a learning curve, then Tasker is the only choice.

It will take some time to get to grips with and it’s probably overkill for some people, but the things you can do with Tasker are impressive. For example, it goes beyond setting a basic alarm for a specific time in the morning. You could specify that on a certain day of the week your alarm goes off, plays a specific music track, loads up a news app, and says “Remember to drop Amy at swim practice.” The things you can achieve by tweaking the rules make it worth persisting with and you can find help on the Tasker website and elsewhere online.

AutomateIt (Free)

The free version of AutomateIt offers an impressive array of options and it is relatively straightforward to use. You can easily set up rules based on a wide variety of triggers and there are plenty of possible actions. It’s not as comprehensive as Tasker, but it is also slightly easier to use. If you don’t like ads then you can pay $1.60 for the Pro version, which also gives you a few extra triggers and the ability to set multiple triggers and actions for specific rules.

Other apps

There are quite a few automation apps for Android that you might want to check out. They each have a different set of capabilities so shop around and read the reviews to see what might suit you best. Take a look at Llama – Location Profiles, Modus Operandi, Timeriffic, and Smart Settings. If you know of any others you would recommend then post a comment and tell us why they’re worth checking out.

Samsung TecTiles ($15 for 5; Amazon)

There are a lot of potential uses for NFC and Android automation using programmable NFC tags is one of them. TecTiles from Samsung are basically wee stickers that you can program with a set of instructions for your phone and then place somewhere useful. You’ll need the free TecTiles app, along with a pack of tiles to start. They come in packs of five and you can reprogram them for new instructions or you can lock them down to a specific instruction or function.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

You could have a bedside tile that sets your alarm at night or a tag on your dashboard that sets your preferred car profile. You could also set one up to display a message to whoever taps their phone on it or it could automatically link them up with your LinkedIn profile or register a Facebook like. You could have a tile that launches a specific app or automatically sends an SMS to a specific number. There are loads of great possibilities, from simple directions or web page links, to sharing contact details, all with a simple tap.

TecTiles are new and not as far-reaching as you might like. The ability to program tiles to trigger multiple events from different categories would really elevate its potential usefulness. At $15 for five tiles you may feel it’s a bit expensive and underpowered right now.

Automation is the future for Android

As Android has developed, each release has offered new features to make life easier. Things that used to only be available as apps or widgets have been rolled into the operating system. It would be great to see some automation options in the next major platform update.

Have you tried any Android automation apps yourself? Do you like the idea of TecTiles? Do you have any tips or recommendations for anyone looking to automate their Android phone? Post a comment and tell us what you think.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile…
The 7 best voice-changing apps for Android and iOS in 2024

Whether you're embarrassed by your voice, want to stay more anonymous, or just want to prank a friend, voice-changing apps for Android and iOS smart phones are the way to go. They can make you sound like anything from a tinny chipmunk to an alien, or even have more fine-tuned controls to make your voice deeper or higher-pitched, depending on your preference.

To get started with any of these apps, we recommend reading this article on your smartphone. When you see an app you're interested in, we've provided links directly to the store page for that item. What's better is that most voice changers are free, though some have limited in-app purchases.
Baviux Voice Changer with Effects
Best voice changer app for Android

Read more
How to turn safe mode on and off on your Android phone
Android Safe Mode

Safe mode is an important debugging tool for devs on computer, but you can also turn safe mode on on your Android phone. Doing so can can give you access to important tools and change your phone's interface. Likewise, since safe mode restricts access to certain Android features and apps, you won't want to get stuck in safe mode. So, if you learn how to turn safe mode on, you'll also want to learn how to turn safe mode off on your Android phone or table to get it working like normal again. Here, we'll show you how to do both, plus a couple of things you can do in safe mode on Android in case you don't already know.

Read more
The best personal finance apps in 2023 for iPhone and Android
best personal finance apps.

When managing personal finances, there are many tasks to remember — from budgeting and tracking expenses to saving money and investing for the future. Fortunately, technology has made it easier than ever to stay on top of your finances, and plenty of apps are available for Android and iOS users to help you manage your money effectively. This means you can use them on any of the best mobile devices on the market, including the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite apps to help you find the right personal finance app for your needs. These apps can help you track your spending, create a budget, monitor your investments, and more. Whether you're looking to save for a big purchase, pay off debt, or improve your financial health, these are the personal finance apps you should use.
YNAB

Read more