Smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Moto 360 excel at fitness tracking, but their true power lies in home automation. Using the IFTTT DO app, I've seamlessly controlled lights, thermostats, and security systems from my wrist, simplifying daily routines with reliable, one-tap actions.
IFTTT (If This Then That) enables this by connecting devices through customizable 'recipes' or DO buttons, making smart living accessible and efficient.
Launched in 2011, IFTTT is a free web service that links apps and smart devices. Its DO Button app takes this further, offering quick automations directly from your smartwatch.
Download the IFTTT DO Button app from the App Store or Google Play. Ensure your smartwatch is compatible: Apple Watch for iOS users, or Android Wear models like LG Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Huawei Watch, Fossil Q Founder, and ASUS ZenWatch 2 for Android.
We'll focus on iOS and Apple Watch, with similar steps for Android Wear. Open the DO app on your iPhone, tap the recipe icon (bottom right), then the '+' under 'My Recipes.' Browse Collections, Recommended, Channels, or search for recipes.
Philips Hue users can toggle, dim, or flash lights via pre-made DO recipes. Add them in the app, grant Hue access, and select specific lights. Create custom ones like 'Turn lights on' or 'Change to random color.' LIFX and WeMo are also supported.
Stay connected effortlessly: tweet your location, send a tweet, DM yourself a reminder, post a location map, or share a text post—all from your watch.
Google Nest, a top choice for IFTTT, lets you set temperatures, run the fan for 15 minutes, or quick-set to 70°F. ecobee, Honeywell, and IntesisHome are compatible too.
Systems like Camio, Homeboy, and Myfox work with DO buttons for arming/disarming, triggering alarms, or starting camera recordings—all viewable on your watch.
GE and Samsung smart washers/dryers allow starting, pausing, or ending cycles from your watch. Bonus: Control Samsung Robot Vacuum for remote cleaning.
Garageio automates up to three doors for around $200. GreenIQ smart gardens schedule watering based on weather, saving water.
IFTTT DO offers growing recipes—check for updates as more integrate with smartwatches. What do you control from yours?
