How to Create and Use Apple Shortcuts and Automations

Use the Apple Shortcuts app to quickly create automations that adjust settings in your whole-house audio system. Creating an automation within the Apple Shortcuts app that integrates Shortcuts (Siri Shortcuts, such as the Home Audio skill to control your whole-house audio system) along with HomeKit devices allows you to automate tasks based on specific triggers or conditions. Below are the steps to create such an automation:

STEP 1: Open Shortcuts App

Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. This app should already be installed on your device; if not, you can download it from the App Store.

STEP 2: Create a New Shortcut

Tap on the "+" (Create Shortcut) button to start a new shortcut.
Name your shortcut by tapping on the "Untitled Shortcut" field and entering a descriptive name.

STEP 3: Add Actions to the Shortcut

Tap on the "+" (Add Action) button to add actions to your shortcut.

Use the search bar or browse through categories to find actions related to the HTD Home Audio skill, HomeKit devices, and/or other tasks you want to automate. For example:

1. To control a HomeKit device (e.g., turn on a smart light), search for "Control Home" and select actions like "Set Light" or "Toggle Power".
2. To add other actions (not HomeKit related), search for apps or system actions like "Send Message", "Set Brightness", etc.
3. To add commands for your HTD whole-house audio system, search for Home Audio and select the command(s) you wish to include in the automation.

STEP 4: Customize Actions

Configure each action by tapping on it. Adjust settings such as which HomeKit device to control, what zone to power on, which app to open, etc.

STEP 5: Test Your Shortcut

Tap on the Play (▶️) button at the bottom of the screen to test your shortcut. This ensures that each action performs as expected.

STEP 6: Save Your Shortcut

Once you are satisfied with your shortcut, tap on "Done" to save it.

STEP 7: Create an Automation

Return to the Shortcuts main screen and tap on the "Automation" tab at the bottom of the screen.

STEP 8: Add New Automation

Tap on the "+" (Create Personal Automation) button to create a new automation.

STEP 9: Choose a Trigger

Select the trigger that will initiate your automation. Triggers can include:

1. Time of Day: Set actions to occur at specific times or intervals.
2. Arrive or Leave: Use your location to trigger actions when you arrive at or leave a place.
3. Alarm: Execute actions when an alarm goes off.
4. App: Trigger based on using a specific app.
5. CarPlay: Actions triggered when connecting to CarPlay.
6. NFC: Actions when scanning NFC tags.
7. Battery Level: Actions based on your device’s battery level.
8. Wi-Fi Network: Actions when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
9. Bluetooth: Actions when connected to a Bluetooth device.
10. Home: Trigger based on the state of a HomeKit accessory.
11. Sleep/Wake: Actions based on device going to sleep or waking up.
12. Do Not Disturb: Actions based on enabling or disabling Do Not Disturb mode.

STEP 10: Configure Trigger Details

Depending on the trigger you selected, configure its specific details. For example, if you chose "Time of Day", set the time and days when the automation should run.

STEP 11: Add Action

Tap on "Add Action" to add the action(s) you want to automate. Select "Scripting" and then "Run Shortcut" to choose the shortcut you created earlier.

STEP 12: Save and Enable Automation

Tap "Next" to review your automation details.
If everything looks correct, tap on "Done" to save your automation.
Toggle the "Enable This Automation" switch to activate it.

Step 13: Test Your Automation

Test your automation by triggering the event that you set up (e.g., arriving home, reaching a specific time of day, etc.).

STEP 14: Adjust as Needed

If the automation does not perform as expected, return to the Shortcuts app, tap on "Automation", and edit your automation to make adjustments.

By following these steps, you can create powerful automations that integrate Siri Shortcuts with your home audio system and other HomeKit devices, making your home tailored to your needs.