Simplify your life by creating routines for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant

This article explores how to create and customize routines (or shortcuts) for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, enhancing the efficiency of these digital assistants. The article is updated from its original December 2, 2018 publication.

Digital assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are integrated into many daily routines. This article focuses on optimizing these AI helpers through the use of routines, which group multiple actions under a single voice command.

Examples include an "Alexa, good morning" routine to activate lights and a music playlist, or a "Siri, I'm going home" shortcut to send a text, initiate navigation, and adjust the thermostat.

The power of routines lies in their customizability. This guide details how to create personalized shortcuts for each digital assistant.

How to Create Alexa Routines

To create Alexa routines, download the Alexa app (Android/iOS), log in, and optionally connect your Alexa device (Echo, Echo Flex, Echo Dot, Echo Show).

Open the app, tap "More," then "Routines." Explore the featured samples, such as "Start my day," which includes news, weather, and traffic. Enable or modify these samples by adding or removing actions and adjusting their order.

To create a custom routine, tap the plus icon. Under "When this happens," choose a trigger: voice command ("Voice"), scheduled time ("Schedule"), Echo Button press ("Echo Button"), or sound detection ("Sound Detection").

Next, use "Add action" to specify Alexa's response. Select from categories like messaging, time, music, news, and smart home. Add multiple actions, then save.

Edit or delete routines from the "Your Routines" section of the app. Experiment to maximize efficiency and enjoyment.

How to Set Up Google Assistant Routines

Google Assistant routines function similarly to Alexa's. Manage them via the Google Assistant app (Android/iOS) or, for Pixel users, through the Google Search bar settings. Connect your Google Home device if applicable.

Open the app, tap "Explore," then your avatar, "Settings," "Assistant," and finally "Routines." (Pixel users: Search bar > "G" > avatar > "Settings" > "Google Assistant" > "Routines"). Explore sample routines like "Good morning" and "Bedtime." Modify these by removing actions.

To create a routine, tap "New." "Add a Starter" defines the trigger: voice command, scheduled time, sunrise/sunset.

"Add action" lets you choose responses from categories like information, reminders, and home device control. You can also add custom voice commands. Configure actions (e.g., specifying phone numbers for text messages). Use "Play and control media" to incorporate music, podcasts, etc.

Save the routine. Edit or delete routines from the "Your Routines" section of the Assistant settings.

How to Create Siri Routines (Shortcuts)

Siri routines are called Shortcuts, usable on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, HomePods, and Macs with the same Apple ID. Download the Shortcuts app (iOS only).

Launch Shortcuts and explore the Gallery for sample shortcuts, including playlists, location sharing, reminders, and news. Try the "Image of the Day" shortcut as an example.

To create a shortcut, tap "All shortcuts," then the plus icon. Add actions from the list or search bar (e.g., open apps, share weather, access photos).

Actions are sequenced; rearrange them by dragging. Remove actions with the cross icon. Configure action settings (e.g., number of photos to retrieve).

Create a shortcut to get directions: use "Street Address" then "Show Directions." Add "Get Travel Time" and "Send Message" actions for more complex routines, using variables in the message.

Name the shortcut, set a Siri voice command, and optionally add it as a home screen widget.

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