Recommended Free Tools
Use a shortcut when you want to launch a sequence of actions yourself; use a personal automation when you want a configured event—such as a time, arriving somewhere, or opening an app—to start those actions. In Shortcuts on iPhone, the basic pattern is to choose a trigger, add actions, test the workflow, then review and save it.
Shortcuts and personal automations do different jobs
A shortcut is a task assembled from actions. Apple describes an action as “a single step in a task”; actions can work with apps and content on Apple devices and with internet services. You can add a ready-made example from the Shortcuts Gallery and customize it, or build a shortcut from multiple actions. For instance, Apple gives examples such as getting directions to your next Calendar event or moving text between apps. Apple Shortcuts User Guide Apple iPhone User Guide
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $587.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $408.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $387.73 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A personal automation is a shortcut workflow started by a configured trigger rather than by you tapping the shortcut. Apple lists events, travel, communications, and settings among its trigger families. Apple’s introduction to personal automation
| Approach | What starts it | Useful when | Automatic running |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manually launched shortcut | You choose to run it. | You want an occasional task or prefer to decide when a sequence runs. | It runs in response to your launch. |
| Personal automation | A configured event or device condition. | You want a recurring or event-linked workflow. | Some eligible automations can run without asking, subject to the trigger and action settings. |
Neither approach is universally better: choose based on what should start the task and whether the trigger and actions you need are available on your iPhone.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Create a personal automation
- Open Shortcuts and select Automation. If this is your first automation, choose Create Personal Automation. If you already have one, use the add control to start another.
- Choose a trigger and configure it. For example, select Time of Day or Arrive, then set the options shown for that trigger.
- Add actions. Browse categories or apps, or search for an action. Start with only the steps needed for the task.
- Check the sequence and test it. Reorder actions if their order matters, then test the automation in the editor.
- Review and save. Check the summary before saving. Test again if you later change the trigger or actions.
The labels and available options can vary with software and device. Apple’s instructions describe this authoring flow in its guide to creating a personal automation. A small first workflow is easier to inspect and test than a complex one; Apple does not state an action-count limit in that guide.
Choose a trigger that fits the routine
Time of day
Use a time trigger for a routine you want to start on a schedule. Set the options available on your device, then verify the result in practice; the trigger alone does not establish that every action will succeed in every circumstance.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Arriving or leaving a location
A location trigger can start a workflow when you arrive at or leave a configured place. Choose the location and any available options in Shortcuts, and test the actual automation.
Opening or closing an app
An app trigger can respond when a selected app is opened or closed. This can suit an action sequence tied to using that app, provided the options and actions you need are available on your device.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Connectivity and device settings
Apple’s setting-trigger guide lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Focus, Low Power Mode, battery level, and connecting or disconnecting a charger. These let a workflow respond to a setting or device-state change rather than a time or place. Apple’s setting-trigger guide
NFC tags
Scanning a configured NFC tag can be a trigger on supported devices. NFC is optional, not a requirement for using Shortcuts, and Apple cautions that not all devices support it. Check the trigger choices on your iPhone before planning a workflow around a tag.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Can iPhone automations run without asking?
Some eligible personal automations can run without asking. Apple’s enablement instructions include trigger types such as time of day, arriving or leaving, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, an app, or a charger connection, among others. For an eligible automation, turn off Ask Before Running. Apple also notes that individual actions may need their own automatic-run configuration. This is not a guarantee that every trigger or action can run silently, or that a workflow will complete if an app, permission, connection, or required content is unavailable. Apple’s automation setup instructions
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Check availability and device scope
Trigger and action availability depends on the software and device, and Apple cautions that not all apps, services, and content described in its guides are available in every country or region. Check the options shown in Shortcuts on your own device and test the workflow you intend to use. The cited Apple iPhone guide describes Shortcuts for iPhone, while Apple’s personal-automation material also covers iPad; this article’s steps are for iPhone.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Personal automations are specific to the device where they are configured. Apple says they are backed up to iCloud but do not sync to other devices, so configuring one on an iPhone does not make it appear as an automation on your other devices. Apple’s introduction to personal automation
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
