Instructions: Open the iPhone app when arriving or leaving a place

Yesterday I showed you how to Set iPhone reminders to enter or exit a location can. Thanks to Lutz's comment under the linked article, you will now receive a continuation of these instructions. Because of course everyone else can Appsthat are installed on the iPhone open based on location. But how can you open an iPhone app when you arrive or leave a place? The following step-by-step guide takes you back to iOS shortcuts. Because the shortcuts app has exactly the functions that we need for this.

Shortcuts Guide: Open iPhone App on arrival or departure

In the shortcuts app you can summarize numerous iPhone inputs, commands and processes and start them with various factors. Theoretically, you can set the app so that the entire Smart Home starts all sorts of processes at a certain time or when the alarm clock reacts: open the curtains, make coffee, play music, etc. In this article, however, we will take it easy and start with relatively simple automation.

If you know in which location a specific app should be opened by the iPhone upon arrival or upon departure, then you can get started. The following guide provides the most straightforward way to set up automation. In some places you can set additional parameters, but I won't break everything down to the smallest detail. For starters, you can do the following to achieve the desired goal:

1. Choose in the Shortcuts app the middle tab Automation from
2. Tap on the in the top right Plus symbol capacitor positive (+) lead
3. Then choose Create personal automation from
4. Now let's Arrivals, Leave (as well as C for the connection with the car).
5. For "Arrival" and "Departure" is now over Select choose a location (on the map below you can set the radius)
6. Then tap at the top right Ready and in the next window Continue an
7. About Add action or you can choose from the action suggestions Open app from
8. On the following page, tap in front of "open". App - Then you search for the desired app via the search field or the displayed list and tap on it
9. Then tap on the top right Continue
10. Check your entries again and then tap on the top right Ready

Many other automations are possible when arriving or leaving a location

You can have music play automatically when you get home. You can automatically open your notes when you are at the supermarket so that the shopping list is displayed directly. And much more. I can recommend you to try and experiment with different things in the Shortcuts app. You can't go wrong. And if something is not set to your satisfaction, you can adjust or delete the automation at any time. The latter goes in the overview by activating the automation swipe left and then on Delete is typing.

Tip: Allow the Shortcuts app to pinpoint location

In order for the iPhone to be able to forward the current location to the shortcuts app and thus to the automation you have created, you must give permission in the settings. I already showed you how this works in detail yesterday for the reminders app (here ). Therefore, here are the instructions again in short form:

1. Opens the Settings on your Apple iPhone
2. Choose from the list Privacy from
3. Then you type there Location services an
4. Enable location services and tap in the app list shortcuts an
5. Tap a dot under "Never" (depending on your preference) and enable the "Precise location" slider

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Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.