Intentional App Switching

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If you are not yet running the latest iOS 17, please check out the old tutorial instead.

Sometimes it’s necessary to leave social media and quickly switch between apps: to check contact info, a note, or a location in Maps.

The goal of one sec is not to disrupt any productive workflows, that’s why we decided to offer a secondary Shortcut that can be executed when closing an app. This allows us to measure time between closing and re-opening the app, allowing you to re-open the app within certain time limits.

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This tutorial is also available in other Languages:

Deutsch

Step 1

On your iPhone, open the Shortcuts app and go to the Automation tab.

Step 2

Go to the Automation tab and select + to create another Personal Automation.

Step 3

Scroll down and select App.

Step 4

Choose the app you’d like to configure the intentional app switching for.

Only select one app here. A separate automation is required for each app.

Be sure that only “Is Closed“ is selected.

At the bottom, select Run Immediately.

Then, continue to the next page.

Step 5

Select New Blank Automation.

If you don’t see this option, you’re running an older iOS version. Please refer to the old tutorial.

Step 6

Tap Add Action.

Step 7

Search for “one sec” and select 🅱️ Log app closing (for quick app switching).

Step 8

Tap App (must be selected⚠️) in order to re-select the previously selected app.

The Automation won’t run without this.

Then tap Done and you’re done!

Need help setting up one sec? Get in touch.