Intentional App Switching [iOS]

Learn how to set up intentional app switching on iOS using Shortcuts. This allows you to quickly switch between apps for productive reasons without triggering a new intervention.

Last updated 2 months ago

Article Content:

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 offer a secondary Shortcut that can be executed when closing an app. This allows us to measure the time between closing and re-opening the app, letting you re-open it within a certain time limit without another intervention.

Step 1: Open Shortcuts

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

Step 2: Create a New Automation

Tap the [+] button in the top right corner to create another Personal Automation.

Step 3: Select "App"

Scroll through the list of triggers and select App.

Step 4: Configure the Trigger (Crucial Step!)

  1. Tap Choose and select the app you’d like to configure (e.g., Instagram).

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

  2. Ensure that ONLY "Is Closed" is selected (uncheck "Is Opened").

  3. At the bottom, select Run Immediately.

  4. Tap Next.

Step 5: Add the Action

Select Create New Shortcut.

(Note: If you don’t see this option, you’re running an older iOS version. Please refer to our legacy tutorials).

Step 6: Search for "one sec"

In the search bar, type "one sec" and select the action: 🅱️ Log app closing (for quick app switching).

Step 7: Re-select the App (Critical Step!)

Tap the App variable inside the action block (it will be highlighted in a light blue color) and re-select the previously selected app. ⚠️ The Automation won’t run without this.

Tap Done and you’re all set!