How it’s done: Connecting Nuki to IFTTT

Update January 2023

Would you like to connect Nuki with many other manufacturers and services? IFTTT offers you this option. But what exactly can the online service do? In this article we show you the advantages of IFTTT and explain how to connect your Nuki Smart Lock with IFTTT.

What is IFTTT?

IFTTT is an automation platform that connects over 700 services and manufacturers (see also our posts on matter and Home Assistent). The abbreviation stands for “If This, Then That”, i.e. the typical programming “if-then” commands. The name says it all: when something specific occurs, the platform triggers predefined reactions via so-called applets.

What can you do with IFTTT?

Users have the option to connect the supported services either via the website ifttt.com or via the free app for iOS and Android. After briefly registering, you can then start setting up your “If This, Then That” shortcuts. This is how you define what should happen when a certain state is activated.

Connectivity options for Nuki via IFTTT

The possibilities that IFTTT offers you are incredibly comprehensive. The automation platform has over 700 manufacturers and services listed. These include major manufacturers such as Amazon Alexa, Philips Hue, Samsung and Somfy, as well as well-known online services such as Instagram, Spotify and many more. Of course, this also includes Nuki. Via IFTTT you can control the Nuki Smart Lock and the Nuki Opener.

To connect Nuki with IFTTT you have to activate Nuki Web in the Nuki app and create a free account. It works very simply: select your Nuki Smart Lock in the Nuki app. Under “Features & Configuration” you will find the option “Activate Nuki Web”. You can find more information on our help page dedicated to this topic.
There are (almost) no limits to your creativity. There are an incredible number of networking possibilities with Nuki – although not all combinations are useful, of course. But there is one thing you should always keep in mind: the created instructions are stored in the cloud. If there are ever problems with the Internet connection, they no longer work.

How to integrate your Nuki Smart Lock into IFTTT

The easiest way to set it up is via the IFTTT app. In the following, we will explain how to set it up using exactly this method:

• Open the IFTTT app on your smartphone or tablet after downloading it from the Google Play Store or App Store for free.
• Enter “Nuki” in the search window. You can find entries for “Nuki Smart Lock” and “Nuki Opener”.
• Select one of the two products and click “Connect” on the following page.
• A login page of Nuki will open where you can log in to your Nuki Web account.
• On the next page you have to allow IFTTT to access Nuki.
• After a short confirmation, IFTTT and Nuki are now connected. Now you can create your own applets or activate existing ones.

How to create new applets with Nuki at IFTTT

IFTTT offers many different pre-built applets. But of course you can also define your own automations. We will also explain how to do this step by step:

• Click on “Create” to create a new applet.
• Under “If This” you can now define the trigger of the automation. Search for Nuki in the long list and choose the Nuki Smart Lock or the Nuki Opener.
• Now possible scenarios are suggested to you, e.g. “Door unlocked” for unlocking the smart door lock. Select the appropriate entry for your automation.
• On the following screen, you may have more options and can select the door, for example. Then click on “Create Trigger”.
• Now you only have to select the function to be triggered under “Then That”. This works the same way and is explained well – but unfortunately, like most of the app, it’s only explained in English.

Examples of IFTTT applets with Nuki

As soon as you unlock the front door with your Nuki Smart Lock in the evening (trigger = Door unlocked), the smart lighting of Philips Hue could turn on, for example. Likewise, smart room thermostats can regulate to your comfort temperature and a smart speaker can play your favourite Spotify playlist.

Nuki can also be the “Then That” function: for example, you can set a specific time or the activation of a switch as trigger for unlocking or locking your door with Nuki.

The possibilities are virtually limitless thanks to hundreds of interconnectable platforms. Thus, with a little creativity, life in a smart home can be made easier and safer.

Do you need the Nuki Bridge for IFTTT?

The question whether the Nuki Bridge is necessary for the interaction of different smart home services comes up frequently. For IFTTT the Nuki Bridge is mandatory.

The connection between IFTTT and Nuki is done via the Nuki Web account. The Nuki Bridge within range of your Nuki Smart Lock is the prerequisite for this. If you are using your Nuki Smart Lock without Bridge, the use of IFTTT is unfortunately not possible, regardless of the version of the lock. With a Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 Pro, on the other hand, no Bridge is required if the Smart Lock itself is connected via WIFI.

Is IFTTT free of charge?

For many years, IFTTT was free and unlimited – but unfortunately only until the fall of 2020. Meanwhile, the service offers three so-called plans, which differ in the scope of functions and are mainly associated with costs.

IFTTT Free can still be used free of charge. However, only five applets (i.e. automations) can be set up here, so the usage options are severely limited.

If you want to connect more services via IFTTT with Nuki and Co, there is the paid offer IFTTT Pro. Here, up to 20 applets, faster processing and a few other features are available for 2.5 euros per month.

On the other hand, if you want to have unlimited possibilities, 5 euros per month will get you started with IFTTT Pro+. Here you can create countless applets, connect different accounts and have other advantages over IFTTT Free and IFTTT Pro.
Ultimately, it is your decision whether you want to use the paid services. However, if you want to try out IFTTT and its countless possibilities first, the free account is definitely enough.

On which platforms can IFTTT be used?

IFTTT offers free apps for Android and iOS, so it can be installed on almost all smartphones and tablets. In addition, the applets can also be used via the web interface, so that you can also set up and manage your own applets in the browser of your PC, notebook, tablet and so on.