Automate

Automate is an Android app for turning repetitive smartphone and tablet tasks into flowcharts that run as workflows. Users connect blocks for actions, conditions, events, loops, and other tasks, then configure them with options, expressions, variables, and functions. It includes more than 410 building blocks and supports multi-step workflows, conditional logic, and webhook triggers. Automate works with apps that support the Locale or Tasker plug-in API and can connect to web apps and online services through HTTP. It can transfer files through Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, FTP, and HTTP, and users can download flows shared through its in-app Community. The free edition costs nothing and allows 30 running blocks. The maker says flows and settings remain stored locally unless shared through Community, and that the app shows no ads or gathers usage statistics. Some features restricted by Google Play policy require a separate extension app, which works only with a legitimate copy of Automate. The maker is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

Automate offers a visual way to create task workflows on Android, with integrations and a community flow library.

Automate suits Android users who want to build visual workflows for recurring phone or tablet tasks. It may also suit people who need HTTP connections, file transfers, or shared community flows.

Automate is an Android app for turning repetitive phone and tablet tasks into visual flowcharts. It suits Android users who want detailed, conditional routines and connections to online services, especially those comfortable configuring logic rather than relying only on preset recipes. Its local-first design and broad block library make it a capable mobile automation choice, but Android-only availability and a 30-running-block free cap narrow its audience.

Overview

Automate represents a workflow as connected blocks. You assemble actions, conditions, events, loops and related operations, then configure them with predefined options, expressions, variables and functions. More than 410 building blocks provide substantial scope for multi-step routines, from device actions to service integrations.

The visual model is most useful when a routine has branching decisions or repeated stages that would be awkward to express as a simple trigger-and-action recipe. Conditional logic and loop support let advanced users describe those paths explicitly. The trade-off is that a large block catalog and configurable logic demand more planning than a lightweight, single-purpose automation app.

Key features

Integrations and storage

Automate works with apps exposing the Locale or Tasker plug-in API, extending its reach beyond built-in Android actions. HTTP connectivity adds access to web apps and online services, including webhook triggers. File transfers can target Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, FTP or HTTP, making the app practical for device-to-cloud routines as well as on-device tasks.

Community flows

A community inside the app lets users download flows shared by others. That can shorten the path to a working routine, while the editable block structure still allows adaptation to a particular device or service.

Privacy and permissions

Automate says it shows no ads and does not gather usage statistics. Flows and settings remain on the device unless you explicitly share them through Community. Authorized online connections use HTTPS, and Google and Microsoft API access goes directly from the Android device. Android-managed accounts handle credentials; Google and Microsoft passwords are not stored in flows.

UI interaction uses Android Accessibility features. Failed-login checks and screen-lock functions require Device Administrator permission, so users should review those permissions against the routines they intend to run. Some Android capabilities restricted by Google Play policy require a separate extension app that works only with a legitimate Automate copy.

Pricing

Automate uses a freemium model. The Free edition costs free and permits 30 running blocks. That is suitable for evaluating the flow system or running modest routines, but complex or concurrent automations can reach the cap quickly.

Premium is a single in-app purchase with price not listed. Ownership belongs to the purchasing Google account and applies to devices registered with that account. Premium upgrade is also a single in-app purchase with price not listed; it unlocks the 30-running-block limit and remains owned by the purchasing Google account. There is no subscription term stated, so buyers choosing Premium should expect a purchase tied to that account rather than a recurring plan.

Platforms

Automate is available on Android for smartphones and tablets and is currently unavailable on other platforms. The separate extension required for certain restricted features is Android-only as well.

Who it's for

Choose Automate if you want visual, multi-step Android workflows with conditions, loops, webhooks, HTTP connections or cloud file transfers. It is particularly well suited to technically inclined users who value local storage and account-managed credentials. It is a poor fit for iPhone, desktop or cross-platform households, and less suitable when a small number of simple app recipes is all you need.

Pros and cons

• Pros: More than 410 blocks support detailed actions, conditions, events and loops.
• Pros: HTTP, webhooks, plug-in APIs and four file-transfer routes connect phone workflows to online services.
• Pros: No ads, no usage-statistics collection claim, local settings and flows by default, and Android-managed credentials.
• Cons: The free edition stops at 30 running blocks, limiting larger or simultaneous routines.
• Cons: Android is the only platform, with some features requiring a separate extension app.
• Cons: Accessibility and Device Administrator permissions may be more access than users want to grant.

Alternatives

For broader platform coverage and cloud-oriented scenarios, Make runs on Android, iOS, web and API endpoints; its free plan includes 1,000 credits per month, two active scenarios and a 15-minute minimum interval.

IFTTT is the simpler cross-platform option, with Android, iOS, web and API support; its free plan allows two Applets, standard speeds and unlimited runs.

Android users wanting ad-supported basic macros can choose MacroDroid, whose free version allows up to five macros; its Pro purchase removes ads and the macro limit without a subscription.

Node-RED is the free, open-source choice across Android, desktop, web, API and self-hosted environments, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Apple users should choose Apple Shortcuts for iOS and macOS automations, built-in actions and a shortcut gallery.

Tasker is an Android-only paid alternative at ₹480 once, with a seven-day trial.

Activepieces favors web, API and self-hosted flows, offering a free tier with 1,000 credits monthly and unlimited flows.

Browserflow is aimed at browser automation through web, API and extension platforms, with a free tier covering desktop and limited cloud runs.

Browse more options in Task Automation Software and Workflow automation tools.

Verdict

Automate is a strong recommendation for Android power users who need visual branching workflows, extensive block coverage and direct connections to apps, webhooks and storage services. Its privacy-conscious local approach and one-time Premium upgrade are compelling when the free 30-block ceiling is too restrictive. Look elsewhere if you need iOS, desktop support, a simpler recipe builder or a clearly published price before buying.