Apple's Action Button is a real power tool; however, it defaulted to a single action that only makes the device so versatile sometimes.

Using a custom shortcut on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16, you can program the action button to do something different at different times of the day.

How to Create Time-Dependent Shortcuts Using the "If" Action

Action Button: How to Set Custom Shortcuts Based on Time

The best application for the Action Button is an adaptive shortcut time-dependent: you can use it to turn Silent Mode on and off in the daytime or control your Apple TV during the evening hours. That way, with a time-dependent shortcut, the function of the Action Button changes depending on the hour.

Using the "If" action in the Shortcuts app Here's how to set up the Action Button so that it can have a different behavior based on time. The action is such that you are able to make conditions.

You can then use this condition to state that if it's true, the button should perform one action while another, a completely different action for when it's false.

How to Create a Time-Based Shortcut

To make a shortcut that is tied to the time of day, specific action must be taken in the Shortcuts app. To make a shortcut that will update before or after 5 pm, start with these steps.

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the "+" icon to start making a new shortcut.
2. Tap "Search Actions," search for "Date," and select it. That action will show you the current date and the time.
3. Tap "Search Actions" again, then search for "Format Date," then tap it. Tap the arrow to the right of "Date Format." Select "Custom." Enter "HH" into the "Format String" field.
4. Add an "If" Condition: Search for and add the "If" action. Use the "Formatted Date" condition with a setting to "Number," as this will allow the hour to operate as a number. Set "Is Greater Than or Equal To" and input "17," which is 5 pm in 24-hour format.
5. Under the "If" action, place the action you want the button to do after 5 pm. In order to control an Apple TV, go to find "Apple TV" and select "Play/Pause Apple TV." Choose the correct device.
6. Under the "Otherwise" option, place the action you want to do before 5 pm. To do this go to find "Silent Mode" and choose "Set Silent Mode," then switch it to "Toggle.".
7. Name Your Shortcut and Save Tap in the name of your shortcut at the top of the screen, give it a memorable name, and select an icon that is relevant to it. Tap "Done" to save.
8. You now have your shortcut complete—the Action Button can be configured to turn Silent Mode on before 5 pm and control Apple TV after 5 pm.

How to Assign a Shortcut to the Action Button

Once you have your shortcut prepared, you will need to link it with the Action Button so that it can activate with one tap.

1. Open your iPhone's Settings app. Then scroll down and find "Action Button."
2. Under the options for the Action Button, swipe over to "Shortcut," and select your new shortcut from "My Shortcuts."
3. Now, with a single tap of the Action Button, your shortcut automatically executes the appropriate action depending on the time.

Customizing Your Shortcut Further

Of course, you can set the times or change the actions to your desire. For example, you can make the Action Button control music during the daytime and then turn on Silent Mode at night.

To do that, you need only change the time for the "If" action and choose appropriate commands. In this case, your iPhone will feel much more personal and sensitive to all events in your daily schedule.

Successful Shortcut Functionality Tips

• Key Actions: Make sure the "Current Date", "Format Date" and "If" actions are not deleted since they will be your shortcut's base.
• Try other Functions: Replace the "Play/Pause Apple TV" or "Toggle Silent Mode" action with other commands like opening an app, setting a reminder, or making smart home devices turn on.

Customize shortcuts using the Action Button of your iPhone to give you more usage of your phone and simplify your daily routines. An easy change like this can make the Action Button one of the most used tools in your daily activities.