Triggers
The main function of MacroDroid is to automate tasks on your device, and everything starts with a Trigger.
A Trigger is, essentially, the “cause” or “event” that tells MacroDroid when to start a Macro.
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is an event that your device detects.
When that event occurs, and the macro is enabled, the actions you defined are executed.
Every macro must have at least one trigger — without it, your macro will never start.
Example:
- Trigger:
Charger connected - Actions:
Show notification: Charging started
If you're new to MacroDroid, think of triggers as the "WHEN" part of your automation:
“When this happens, do that.”
How Triggers Work
Triggers are continuously monitored by MacroDroid in the background.
They work based on state changes or specific events that occur on your Android device.
An event occurs:
Something happens on your phone (for example, you plug in the charger, open an app, or a specific time is reached).MacroDroid detects it:
MacroDroid recognizes this event through the configured Trigger.The Macro starts:
Once the trigger condition is met, MacroDroid starts the macro.
Single Trigger vs. Multiple Triggers
A Macro can be configured to run with one or multiple triggers:
Single trigger:
The macro runs when that specific event occurs.Multiple triggers:
The macro runs when any of the listed triggers occurs, as long as no Constraint prevents it.
Note:
Triggers cannot be combined using AND logic
(e.g., “Charger connected AND Headphones connected”), because they are instant events — only one can start the macro at a time.
Alternative:
Use constraints to control when a trigger is allowed to activate.
Example:
- Trigger:
Charger connected - Constraint:
Time of day: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
➡ The macro will only run during those hours.
Triggers are the starting point of all automation in MacroDroid.
Mastering them is key to building powerful and efficient macros.