Using Apple Shortcuts with Bell

Learn how to create powerful automation shortcuts to start your meditation sessions

Bell’s Apple Shortcuts integration lets you start meditation sessions with your voice, a tap, or even automatically based on your schedule.

Creating Your First Shortcut

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
  2. Tap the “+” button to create a new shortcut
  3. Search for “Bell” in the app actions
  4. Add the “Start Meditation” action from Bell

Setting Up Voice Commands

You can create a voice command to start your morning meditation:

  1. Name your shortcut something like “Morning Meditation”
  2. Configure the Bell action with your preferred settings:
    • Duration: 10 minutes
    • Interval chimes: Every 2 minutes
    • Background sounds: Ocean waves
  3. Record a phrase like “Start my morning meditation”
  4. Test it by saying “Hey Siri, start my morning meditation”

Automation Ideas

Daily Meditation Reminder

Set up an automation that runs at the same time each day:

  • When: Time of Day (e.g., 7:00 AM)
  • Do: Run your meditation shortcut
  • Ask before running: Off (for automatic start)

Post-Workout Meditation

Create an automation that triggers after workouts:

  • When: Workout ends (from Apple Health)
  • Do: Start a 5-minute breathing session
  • Notification: “Time for a mindful cooldown”

Evening Wind-Down

Set up a bedtime routine:

  • When: Sleep focus turns on
  • Do: Start a 15-minute session with rain sounds
  • Also: Dim lights, set Do Not Disturb

Advanced Configurations

Custom Session Profiles

Create different shortcuts for different types of meditation:

  • Quick Break: 5 minutes, no chimes, silence
  • Deep Focus: 20 minutes, chimes every 5 minutes, forest sounds
  • Sleep Preparation: 30 minutes, gentle rain, no final bell

Location-Based Triggers

Start meditation when you arrive at specific places:

  • When: Arriving at your meditation spot
  • Do: Automatically start your preferred session
  • Notification: Silent (to maintain the peaceful moment)

Troubleshooting

Shortcut not working?

  • Make sure Bell is installed and updated
  • Check that Shortcuts has permission to run Bell
  • Verify your meditation settings are valid

Siri not recognizing your phrase?

  • Try shorter, simpler phrases
  • Record the phrase clearly
  • Avoid words that sound similar to other commands

Automation not running automatically?

  • Check that “Ask before running” is disabled
  • Ensure the trigger conditions are met
  • Verify automation is enabled in Settings
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