Remember when rules were a big thing on Android? Yes, me too. This is long forgotten Feature from 2019 it still exists, as I recently discovered, and it’s actually pretty useful.
The rules feature is still available Android 16and it’s really that simple. You can use it to create automation by setting conditions that trigger an event based on Wi-Fi or your location. Although the automations aren’t quite as obvious, they’re still a nice way to change settings that you change regularly.
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How to configure Rules on Pixel to create automations
Rules work like routines in Google Home. Of course, you’re not building automation for smart devices. Instead, Rules create automations that change certain phone settings on your Google Pixel based on your location or the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
Let me walk you through the steps to set up a Rule. I used a Pixel 10 Pro for this guide, however, any Google Pixel device running Android 10 or higher should have this feature.
1. Open Parameters On your Google Pixel.
2. Enter it System parameters.
3. hit Rules Under system settings.
4. hit Next and give what is needed Permissions to access Wi-Fi and location data.
5. hit Add a rule button.
6. Choose yourself rule type: Wi-Fi or Location.
7. set location or Wi-Fi network.
8. Next, set the action What you want the Pixel to do.
9. Touch the final Add press the button in the lower right corner.
This is a bonus step that can help you a ton. Enable the switch in the Rules settings menu where you just created the automation Suggest automatic rules based on changes you regularly make to your settings.
The beauty of a pixel is that it makes everything better
If you are not sure how you can benefit from it”Suggest automatic rules” option, it’s a fantastic way to let your phone do the thinking. The Pixel will see your patterns and suggest useful automations based on the settings you change often and under what circumstances you don’t even think about.
I really hope to see Google integrate with this Twins and Google Home lets you do more with the Rules feature. Especially with Gemini being front and center in Android and on the rise, it seems like a natural path for Google agent AI.
Feature-laden perfection
The Google Pixel 10 comes with Android 16 installed out of the box and seven years of operating system and security updates. It’s also first in line to benefit from any new Android features and monthly Google Pixel updates called Pixel Drops. The cameras are perfect, the phone looks and feels phenomenal, and it’s silky smooth.
