Location-Based Tracking

Log arrivals and departures automatically

What you'll set up: An automation that captures a timestamp when you arrive at or leave a specific location - perfect for tracking work hours, gym visits, or commute times.

What You'll Need

  • iPhone with iOS 16 or later
  • Time Memos app installed
  • Location Services enabled for Shortcuts app
Important: For reliable location triggers, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Shortcuts and select "Always".

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Open Shortcuts and create an automation

Open the Shortcuts app, go to the Automation tab, and tap +.

2

Select location trigger

Choose one of these triggers based on what you want to track:

  • Arrive - triggers when you arrive at a location
  • Leave - triggers when you leave a location
Screenshot: Arrive/Leave trigger options
3

Set the location

Search for an address or business name, or select a location on the map. You can adjust the radius to control how close you need to be to trigger the automation.

Screenshot: Map with location selected and radius shown
4

Add the Time Memos action

Tap New Blank Automation, then add the "Capture Time Memo" action.

Configure with an appropriate emoji and label:

  • Arriving at work: 🏢 "Arrived at work"
  • Leaving work: 🏠 "Left work"
  • Arriving at gym: 💪 "Gym"
  • Leaving gym: ✅ "Finished workout"
Screenshot: Capture Time Memo action configured for work arrival
5

Optional: Enable Live Activity

Toggle "Track as Live Activity" if you want to see how long you've been at that location on your Lock Screen.

This is especially useful for tracking gym sessions or focused work time.
6

Set to run immediately

Select "Run Immediately" and tap Done to save.

What happens now

When you arrive at (or leave) the location you set, Time Memos will automatically capture a timestamp. Over time, you'll build a log of all your visits that you can export for timesheets, analysis, or personal records.

Example Setups

Track Work Hours

Create two automations:

  1. Arrive at work: 🏢 "Arrived at work"
  2. Leave work: 🏠 "Left work"

Export your memos at the end of each pay period to see your exact hours.

Gym Session Tracking

Create an automation for arriving at the gym with Live Activity enabled. You'll see your workout duration on your Lock Screen, and the timestamp is saved automatically.

Commute Analysis

Set up automations for leaving home and arriving at work (and vice versa). After a few weeks, export your data to see your actual commute times and patterns.

Troubleshooting

  • Automation not triggering: Check that Shortcuts has "Always" location access in Settings
  • Triggering too early/late: Adjust the location radius in the automation settings
  • Battery concerns: Location-based automations use the same efficient location monitoring as other iOS features - impact is minimal

Ready to try it?

Time Memos will be available on the App Store soon.

Download on the App Store Coming Soon