Wake-Up Tracking

Track your morning routine automatically

What you'll set up: An automation that captures a timestamp when you stop your morning alarm, and immediately starts a Live Activity so you can see how long you've been awake right on your Lock Screen.

What You'll Need

  • iPhone with iOS 16 or later
  • Time Memos app installed
  • Apple's Shortcuts app (pre-installed on iOS)

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Open the Shortcuts app

Find and open Apple's Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

Screenshot: Shortcuts app icon on home screen
2

Go to the Automation tab

Tap Automation at the bottom of the screen.

Screenshot: Shortcuts app with Automation tab highlighted
3

Create a new automation

Tap the + button in the top-right corner to create a new automation.

4

Select "Alarm" as the trigger

Scroll down and tap Alarm. Then configure:

  • Select Is Stopped (triggers when you dismiss your alarm)
  • Choose Any alarm, or select specific alarms
Screenshot: Alarm trigger options with "Is Stopped" selected
5

Add the Time Memos action

Tap New Blank Automation, then tap Add Action.

Search for "Time Memos" and select "Capture Time Memo".

Screenshot: Search results showing "Capture Time Memo" action
6

Configure the action

Tap on the action to expand its options and set:

  • Emoji: ☀️ or 🌅 (or your preferred wake-up emoji)
  • Label: "Woke up" (or leave blank)
  • Track as Live Activity: Toggle ON
Screenshot: Capture Time Memo action with all options configured
Pro tip: With "Track as Live Activity" enabled, you'll see a timer on your Lock Screen showing how long since you woke up - great for staying on track during your morning routine!
7

Set to run immediately

At the bottom of the screen, configure these options:

  • Select "Run Immediately" (not "Run After Confirmation")
  • Toggle off "Notify When Run" if you don't want a notification
Screenshot: "Run Immediately" option selected
8

Save your automation

Tap Done in the top-right corner. Your automation is now active!

What happens now

Every morning when you stop your alarm, Time Memos will automatically capture a timestamp with your wake-up emoji. A Live Activity will appear on your Lock Screen showing elapsed time since you woke up, helping you stay aware of time during your morning routine.

Screenshot: Lock Screen showing Live Activity with wake-up time

Troubleshooting

  • Automation not triggering: Make sure you selected "Is Stopped" not "Is Snoozed"
  • No Live Activity appearing: Ensure "Track as Live Activity" is enabled in the action settings
  • Getting confirmation prompts: Change from "Run After Confirmation" to "Run Immediately"

Ready to try it?

Time Memos will be available on the App Store soon.

Download on the App Store Coming Soon