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A secret trick to turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any occasion

Tech wizard Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson demonstrates how to use Siri and the Shortcuts app to count down days to any special occasion or event.

Do you have an event that you are looking forward to?

Maybe it’s your birthday, your anniversary, your graduation, an election or your vacation.

Whatever it is, you can make it feel more exciting and special by creating a countdown on your iPhone with the "How Many Days Until" shortcut. It’s easy, fun, and customizable.

Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps.

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The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that lets you automate tasks and create personalized actions on your iPhone. You can find it by swiping down on the top of your phone screen and searching "Shortcuts." If you don’t have it installed, you can download it for free from the App Store.

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Once you tap Set Up Shortcut, a screen will pop up that lets you configure the "How Many Days Until" shortcut. You will need to input two things: the date of the event and the name of the event.

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If you want to create more than one "How Many Days Until" shortcut, you'll want to rename each shortcut to differentiate them.

Now that you have set up the "How Many Days Until" shortcut, you can run it from the app by tapping on the shortcut, and the time left to your event will appear at the top of the screen, or by asking Siri to run it for you. Just say, "Hey Siri, How Many Days Until?" and Siri will display the time left until your event at the bottom of the screen. That is if you've only set up one "How Many Days Until" shortcut. 

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Now, if you have more than one "How Many Days Until" shortcut and you are using Siri, you'll need to include the event when speaking. For example, "Hey Siri, How Many Days Until Vacation?" or "Hey Siri, "How Many Days Until My Birthday." 

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You now know how to create a countdown for your event. You can check it anytime you want and feel the anticipation and excitement. You can also create multiple countdowns for different events. You can even let your friends and family know you are counting down to your event and invite them to join the celebration.

How do you celebrate the events that you are counting down to? Do you have any rituals, traditions, or surprises that you like to do? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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