iPhone Shortcuts: Unlock iPhone Productivity with Shortcuts
Discover how iPhone shortcuts can streamline your daily tasks and boost productivity. Learn to create custom automations and maximize your device’s potential.
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iPhone Shortcuts: In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones are key tools that extend our daily lives. Apple’s iPhone series brings new ways to make us more efficient. The Shortcuts app is a big part of this, letting us make custom action sequences with just a tap or voice command. This changes how we use our devices1.
iPhone Shortcuts Key Takeaways
- The Shortcuts app works on iOS 12 or higher, requiring iOS 13 or iPadOS 13.1 for full use.
- macOS Monterey 12.0 or higher is required for shortcuts.
- Apple Watch with watchOS 7 or higher lets you run shortcuts directly.
- The Shortcuts app has many pre-made shortcuts for things like productivity, health, and online tasks.
- Shortcuts can be added to the Share Sheet in iOS and iPadOS for quick access.
What Are iPhone Shortcuts?
iPhone Shortcuts is a powerful app that lets you automate actions from different apps with just a tap or voice command. The app is designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of your iPhone or iPad. With over 300 actions, the Shortcuts app has many ways to automate your daily tasks.
The app started with iOS 12 in 2018, coming from the Workflow tool. It quickly grew, with 50 shortcuts in the gallery just a year later. Users asked for more features and better ways to make shortcuts.
Customizing and Organizing Shortcuts
You can customize shortcuts by renaming them and choosing icons. You can also copy shortcuts to make new ones and put them in folders for easy finding3. Plus, you can add shortcuts to your home screen for quick use3.
Automating Your Workflow
Shortcuts lets you set up automations that start actions at certain times or places3. These can be for personal use or for your home, depending on what you need. It’s all about making your life easier and more efficient3.
The iPhone Shortcuts app is a fantastic way to automate your daily tasks. It helps you work better and be more productive on your Apple devices23.
Why Use iPhone Shortcuts?
iPhones are a big part of our daily lives. The Shortcuts app brings a new level of productivity and efficiency. It works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, letting users make custom workflows for repetitive tasks4. You can easily share these simple or complex shortcuts with others.
Time-Saving
iPhone Shortcuts make automating tasks easy, like sending texts or setting up your morning routine, in just a few taps4. By making custom shortcuts, you save time and focus on what’s important5.
Consistency
Being consistent in your workflow is key to staying productive. iPhone Shortcuts help make sure tasks like backups or reminders are done the same way every time. This saves time and helps you keep a reliable routine, making you more productive and relaxed6.
Personalization
iPhone Shortcuts let you create workflows that fit your unique needs and habits4. Whether you want to make a GIF, set up a playlist, or send an automated message, the Shortcuts app is versatile6.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Time-Saving | Automate repetitive tasks, from sending ETA texts to setting up your morning routine, in seconds. |
| Consistency | Ensure regular tasks, like backups or reminders, are done the same way every time. |
| Personalization | Create workflows that cater to your unique needs and daily patterns. |
“iPhone Shortcuts can enhance productivity, save time, and add convenience to everyday tasks on the iPhone.”6
iPhone Shortcuts unlock a new level of productivity and efficiency, tailoring workflows to your needs5. They automate tasks and ensure consistent routines, offering a versatile and personalized solution for iPhone users4. Embrace iPhone Shortcuts and discover a world of possibilities for your everyday productivity6.
Popular iPhone Shortcuts You Can Start Using Today
The Shortcuts app on iPhone is a powerful tool for automating daily tasks and boosting productivity7. Since iOS 13, it comes preinstalled on compatible devices, offering a vast library of shortcuts and the chance to make your own7. While some shortcuts like Shazam++ might not be used much now7, there are many user-made shortcuts that can make your iPhone better.
Explore countless iPhone shortcuts that can simplify your morning routine and enhance your phone’s performance. Here are some popular ones:
- Morning Routine—It combines actions like reading out your day’s first appointment, sharing the weather, and playing your morning playlist.
- Location-Based Settings—It changes settings based on where you are, like turning off Wi-Fi when you leave home.
- Quick Calculations—It lets you instantly calculate tips or convert units like currencies or measurements.
- Health & Fitness—It logs workouts, water intake, or meals directly to Apple’s Health app.
- Entertainment—It opens specific playlists or podcasts based on the time or your activity.
The learning curve for iOS Shortcuts is steep, even for tech experts7. But the benefits are huge7. Shortcuts like boosting battery or converting photos can really help iPhone users7. They make your phone work better and add cool features, like making GIFs7. Some shortcuts, like SiriGPT, might need extra setup or accounts7.
Shortcuts can also help set up and improve Focus and Do Not Disturb modes on iPhones, keeping you productive and distraction-free7. With so many shortcuts available and the chance to make your own, the possibilities for making your iPhone better are endless.
| Shortcut Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Fast Charge Mode | Boosts charging speed by turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, lowering screen brightness to zero, and activating Airplane Mode and Low Power Mode all at once. |
| Intelligent Power | Activates Low Power Mode when the battery is below 25% and Ultra Low Power Mode when below 5%, saving battery by turning off various features. |
| Play Favorites | Shuffles and plays favorite songs from Apple Music automatically, making music listening better. |
| Water Eject | Dries iPhone speakers by vibrating the device and increasing the volume to remove water, finishing in less than 20 seconds8. |
| Convert Photos to GIF | Turns multiple photos and videos into an animated GIF for sharing on social media or messaging, increasing engagement. |
| Charging Time | Estimates the time needed to fully charge the iPhone based on the current battery percentage, helping plan charging times. |
| Search On | Facilitates online searches by providing a text field for keywords and phrases with an option to choose search engines and platforms for results. |
| Remove Background From the photo. | Enables easy removal of image backgrounds for various uses, like creating memes or editing images with just a few taps. |
| Walk to Coffee Shop | Helps find nearby coffee shops by detecting the user’s location and suggesting options with directions through the Apple Maps app8. |
Not only can you use pre-built shortcuts, but you can also create your own to streamline tasks and boost your iPhone’s productivity. The Settings app has shortcut actions for enabling/disabling accessibility features and changing device settings like brightness or volume. The Action button can trigger shortcuts for tasks like launching voice assistants, adding items to a grocery list, or showing a quick menu of settings9.
iPhone shortcuts are versatile, from converting images to overlaying pictures and managing your Apple Music queue9. Whether you want to save time, enhance your daily routines, or unlock new features, exploring iPhone shortcuts can change the game for your productivity and iPhone experience.
How to Run a Shortcut
Apple’s Shortcuts app makes it easy to start your custom automations on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Just open the Shortcuts app and tap the shortcut you want to use10. You can also add shortcuts to your Home Screen, use the Share Sheet, search with Spotlight, or run them with Back Tap.
Asking Siri is another easy way to start shortcuts. Just say, “Hey Siri, [name of shortcut],” and Siri will do it for you. Apple also provides a collection of shortcuts to facilitate your initial steps.
Customizing Shortcuts for Quick Access
To make shortcuts easy to find, add them to your widget screen. With iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, you can customize your widget screen10. You can show a single shortcut, a folder of four shortcuts, or an eight-shortcut widget. This option makes your important automations just a tap away, boosting your productivity.
For quicker access, use the Back Tap feature on your iOS device. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and pick the shortcut for a double or triple tap11.
| Device | Ways to Run Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| iPhone/iPad |
|
| Mac |
|
“Shortcuts on iPhone and iPad can be run in various ways, making it convenient to execute tasks quickly.”
The Shortcuts app on Mac also offers many ways to quickly run your automations11. You can add shortcuts to the Dock, use keyboard shortcuts, or use the Touch Bar on compatible MacBooks. They can also be accessed through Finder Quick Actions, the Services Menu, and Terminal for advanced users.
With many ways to trigger your iPhone shortcuts, Siri shortcuts, and iOS shortcuts, you can make your daily tasks easier. The Shortcuts app enables you to make the most of your Apple devices, whether you prefer voice commands, Back Tap, or widgets.
Automating iPhone Shortcuts
The iPhone Shortcuts app lets you automate tasks automatically with specific triggers12. You can set your device to Do Not Disturb at certain times or control smart devices with HomeKit.
Trigger Options for iPhone Automation
The Shortcuts app has many triggers for starting your automated tasks. You can use time, location, device states, or app openings as triggers. This lets you automate tasks based on your daily life.
For instance, you can make a shortcut to turn off Wi-Fi when you leave home13. Or, set a morning routine that turns on Do Not Disturb, plays music, and sends a text to work. There are many ways to make your iPhone work better for you.
Considerations for Automating Shortcuts
Setting up automations with the Shortcuts app is powerful but has its challenges14. It might take many automations to get what you want. Furthermore, if one shortcut fails, it could mess up the whole automation.
Testing your shortcuts well is key to reliable automation. Plan and set up your automation systems carefully to boost your productivity and convenience13.
Add shortcuts to the shared sheet.
The iOS Share Sheet is a powerful tool that lets you quickly access your favorite shortcuts and workflows. By adding shortcuts to the Share Sheet, you can boost your productivity with just a tap15.
The Share Sheet in iOS lets you customize shortcuts for easy access. You can use Siri, widgets, or the Apple Shortcuts app to run your automated workflows. Adding your top shortcuts to the Share Sheet means they’re always just a tap away.
Customizing the Share Sheet makes it more efficient. You can change the shortcut’s icon and title for better identification. This makes it easier to find and use your shortcuts quickly.
Some users have faced issues with shortcuts not showing up after an iOS update16. Deleting corrupted shortcuts and reinstalling the Shortcuts app helped. Enabling iCloud sync also fixed the problem.
The Share Sheet and Shortcuts app work together to make workflows easy to use across iOS. Adding your top shortcuts to the Share Sheet increases your productivity. It makes daily tasks easier with just a few taps15.
“The Share Sheet enhances productivity by enabling easy access to customized shortcuts and automated workflows within iOS environments.”
Create Widgets for iPhone Shortcuts
With iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, iPhone and iPad users have exciting new options. They can now fully customize their widget screens. This means you can make widgets for your iPhone Shortcuts, giving you easy access to your favorites right from the home screen17.
After iOS 14 removed the Favorites widget, users had to find new ways to quickly do what they needed. Now, you can make shortcuts for each favorite action and put them in a folder for the Shortcuts widget. You can pick different sizes for the Shortcuts widget, making sure you can start your shortcuts easily.
The Shortcuts widget is even more versatile. You can change its size and layout, and it lets you quickly find many shortcuts. If you miss the Favorites widget, you can still find it in the Contacts app. There, you can see your favorite options in the “Favorites” tab.
There are more widgets available too, like the Speed Dial widget for 8 quick calls on your iPhone. And there are widgets for Home ETA, Directions Home, Laundry Timer, Play Playlist, Log Water, and Running Late, each helping you stay productive18.
Using the Shortcuts app and customizable widgets, iPhone and iPad users can make their daily tasks easier. They can quickly start their most-used actions with just a tap. This opens up a new level of productivity on their devices1718.
“The Shortcuts widget enables users to quickly initiate actions directly from the widget interface, akin to the functionality of the removed Favorites widget.”17
Run iPhone Shortcuts on Your Apple Watch
Unlock your iPhone’s Shortcuts app on your Apple Watch for more power. Not all shortcuts work on the watch, but many favorites can save you time from your wrist19.
The watchOS 7 update made the Shortcuts app better for the Apple Watch. Now, you can use your shortcuts on your watch. This means you can do your tasks from your wrist20.
Check out a list of iPhone Shortcuts made for Apple Watch users. You can make notes, send WhatsApp messages, and check health data with these shortcuts. They help you do more with less, making your day easier.
Use shortcuts on your Apple Watch for more efficiency in your day. You can set reminders, control smart devices, or find important info easily with the Shortcuts app on watchOS 7.
Try combining iPhone Shortcuts with your Apple Watch for a better experience. Automation at your fingertips changes everything. You’ll realize how you previously managed without automation.
Find iPhone Shortcuts Online
You can make your own iPhone shortcuts or find ones made by others. Websites like Reddit and RoutineHub have many shortcuts you can add to your device right away21.
These online groups have over 700 iPhone shortcuts for all kinds of tasks, from simple to complex. Shortcuts are put into folders, making it easy to find what you need.
Apple has improved the Shortcuts app by organizing actions better. They’re also updating actions in apps like Reminders, showing what’s coming next.
Developers can find special actions in the Apple Developer app for tools like Stream Deck. There are also guides on using ChatGPT with Siri and Shortcuts, showing how technology is evolving.
The Shortcuts app started as the Workflow app in 2014 and won awards for its design and accessibility. Apple bought Workflow in 2017 and turned it into the Shortcuts app in 2018. Now, it’s a default app on iOS 13 devices and even has a desktop version for macOS22.
Looking to make your day easier or automate tasks? The many iPhone Shortcuts online can help you use your device better21.
Use iOS Focus Modes for Productivity
iOS Focus Modes can make you more productive by creating areas free from distractions. You can set up these modes to block notifications, limit app use, and tailor your device for work, study, or relaxation.
The iOS 15 update brought focus modes that you can customize for different situations. You can have separate work and personal phone numbers to keep your life separate. Focus modes let you control which apps and notifications you see and adjust settings for different modes.
To boost productivity, think about using the One Sec app to block distracting apps. Focus modes have many ways to start, like smart activation, time-based, location-based, or app-based. You can even switch modes with an NFC tag.
The Apple Shortcuts app gives you more ways to customize your focus mode changes. You can set your phone to automatically switch modes based on the time or where you are. You can also switch between work and personal modes easily.
Using focus modes and automations can make you more productive and mindful on your iPhone. Research indicates that it requires approximately 15 minutes to regain focus following a distraction. iOS Focus Modes can help you stay focused and avoid distractions24.
Customizing your focus modes for activities like work or relaxation can boost your productivity. Linking all your devices to one Apple ID means your focus modes work everywhere. Using widgets for specific modes can make your device work better for you.
Putting important apps on your home screen and customizing widgets can keep you organized and efficient. The Shortcuts widget can automate tasks, making your work easier. Shortcuts can also automate things like turning on devices when you’re home or setting up your work area.
Using devices wisely can improve your productivity, but it takes time and effort. Finding the right apps and gadgets for you is key to being more productive.
All the focus mode setups mentioned aimed to make iPhones simpler and less distracting25. The recommended setup cut down on the urge to check social media or scroll through emails. Changing your screen to grayscale made your workspace look more professional.
Choosing a solid color for your lock screen was less distracting than using photos. Limiting notifications from certain apps helped you stay focused. Custom home screens showed only what you needed for work, reducing distractions.
Setting up a work-focused home screen made it harder to open non-work apps, adding a barrier to distractions. You prevented distractions by selecting specific apps for work. Using the grayscale filter made your phone less tempting for non-work activities25.
Leverage Widgets for Quick Access
Using iOS widgets and focus modes together can boost your productivity. You can set up different widget screens for specific tasks or activities. This way, you don’t have to go through many iPhone shortcuts and apps.
Customized Productivity with Widgets
You can customize your iPhone’s widget screen to make a dashboard that gives you quick access to your favorite apps and iOS shortcuts. This is ideal for streamlining your morning routine, managing work tasks, or keeping up with fitness goals. Widgets can be an enormous help in making you more productive26.
Linking specific widget screens with your device’s focus modes means you always have what you need right there. For instance, you might have a “Work” mode with widgets for your task manager, calendar, and messaging apps. Your “Workout” mode could have widgets for tracking your fitness, playing music, and starting your exercise.
This customization and automation save you time and keep you on track with important tasks and reminders. As you switch between different parts of your day, your iPhone adjusts to give you the best tools and resources for each task27.
Looking to make your daily routines smoother, increase productivity, or take back control of your digital life? Using iOS shortcuts and widgets can change the game. By setting up your device to match your needs, you can find a new level of efficiency and focus. This lets you do more with less effort2627.
Create iPhone Shortcuts to Automate Daily Routines
Unlock your iPhone’s true power with the Shortcuts app. It helps streamline your daily tasks and routines. With over 300 actions for popular apps28 and hundreds of example shortcuts in the Gallery, you can automate many activities. This includes everything from your morning routine to your workout.
Morning Routine Automation
Imagine a morning shortcut that tells you your first appointment, shares the weather, and plays your favorite playlist with one tap or voice command. The Shortcuts app lets you combine actions into a smooth workflow. This saves time and keeps your daily habits consistent.
Work Setup Automation
You can also make a “Work Setup” shortcut. It opens the apps and websites you need, sets your device to “Work” mode, and starts your music playlist with one tap. This automation boosts your productivity and keeps your work environment organized.
Exercise Routine Automation
Fitness lovers can automate their workouts with shortcuts, too. A shortcut could start your workout playlist, open your fitness app, and send a workout buddy notification to keep you on track28. This makes sticking to your fitness goals easier and helps you make the most of your workout time.
The Shortcuts app is easy to use and has many resources to help you start automating. By checking out the app’s features and community shortcuts, you can boost your productivity and efficiency. This app turns your daily routines into a smooth process.
“Automating my daily tasks with iPhone Shortcuts has been a game-changer. I’ve saved so much time and increased my productivity tenfold.”
Looking to streamline your morning, optimize your work setup, or improve your exercise routine? The Shortcuts app lets you create automations that fit your needs and preferences29. Use iPhone Shortcuts to unlock a new level of efficiency in your life.
iPhone Shortcuts Conclusion
iPhone Shortcuts are a wonderful way to make daily tasks easier and save time. They automate things you do often, keep your work consistent, and let you set up your own routines. Users find them very useful for tracking data and getting more done30. They use the app’s graphical scripting engine to link different actions together across apps.
Now, you can start Shortcuts with Siri, widgets, or the Apple Watch, making things even more efficient. After Apple bought and renamed Workflow to Shortcuts in iOS 12, more people started using it. This is evidenced by over 6 hours of streaming or downloading videos, 107 separate videos, and many additional resources to explore31.
If you’re new to iPhone shortcuts or an expert, there are many ways to use this app to change how you work and live. As the Apple Shortcut app gets better, there will be more ways to make your daily life easier and automate your iPhone.
iPhone Shortcuts FAQ
What are iPhone Shortcuts?
iPhone Shortcuts is an app that lets you make action sequences for various apps. You can start these with a single tap or voice command.
Why should I use iPhone Shortcuts?
iPhone Shortcuts have many benefits:
They save time by automating tasks, like sending texts or starting your day.
They ensure tasks, like backups or reminders, are done consistently.
They let you create workflows that fit your unique needs and habits.
What are some popular iPhones? Shortcuts I can start using today?
Popular shortcuts include morning routine, location-based settings, quick calculations, health & fitness, and entertainment.
How do I run a shortcut on my iPhone?
To run a shortcut, open the Shortcuts app and tap a shortcut on the main screen. Or, ask Siri to run it by saying, “Hey Siri, [name of shortcut].”
Can I automate iPhone Shortcuts?
Yes, you can automate shortcuts using the Shortcuts app’s Automation feature.
How can I add Shortcuts to the Share Sheet?
Add shortcuts to the Share Sheet, a quick menu in iOS and iPadOS, for easy access.
Can I create widgets for iPhone Shortcuts?
Yes, with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, you can customize your widget screen. This includes making widgets for iPhone Shortcuts.
Can I run iPhone Shortcuts on my Apple Watch?
Yes, run shortcuts on your Apple Watch. Not all can be done directly, but you can access and trigger many from your wrist.
Where can I find iPhone Shortcuts online?
Find and download shortcuts from websites like Reddit and RoutineHub.
How can I use iOS Focus Modes for productivity?
Use iOS Focus Modes to reduce distractions and create a focused environment for better productivity.
How can I leverage widgets for quick access to Shortcuts?
Link different widget screens to focus modes for easy access to the tools you need for tasks or activities.
What are some useful iPhone examples? Shortcuts I can create?
Useful shortcuts include morning routines, work setups, and exercise routines.
Source Links
More Articles
- How to Automate Your Life With Apple’s Shortcuts App – https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/automate-your-life-with-apples-shortcuts-app
- Shortcuts – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shortcuts/id915249334
- How to Use Shortcuts on Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac – https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-apple-shortcuts-app/
- What are iPhone Shortcuts and How Do I Use Them? – https://www.howtogeek.com/what-are-iphone-shortcuts-and-how-do-i-use-them/
- Everything you can do with the Shortcuts app on iPhone – https://www.xda-developers.com/shortcuts-app-iphone/
- 21 ways you didn’t know you could use Shortcuts on your iPhone – https://mashable.com/article/iphone-shortcuts-app-uses
- 9 iPhone shortcuts I can’t live without – https://www.techradar.com/features/9-iphone-shortcuts-i-cant-live-without
- The 9 Best iOS Shortcuts to Improve Your iPhone Experience – https://www.makeuseof.com/best-iphone-shortcuts-to-improve-experience/
- The 8 best iPhone shortcuts to get you started – https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/best-iphone-shortcuts
- 6 Quick Ways to Run Shortcuts on Your iPhone – https://www.makeuseof.com/quick-ways-to-run-iphone-shortcuts/
- 15 ways to quickly run a shortcut on iPhone, iPad, and Mac – https://www.idownloadblog.com/2022/02/03/how-to-run-a-shortcut-quickly-iphone-ipad-mac/
- iOS Shortcuts Ultimate Guide: Reviews, Examples, Libraries, Tutorials… – https://thesweetsetup.com/ios-shortcuts-guide/
- 11 Handy iPhone Shortcuts to Automate Everyday Tasks – https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/iphone-shortcuts-automate/
- Automating iOS Shortcuts – The Cron Job Way – https://www.joshholtz.com/blog/2021/06/23/automating-ios-shortcuts-the-cron-job-way.html
- How to Add Custom Shortcuts to Your iPhone’s Share Sheet & Reorganize Them for Quicker Access – https://ios.gadgethacks.com/how-to/add-custom-shortcuts-your-iphones-share-sheet-reorganize-them-for-quicker-access-0314994/
- Shortcuts & Shortcuts app missing in shar… – https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254821741
- Making a Shortcut to Call Someone – https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/favorites-widget/
- 7 cool widgets you can create in Shortcuts on iPhone – https://www.idownloadblog.com/2020/01/07/list-shortcuts-widgets-iphone/
- Five essential iOS Shortcuts for Apple Watch — that also work on Cellular connection – https://medium.com/@FabianMH/five-essential-ios-shortcuts-for-apple-watch-that-also-work-on-cellular-connection-579237e0b271
- https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10190/
- Shortcuts Library – Matthew Cassinelli – https://matthewcassinelli.com/sirishortcuts/library/
- Shortcuts (Apple) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortcuts_(Apple)
- My Personal productivity hacks with Apple Devices – https://lucamezzalira.medium.com/my-personal-productivity-hacks-with-apple-devices-98295dc47d1b
- How I Made a Dumb Phone with iOS Focus Modes – https://hulry.com/dumb-iphone/
- Shortcuts – https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/shortcuts/id915249334
- HeyScottyJ – Shortcuts – https://heyscottyj.com/categories/shortcuts/
- Automate Tasks on a Schedule in iOS with the Shortcuts App – EdTechChris – https://edtechchris.com/2019/11/17/automate-tasks-on-a-schedule-in-ios-with-the-shortcuts-app/
- iOS Shortcut to Trigger HA automation – https://community.home-assistant.io/t/ios-shortcut-to-trigger-ha-automation/374996
- iOS Shortcuts for Data Capture – https://benjamincongdon.me/blog/2019/02/12/iOS-Shortcuts-for-Data-Capture/
- Shortcuts for iPhone and iPad Field Guide – https://learn.macsparky.com/p/shortcuts13
