Shortcuts can look complicated the first time you open the app, but a shortcut is only a saved chain of actions. Instead of tapping through several apps yourself, you build the steps once and run them with one tap, Siri phrase, or automation trigger.
This guide applies to the built-in Shortcuts app on iOS 15 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to make your first iPhone automation, such as opening an app, sending a preset message, turning on a Focus mode, or combining several actions into one button.
Build a Shortcut from Scratch
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the plus button in the top-right corner.
- Tap Add Action.
- Search for an action, such as Send Message, Open App, Set Focus, Play Music, or Get Current Location.
- Fill in the details the action asks for.
- Tap the plus button below the action if you want to add another step.
- Tap the shortcut name at the top and rename it clearly.
- Tap Done, then run it from the Shortcuts screen to test it.
Start from a Gallery Template
- Open Shortcuts and tap Gallery.
- Browse categories or look for Starter Shortcuts.
- Tap a shortcut that looks useful.
- Tap Add Shortcut.
- Find it under your shortcuts, tap it to run, or open its menu to inspect and edit the steps.
Gallery templates are the easiest way to learn the app because you can see how working shortcuts are assembled.
Make Shortcuts Easier to Run
Add to Home Screen
Open a shortcut, tap its menu, choose Add to Home Screen, pick a name and icon, and tap Add. It appears like an app icon but runs your shortcut.
Run with Siri
Give the shortcut a clear name, then say “Hey Siri” followed by that name. Depending on your iOS version, the shortcut settings may also offer a Siri setup option.
Use Automations
Tap Automation, choose a trigger such as time of day, arriving somewhere, or opening an app, then attach actions or an existing shortcut. Turn off Ask Before Running only when you truly want it to fire without prompting.
Sources
- Apple Support: Get to know Shortcuts on iPhone
- Apple Support: Create a shortcut on iPhone
- Apple Support: Create a personal automation on iPhone