iPhone Shortcuts – Your Shortcut to Simpler Daily Tasks

Ever wish your iPhone could do a few things automatically? That’s exactly what Shortcuts are for. They’re small apps you can build yourself or download, and they run a series of actions with a single tap or voice command. No coding, just a few clicks.

Getting Started with Shortcuts

First, open the Shortcuts app – it’s pre‑installed on iOS 13 and later. Tap the Gallery tab to see ready‑made shortcuts like “Convert Photo to GIF” or “Log Water Intake.” Add any you like, then press the play button to test it.

If you want a custom shortcut, hit the + Create Shortcut button. The screen shows a list of actions such as “Send Message,” “Get Directions,” or “Run Script.” Choose one, fill in the details, and keep adding actions until you’ve built the workflow you need.

Don’t forget to give your shortcut a clear name and an icon – it makes it easier to find later. You can also add it to the Home screen, widget area, or Siri. Just say, “Hey Siri, run My Shortcut,” and you’re good to go.

Powerful Shortcut Ideas You Can Try Today

1. Quick Call Back: Create a shortcut that dials your favorite contact with one tap. Add the “Call” action, pick the contact, and place the shortcut on your Home screen. Perfect for those “call me back” moments.

2. Battery‑Saver Mode: Combine “Set Low Power Mode,” “Reduce Brightness,” and “Turn Off Wi‑Fi” into a single button. Run it when you’re low on juice and let your phone stretch the remaining charge.

3. Share Your Location: Use the “Get Current Location” and “Send Message” actions to text your real‑time address to a friend. No more typing out addresses.

4. Morning Routine: Chain “Turn on Do Not Disturb,” “Read Today’s Weather,” and “Play Your Favorite Podcast.” Trigger it with Siri and start the day without juggling apps.

5. Scan to PDF: Add “Scan Document” and “Save to Files” actions. You can scan receipts or notes and instantly store them as PDFs.

These are just a few examples – the Shortcuts community shares countless ideas on Reddit, Reddit, and dedicated forums. You can also import shortcuts via a link, but always check what the shortcut does before running it.

Remember to keep your iOS updated; new actions appear with each version, giving you even more power. And if a shortcut stops working, open it in the editor – the app will highlight any broken steps.

Give Shortcuts a try today. Build one, test it, and see how much smoother your iPhone can be. You’ll be surprised how many routine tasks you can automate with just a few taps.